Big Ben out for NFL opener; books `buried` in Miami action

[stevo]

Big Ben out for NFL opener; books `buried` in Miami action

By Andrew Folkes
Mon, Sep 4, 2006


The first line of the NFL season is undergoing an overhaul following the stunning announcement that Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger underwent an emergency appendectomy Sunday evening and won`t be available for the NFL opener Thursday night against the Miami Dolphins.

Reports say Roethlisberger went to hospital after experiencing severe pain in his lower abdomen during practice Sunday morning and doctors soon realized the problem. All reports indicate the operation was successful, but it is now uncertain when the QB who led Pittsburgh to the Super Bowl last season will return.

The Steelers had been listed as 4-point home favorites before news of his surgery saw the game taken off the board. The few online books that have posted the line again have adjusted it to -2 ½, and that immediately fell to -1 ½.

"We're just buried with Miami bets right now," says BetCRIS.com oddsmaker Shane Catford.

"I think we'll see it settle at - 1 or a even pick 'em," adds Covers Expert David Malinsky.

Backup quarterback Charlie Batch will take the snaps against the Dolphins and his success under center last year and during the preseason are encouraging.

The nine-year veteran completed 22-of-37 passes for one touchdown and two interceptions through four appearances in August. He also led the Steelers to the pay window in two games that Roethlisberger missed with a knee injury in 2005.

"Why should we feel sorry for ourselves?" receiver Hines Ward asked the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette."Charlie started two games last season and we won 'em both. He can win a couple more."

Bettors should keep in mind, however, that last year's wins came against Green Bay and Cleveland. The Miami defense should be able to take better advantage of Batch's weaknesses.

"Batch just doesn't have that ability to stretch the defense," says Malinsky. "Without Roethlisberger, defenses can just stack the box and blitz and that really plays into what Miami likes to do.

"The thing you worry about when you blitz is that you leave your secondary in one-on-one coverage and vulnerable to a big play. With Batch in there, the chances of that happening are reduced."

The problem is further compounded by Heinz Ward`s' status. The star wideout is listed as day-to-day with a strained hamstring.

"Ward is probably going to play, but it doesn't look like he'll be healthy enough to practice until later in the week," notes Malinsky. "This is also a short practice week, so this creates a real tactical headache."

Books have set a 34 ½-point total on this game.

covers

[TheGuesser]

Steelers to win by a TD+ in a Mansion Monsoon.