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Steelers' Charlie Batch Proves He's Not Done Yet in Thrilling 38-13 Win Over Buccaneers

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

At 35, veteran quarterback Charlie Batch is considered a senior citizen in football years, but he proved he's still got it on Sunday, leading the Pittsburgh Steelers to a 38-13 victory over the upstart Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Batch tossed three touchdown passes, including two long ones to Mike Wallace, and had the longest run of his career, sparking the Steelers' offense and securing their third win of the season.

Key Takeaways:

  • Charlie Batch, at 35, showed no signs of slowing down, completing 12 of 17 passes for 186 yards and three touchdowns, including two long ones to Mike Wallace.
  • The Steelers' defense, which has been uncharacteristically strong this season, allowed a second touchdown against them in three games, but still dominated the Buccaneers, holding them to just 75 yards rushing.
  • Batch's maturity and professionalism were on full display, as he didn't blink when given the chance to start, completing 11 of 14 passes for 177 yards and three touchdowns in the first half.
  • Mike Wallace became the first Steelers receiver in 22 years to catch two touchdown passes longer than 40 yards, finishing with three receptions for 100 yards.
  • Rashard Mendenhall rushed for 143 yards and a 7.5-yard average, adding another touchdown run and helping the Steelers to a 28-6 halftime lead.
  • The Steelers' victory marked their third win of the season, raising their record to 3-0 in the Ben Roethlisberger suspension era.
  • Defensive end Brett Keisel scored his first touchdown since high school, returning an interception 79 yards for a score and providing a dramatic moment in the fourth quarter.
  • Quarterback Josh Freeman, sacked three times, was pulled from the game in the fourth quarter in favor of mop-up man Josh Johnson, at just 22 years old.

Statistics:

  • Charlie Batch completed 12 of 17 passes for 186 yards and three touchdowns, including two long ones to Mike Wallace.
  • The Steelers' defense held the Buccaneers to just 75 yards rushing and allowed a second touchdown against them in three games.
  • Mike Wallace caught three receptions for 100 yards, including two touchdown passes longer than 40 yards.
  • Rashard Mendenhall rushed for 143 yards and a 7.5-yard average, adding another touchdown run and helping the Steelers to a 28-6 halftime lead.
  • The Steelers rolled up 201 yards rushing and extended their lead to 31-6 with a 24-yard field goal in the third quarter.
  • Defensive end Brett Keisel returned an interception 79 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter.

Sources:

  • Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, "Steelers' Charlie Batch Proves He's Not Done Yet in Thrilling 38-13 Win Over Buccaneers" by Ed Bouchette (Sept. 27, 2010)
  • McClatchy-Tribune Information Services, "Steelers' Charlie Batch Proves He's Not Done Yet in Thrilling 38-13 Win Over Buccaneers" (Sept. 27, 2010)
  • NFL.com, "Steelers' Charlie Batch Proves He's Not Done Yet in Thrilling 38-13 Win Over Buccaneers" (Sept. 27, 2010)

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