Big Ben will be starter in Week 6

By Jeff

No one should have to say Ben Roethlisberger will take over the quarterback position for the Pittsburgh Steelers once his suspension ends following the Baltimore game this weekend. Roethlisberger won two Super Bowls and has the franchise record for passing yards and passing touchdowns in a season. Yet, many Steelers fans will tell you that Charlie Batch should remain the starter if he leads the team to a win Sunday.

Think they actually like each other?

These people are delusional.

OK, delusional is harsh. Well, harsh if those calling for Roethlisberger to ride the pine are doing so because they are disgusted with what he may have done this offseason. The individuals who think Big Ben should sit because Batch is playing well, they definitely are delusional.

Batch has done well in spot starts, but he's only started five games since 2005. He also won't be facing the likes of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers every week. The backup position is his for the rest of the season, he's earned that, and perhaps the role in the 2011 season.

What's even scarier than hearing fans clamor for Batch to remain as starter is that more knowledgeable people are saying it too. Michael Wilbon was saying on "PTI" yesterday that Roethlisberger should "come out of the pen" when his suspension ends. Seriously? This man has been covering sports for decades, and he says something like that on national television. He's entitled to his opinion, but his opinion is silly.

Roethlisberger has proved year after year that he is an elite quarterback in the league. You don't bench an elite quarterback because the backup is doing a commendable job. Especially when that elite quarterback is making $100 million. Fortunately, the Steelers organization is much smarter than their fans and Wilbon. Roethlisberger will start in Week 6 and for the rest of the season if he's healthy.

Kingston Trio - Charlie on the MTA