View Full Version : Dennis Dixon wants more reps with 1st-team offense
hawaiiansteel
07-23-2010, 02:46 AM
Dixon wants more reps with 1st-team offense
By John Harris, PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Friday, July 23, 2010
http://files.pittsburghlive.com/photos/2010-07-22/dixon-a.jpg
Third-year quarterback Dennis Dixon isn't your typical late draft pick. A knee injury blunted his Heisman Trophy hopes and pushed him down to the fifth round, where the Steelers were able to steal him.
Dixon made his lone NFL start last season at Baltimore when Ben Roethlisberger was a late scratch because of a concussion. Dixon displayed promise in the Steelers' 20-17 overtime loss, and he is expected to be No. 2 on the depth chart behind veteran Byron Leftwich when training camp opens a week from today.
Despite Dixon's upside, agent Jeff Sperbeck doesn't believe his client practiced with the first-team offense enough during offseason workouts for the coaching staff to fully evaluate his development. Dixon is competing with Leftwich to replace Roethlisberger, who will miss at least the first four games due to a suspension.
Sperbeck also questions why Leftwich, who appeared in five games with the Steelers in 2008, is playing ahead of Dixon after spending last season with Tampa Bay.
"I think Dennis should be given an opportunity to start," Sperbeck said in a phone interview from California. "He's been there going on three years. He knows the offense. He's familiar with his teammates. He's ready to go.
"I don't understand why after Byron's been gone a year, they would bring him back and start him ahead of Dennis. To me, it should have been Dennis' job as the No. 1. He was No. 2 last year. Byron was not even in the picture."
NBCSports.com agrees with Sperbeck, ranking the Steelers' decision to play Leftwich ahead of Dixon No. 7 among the NFL's 10 worst offseason moves.
Dixon, who's been training in Oregon, said he's prepared for the challenge of beating out Leftwich -- if he receives more of an opportunity.
"I would say yes. Everybody would like to take the first-team reps," Dixon said this week. "Once you get your shot, you want to show that you can get it done. I'm pretty sure there will be a point in time when that happens. It hasn't right now."
No. 3 quarterback Charlie Batch is among Dixon's biggest supporters on the Steelers. During a recent interview with a Tampa, Fla., radio station, Batch said it's a matter of time before Dixon attains stardom.
"Dennis Dixon is a great talent and I think he showed that last year against Baltimore. So I think at some point they're going to try to get him ready because he is the future," Batch said. "I think the way that everything has gone, they want to give Dennis as many (reps) in training camp as possible. And I think watching him as he progressed over the last couple of years, he's really going to be a talent -- whether that's with Pittsburgh or some other team."
Inside linebacker and co-captain James Farrior has faced Dixon enough times in practice to realize he can be a starting quarterback in the NFL. Now, Farrior said, Dixon must take his game to the next level and earn the respect of his teammates.
"I know Byron's probably going to be the starter going into training camp, but Dennis is going to give him a good push," said Farrior, who is completing his final week of workouts in Florida. "Ben is our quarterback, so it's up in the air for the next guy to come in. It's important to be able to manage the offense and be a leader out there. Having confidence from the guys he's in the huddle with is going to help him a lot."
Said Dixon: "I want my body language to show that I'm very confident in everything I do."
Dixon will play with more confidence if he receives additional first-team reps in training camp, according to Sperbeck.
"That's such an important part of a young guy's development," Sperbeck said. "When you bestow the confidence in him that he is the guy, now the team knows that and they are prepared to follow him. Without the team giving that to him, it's more difficult for any quarterback to lead when your own status is uncertain. You lead differently as a starter than you do as a backup."
Sperbeck said Dixon's third season is important to his development, in part because he becomes a restricted free agent after this season and could be sought after by other teams. Sperbeck compares Dixon at this stage in his career with talented quarterbacks such as Mark Brunell (fifth round) and Matt Hasselbeck (sixth round), who were also drafted late.
"Dennis was not a typical fifth-rounder. That was an aberration because of his injury," Sperbeck said. "The Steelers knew what they had early on. They knew they got great value in him. But now, since he was really more of a first- (or) second-round talent, those guys fall in the category of after a season or two they are considered ready to be starters."
