With no Roethlisberger, Falcons catch break at Pittsburgh

Here's Ben Roethlisberger laughing at a Steelers' mini-camp Monday. He must know something nobody else does. (AP photo)

Timing is everything in an NFL schedule. That’s because weather, injuries and impending suspensions for knucklehead quarterbacks are significant factors.

For that reason alone, there’s a pretty good chance the Falcons’ 2010 season will get off to a good start. If the report by Pittsburgh radio station WDVE is accurate, the Falcons will open the year Sunday, Sept. 12 against the Steelers. The NFL releases the schedule tonight.

Understand, a road game at Pittsburgh isn’t necessarily good news. But the Falcons have known the Steelers would be a road opponent since the end of last season. Playing the first game at Pittsburgh all but ensures two things: 1) No snow; 2) No Ben Roethlisberger. The Steelers’ quarterback is almost certain to get suspended by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after recently being accused of sexual assault in Milledgeville, as well as other incidents Goodell likely will deem as being against the league’s code of conduct.

Unless Pittsburgh trades for, signs or drafts another quarterback, it will have to start either Dennis Dixon (who has one start in two seasons) or veteran Charlie Batch, who has four starts and has seen limited action since signing with Pittsburgh in 2002.

Safe to say the Falcons would have the edge at quarterback with Matt Ryan.

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EARLIER TODAY

♦ Countdown’s trouble spots: Milledgeville and Remerton?

♦ You’re on the clock with the Falcons (and why not Thomas)?

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