Pittsburgh vs Miami Preview

quarterback situation take a major hit last week.

Ben Roethlisberger battled back from injuries sustained in an offseason motorcycle accident, but a surprise appendectomy this past Sunday will keep him out Thursday night. That means the Steelers will start Charlie Batch at quarterback. Batch filled in for Roethlisberger twice last season and despite throwing no touchdowns went 2-0 in those starts.

For Batch to get the Steelers’ offense going he’ll probably need some help from star wide receiver Hines Ward and running back Willie Parker. Ward sat out the preseason with a strained hamstring, but he did practice this week and is expected to take the field Thursday. Ward may not be 100 percent, but he’s still the number one target in Pittsburgh’s passing game. Parker shared the running duties with Jerome Bettis last season, but the Bus has been parked so Parker will be the No. 1 back this year. If Parker can repeat his success from last season, he’ll at least take some of the pressure off of Batch this week.

The Dolphins finished off last season on a high with six straight wins, and the addition of Culpepper has some people thinking they could challenge the Patriots for first place in the AFC East. Culpepper was having a horrible season in Minnesota last year before he had his knee torn apart. After having his knee surgically repaired, Culpepper was told he might not even play this season. Instead, Culpepper was ready by training camp and the knee appears to be a non-issue. Culpepper still has a strong arm, but it’s his decision-making that caused him problems last season.

Culpepper has a pretty good bunch of receivers in Miami that includes a speedy deep threat in Chris Chambers. Marty Booker is a good No. 2 receiver, while tight end Randy McMichael could become Culpepper’s go-to-guy when he gets into trouble.

Like Pittsburgh last season, Miami shared the running back duties. Ricky Williams was banished to Canada after another positive drug test so Ronnie Brown will shoulder the full rushing load this season. Miami grabbed Lee Suggs off waivers earlier in the week, but Brown shouldn’t have to worry about losing his job unless he gets injured or has trouble carrying the load by himself.

On the defensive side of the ball, both teams appear to match up pretty well. Miami boasts a strong front seven that includes Vonnie Holliday, Jason Taylor and Kevin Carter on the line, and veteran Zach Thomas leading a strong group of linebackers. The Miami secondary could be vulnerable after losing stalwarts Sam Madison and Lance Schulters.

The Steelers' defense led the AFC in total yards allowed last season and returns all of their key personnel. Standout safety Troy Palomalu and cornerback Ike Taylor lead a talented secondary, while Joey Porter and James Farrior will make it difficult for teams to run against Pittsburgh again this season.

The Steelers opened as a 5-point favorite in this game, but that all changed once Roethlisberger went down. Most books now have the game listed as a pick’em, while the total was set at 34.5.

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Note: All NFL lines subject to change.

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