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsbu ... 91596.html (http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/steelers/s_691596.html)
Steelers>NFL
07-23-2010, 08:44 AM
I have a feeling the Steelers are not being fair with this kid.
This kid deserves a chance to start in Ben's absence. It is a shame,
because we will never know what he can or could do with the Steelers.
frankthetank1
07-23-2010, 08:46 AM
I have a feeling the Steelers are not being fair with this kid.
This kid deserves a chance to start in Ben's absence. It is a shame,
because we will never know what he can or could do with the Steelers.
if lefty stinks it up in the preseason and dixon plays well then dixon will be starting.
Oviedo
07-23-2010, 08:58 AM
I have a feeling the Steelers are not being fair with this kid.
This kid deserves a chance to start in Ben's absence. It is a shame,
because we will never know what he can or could do with the Steelers.
Life isn't fair. The Steelers obligation is to take the most low risk approach to the first four games that they based upon years of experience see as the best way to achieve at least two victories in the first four games. Screw giving people "chances" or being "fair."
Playing devil's advocate, is it "fair" to take reps away from a QB who has taken NFL teams to the play-offs to see what a young player can do and be "fair" to him?
MaxAMillion
07-23-2010, 09:10 AM
I still have to believe that Dixon can win the job. The OL is shaky at best. Dixon's movement will be needed to win games. Leftwich is a statue in the pocket (which is part of the reason that teams keep letting him go).
BradshawsHairdresser
07-23-2010, 09:48 AM
Remember when the Dolphins, a number of years back, platooned two quarterbacks, with the combo being dubbed "WoodStrock"?
Maybe the Steelers could do the same with these two QBs for the first four games...Ond of them in the first half, one of them in the second. We could call our combo "LeftDix" (or maybe "DixWich")?
:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
aggiebones
07-23-2010, 11:16 AM
The Steelers are going to get and plug in the best players they can to win.
They were definitely not confident and putting the start of the season in Dixon's hands. Thus they had to go out and get someone that 'can' win some games out of the gate. They likely had to promise Lefty the job, barring a collapse. If Dixon shows something that moves him AHEAD of Lefty, then they'll make the move. But if he is just competing with him a bit, then the vet gets the nod.
For an aside, if he performs well enough, they 'could' trade him before the deadline to someone that got a QB hurt. And there will be some of those.
Neither Dixon, nor Lefty at this point could guide us to a Super Bowl victory, so there would be no reason to hang onto Lefty after the 4 games are over. If Ben gets hurt later, then Dixon would get his chance.
RuthlessBurgher
07-23-2010, 11:50 AM
They likely had to promise Lefty the job, barring a collapse.
If they were courting Leftwich as a free agent, they might have made such promises to get him to sign on the dotted line. But they didn't...they got him in a trade. They just had to give the Tampa front office what they felt was adequate draft pick compensation in order to acquire Leftwich's services. No promises need to be made to the player for such a transaction to occur.
Djfan
07-23-2010, 12:02 PM
The idea of a trade is interesting. I would be in favor of a Dixon trade for someone of great value. Then keep Lefty as #2 behind Ben, with Batch as #3.
Could work.
SteelCrazy
07-23-2010, 12:20 PM
This is an AGENT trying to get more work for his guy so when the time comes they can demand more money...I'm sure Dixon would love to start, but this is his agent pulling strings, thats all this is..........
SteelCrazy
07-23-2010, 12:43 PM
Also, under normal circumstances Dixon would not be able to start a QB controversy in Steeler Nation, but some fans are no longer on Big Ben's side and are itching for a reason to get rid of him (which I think personally is dumb). By starting Lefty, Tomlin avoids a controversy when it's time for Ben to come back.
ANPSTEEL
07-23-2010, 12:57 PM
The idea of a trade is interesting. I would be in favor of a Dixon trade for someone of great value. Then keep Lefty as #2 behind Ben, with Batch as #3.
Could work.
I think the hope within the Steelers' FO, has always been to develop Dixon and trade him for significant value... alla Matt Cassel.
Shawn
07-23-2010, 01:07 PM
I have a feeling the Steelers are not being fair with this kid.
