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Fichtner deals with "crazy year" for quarterbacks

Ray Fittipaldo 8 years ago

Quarterbacks coach Randy Fichtner has had a challenging season. He’s had to prepare game plans for three starting quarterbacks that have distinctly different skill sets.

Ben Roethlisberger, Mike Vick and Landry Jones have all started two games or more. But in the most recent game against Cleveland the game plan went totally out the window when Jones exited with an ankle injury and a limping Roethlisberger came on to take his place.

“You have to fit the guys with the things we do,” Fichtner said. “Mike Vick does things really well. Landry has things he does really well. Ben has things that he does really well. Todd Haley is trying to put it all together, and two series into the game, next thing you know you have to bring in another quarterback. That’s been the adjustment part.”

Roethlisberger could not play much under center. The coaches adjusted by running the no-huddle and calling plays out of the shotgun when they did huddle. The passing game flourished, but the running game did not without a quarterback under center.

One season after Roethlisberger played every snap, every quarterback has missed time with an injury. For Roethlisberger, it was a sprained knee and bone bruise. For Vick, it was a hamstring. And Jones had his aforementioned ankle injury.

“They have all got their opportunities, so they can’t say they haven’t,” he said. “But yes, I would say crazy is a good word with the injuries. But they have done a nice job of preparing for the week. They all work like they could be the starter so it’s not too big for them when they have to go in and play.”

*Steelers defensive line coach John Mitchell doesn’t have much depth behind starting ends Cam Heyward and Stephon Tuitt, but even if he did it doesn’t sound like he’d pull them off the field.

“I am really pleased with both of them. Cam has been here for a long time. Some of his work and study habits have rubbed off on Stephon. So those two guys, when they come to practice, they kind of compete individually and against one another. It’s a good twosome, and I am just hoping they can continue to get better. Both are really young guys right now.”

*The Patriots are undefeated and have overcome injuries at several key spots this season. But let’s see how they do without receiver Julian Edelman, who will miss the remainder of the regular season with a foot injury.

Edelman’s injury comes on the heels of the Patriots losing running back Dion Lewis for the season with a knee injury. The Patriots also have been shuffling offensive linemen in and out of the lineup due to injuries.

They’ve been good enough to get to 9-0, but it makes one wonder what a rematch against the Steelers would like in January. While the Patriots have lost key players in recent weeks the Steelers would add one the Patriots didn’t see in Martavis Bryant.

*Of course, the Steelers must make the playoffs first. That won’t be easy with four of the final six games on the road.