PITTSBURGH — Charlie Batch got the job done Sunday. But Pittsburgh Steelers coach Bill Cowher said the team will need a lot more from him if it wants to win again.

Cowher named Batch the starter for Sunday night's home game against the Cleveland Browns because Ben Roethlisberger is recovering from arthroscopic knee surgery.

Batch made his first start in four years in a 20-10 victory Sunday in Green Bay, a game the Steelers won even though Batch threw for only 65 yards.

"Hopefully, we'll be more efficient throwing the ball (this week)," Cowher said. "It's not all on him. We had protection breakdowns at times, but it's just something we have to get better at. We can't get through games throwing for 65 yards and thinking we can win week in and week out."

Batch was 9-of-16 and was intercepted once after previously throwing only eight passes since joining the Steelers in 2002.

Cowher said Batch managed the offense well, but the Steelers must throw the ball better against the Browns (3-5). The Steelers (6-2) were outgained 268-213 despite outrushing the Packers 154-65.

"It was good for him to get some game action, and he'll be more comfortable this week," Cowher said.

Batch's only significant game action the past four years has come in the preseason. No. 3 on the depth chart through most of his tenure with the Steelers — he was even cut briefly at the start of the season — Batch was bumped up a spot after former starter Tommy Maddox threw three interceptions and lost a fumble in a 23-17 overtime loss to Jacksonville on Oct. 16, when Roethlisberger was out with an injured left knee.

"I'm not going to sit here and scrutinize the play of Charlie Batch," Cowher said. "I think offensively as a group we need to do a much more efficient job of throwing the ball."

After Roethlisberger had surgery last week to remove damaged cartilage from his right knee, Cowher said he would be out 10 to 14 days. Now, the Steelers hope he returns for the Nov. 20 game at Baltimore.

Roethlisberger leads the NFL with a 112.4 passer rating. Batch has a 39.8 rating and Maddox a 30.1 rating this season.

Batch's plight is compounded by injuries at running back. Leading rushers Willie Parker, who injured an ankle Sunday, and Jerome Bettis, whose knee injury kept him out against Green Bay, are listed as questionable against Cleveland.

If neither can play, Duce Staley will get his first start of the season.

"We have been a very resourceful football team," Cowher said. "Our depth has been challenged a little bit. People have been tested but have stepped in to do the job."

Notes:

Middle linebacker James Farrior is listed as doubtful with a sprain of the medial collateral ligament in his left knee, an injury sustained Sunday. Clint Kriewaldt replaced Farrior against Green Bay and would start again Sunday if Farrior is unable to play. ... Joey Porter (questionable, knee) and Clark Haggans (probable, groin) are other starting linebackers on the official injury report. ... Other than Roethlisberger, reserve safety Mike Logan is the only player officially ruled out against Cleveland.