Dixon, Leftwich unimpressive in quarterback race
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In what could have been the best platform for Pittsburgh Steelers backup QB to stake his claim to start, Dennis Dixon failed to deliver. The Pittsburgh Steelers are trying to determine who will be the named starting quarterback during the 4-6 game suspension of Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger, and while Dixon has had some shining moments this preseason, last night against the Denver Broncos was not one of them.
Ben Roethlisberger played only 1 quarter against the Denver Broncos on Sunday night, and went 4-6 for 67 yards. He had hoped to get more playing time and was disappointed when he was removed from the game. Roethlisberger told reporters after the game, “I was shocked. It was at the end of the quarter and he (Mike Tomlin) said I was done. I still wanted to go in, but he wasn’t going to have it”. Well now Ben, perhaps you should understand that your offseason activities which landed you a 4-6 game suspension are creating problems for the Steelers organization and now the coaching staff needs to determine who will fill your spot while you serve your NFL Timeout.
In the race for the quarterback who will fill that void, there was no clear cut winner Sunday night, but one player who took a giant step backwards, Dennis Dixon. I’ve been a supporter of Dixon, but he played horribly, throwing two interceptions in the course of the evening. Byron Leftwich failed to complete a pass and both quarterbacks finished the night with a passer rating under 40. If that doesn’t instill confidence for the start of the season, I don’t know what does.
The only Steelers QB to throw for a score was 35 year old Charlie Batch midway through the 4th quarter.
Yes, Ben Roethlisberger can complain all he wants about getting yanked after 1 quarter of duty last night, but he is responsible for the situation the Steelers are in and he just needs to deal with it. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh has to move forward and come up with a solution to winning games while he’s serving his suspension.
Dennis Dixon advances in QB race
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The Pittsburgh Steelers need to determine who with start at quarterback when Ben Roethlisberger serves his suspension; Dennis Dixon or Byron Leftwich. I have suggested Dennis Dixon all along. I believe Leftwich’s delivery is too slow, he’s not mobile and he creates too many turnovers. Dennis Dixon gives the Steelers many more options under center.
It appears that I’m not the only one who feels this way. While Ben Roethlisberger will start the preseason game Sunday against the Denver Broncos, Dixon will get an opportunity to work with the first team offense for the first time this preseason. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin told reporters that Dixon has “earned” the chance to play with the first team.
I have no idea why, at this point, there is even any debate about Dixon and Leftwich if you look at how the two have played this preseason. All Dixon has done is compile a perfect passing rating in two games, throw for two scores and drive the team to score 4 touchdowns.
Speaking with the media, Steelers WR Mike Wallace had complimentary words about Dixon as well. “He did good in preseason last year, but Dennis is so much better. I’m looking forward to seeing him out there with the top guys. If he can continue that, I don’t know…”
Pouncey locks up starting spot for Steelers
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The Pittsburgh Steelers have announced the first round selection C Maurkice Pouncey has become the #1 center on the depth chart. The selection of Pouncey in this year’s draft seemed like a perfect fit for the versatile lineman. The Steelers had originally thought they would start Pouncey at right guard but in off season workouts, the Steelers decided they would move him to the center position and try to earn the starting spot over Justin Hartwig.
Pouncey told reporters, “It put a big smile on me. I ain’t gonna lie, but I just need to go out there and practice every day. I want to stay humble. I’m happy about it. I just want to stay humble and keep working at it”.
Head coach Mike Tomlin told the media, “Maurkice Pouncey has done a nice job with every opportunity we have given him thus far. We continue to give him more opportunities”.
Cowher thinks Steelers Roethlisberger has grown up
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The Chin has weighed in. Bill Cowher believes that Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger has matured. Cowher gave an interview to the Associated Press yesterday and admitted that Ben Roethlisberger was tough to coach, he had perhaps too much success to early. However, Cowher believes that his current suspension is a “slap in the face” to Roethlisberger.
Cowher said, “I think Ben has had a chance to reflect a lot. I think he’s a good person. While it’s unfortunate, I think it may be an eye-opener to him, kind of a slap in the face”. Cowher doesn’t question Roethlisberger’s ability on the field but he said that Ben might just be a late bloomer maturing off the field.
“There’s no question as a player he’s always been a great player. But there’s a lot more to this professionally than that. It’s how you carry yourself off the field. I think he realizes that now. I really think you are going to see a different person”. Steelers fans are hoping so, because I think he’s out of second chances. I think he needs to keep his nose clean and have no more off field antics. One more major misstep and he’s done in Pittsburgh.
His behavior off the field have put the Steelers in a bind for the start of this season. However, Cowher doesn’t see a problem for the Steelers. “I know a lot of players on that team. They need to hear that they can’t do something. That always seems to be the impetus to say, Ok, we’ll show you”. Steelers fans are waiting for them to show us.
Steelers QB situation unresolved
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Who will the Pittsburgh Steelers start in week 1 of the regular season remains unresolved. I don’t believe Leftwich should be given the job without a fair and open competition, and in my opinion Dennis Dixson was the clear cut winner last week, but after Ben Roethlisberger left last night’s game, the performance was about equal.
Byron Leftwich completed three of 6 passes for 95 yards, including a nice pass to Mike Wallace for 68 yards. Dennis Dixon was 7 of 8 for 82 yards without a touchdown but he did lead the Steelers on two scoring drives late.
Dixon added near 30 rushing yards, which is a skill that Leftwich will not bring to the games for the Steelers when they start to count in September. I fully expect the Steelers to showcase Leftwich and Dixon in week three of the pre-season and Roethlisberger to get the duty on week 4.
So, I guess Dixon will have one more week to state his case. I personally believe he should be the starter, but it remains to be seen if he’ll overtake Leftwich. Dixon just brings too many intangibles to the game that Leftwich doesn’t such as his running ability and his speed. Leftwich is too much of a traditional pocket passer with a very slow delivery who is too prone to create turnovers.