This kid deserves a chance to start in Ben's absence. It is a shame,
because we will never know what he can or could do with the Steelers.
Life isn't fair. The Steelers obligation is to take the most low risk approach to the first four games that they based upon years of experience see as the best way to achieve at least two victories in the first four games. Screw giving people "chances" or being "fair."
Playing devil's advocate, is it "fair" to take reps away from a QB who has taken NFL teams to the play-offs to see what a young player can do and be "fair" to him?
I agree but I also think it's very possible they don't want to showcase his skills before FA.
Steelers>NFL
07-23-2010, 01:07 PM
The idea of a trade is interesting. I would be in favor of a Dixon trade for someone of great value. Then keep Lefty as #2 behind Ben, with Batch as #3.
Could work.
I think the hope within the Steelers' FO, has always been to develop Dixon and trade him for significant value... alla Matt Cassel.
I hear you. But the Pats* did not panic and go out and make a trade for a vet QB.
They went with Cassel. Even though the season before, in one game Cassel came in a game to mop up, almost cost the Pats* the game, and Brady came back in.
T
Crash
07-23-2010, 01:31 PM
He wants more reps? Earn them.
I'm so sick of he and his agent acting like he's owed something because he hurt his knee.
Injuries happen kid, suck it up and play through it.
And for Harris to label him a steal is comical.
Dee Dub
07-23-2010, 01:49 PM
I personally think the immediate and future success of the Pittsburgh Steelers depends on the development of Dennis Dixon. This is Dixon"s third year in the NFL. His time has come. Whether it be 2 games, 3 games, 4 games or 6 games...he should be allowed to show what his worth is.
This team is on the verge of losing players like Hines Ward, Aaron Smith, and possibly LaMarr Woodley. There must be an influx of young talent coming in for the Steelers to compete at a high level. It aint coming from free agency.
If Dennis Dixon shines over a 4 game period after what he showed last year, teams will be beating down the door of the Steelers next offseason with blow me away offers.
ANPSTEEL
07-23-2010, 02:40 PM
I personally think the immediate and future success of the Pittsburgh Steelers depends on the development of Dennis Dixon. This is Dixon"s third year in the NFL. His time has come. Whether it be 2 games, 3 games, 4 games or 6 games...he should be allowed to show what his worth is.
This team is on the verge of losing players like Hines Ward, Aaron Smith, and possibly LaMarr Woodley. There must be an influx of young talent coming in for the Steelers to compete at a high level. It aint coming from free agency.
If Dennis Dixon shines over a 4 game period after what he showed last year, teams will be beating down the door of the Steelers next offseason with blow me away offers.
lets hope the coaching staff and front office have the same beliefs.
I've always thought DD has the tools to be a good starting QB- time to prove it.
SteelHoss
07-23-2010, 03:44 PM
I find it odd that Lefty is seemingly the pick thus far. It might be that Coach T is waiting for the pre-season to make a decision. I think Tomlin is trying to be as "flexible" as he can at this point in the game. The pre-season should reveal much. The only guess I could make right now barring injury is the starter won't be Charlie Batch!
cruzer8
07-23-2010, 04:48 PM
I personally think the immediate and future success of the Pittsburgh Steelers depends on the development of Dennis Dixon. This is Dixon"s third year in the NFL. His time has come. Whether it be 2 games, 3 games, 4 games or 6 games...he should be allowed to show what his worth is.
This team is on the verge of losing players like Hines Ward, Aaron Smith, and possibly LaMarr Woodley. There must be an influx of young talent coming in for the Steelers to compete at a high level. It aint coming from free agency.
If Dennis Dixon shines over a 4 game period after what he showed last year, teams will be beating down the door of the Steelers next offseason with blow me away offers.
If they decide to retire. I don't think they will. But they are on the short side of their careers which is why we need to put the known entity at QB until Ben returns.
I didn't highlight Woodley because he's not going anywhere.
Life isn't fair. The Steelers obligation is to take the most low risk approach to the first four games that they based upon years of experience see as the best way to achieve at least two victories in the first four games. Screw giving people "chances" or being "fair."
Yup.
I think that the Steelers have their reasons for inserting Leftwich above Dixon. I'm all for all parties getting a legitimate chance at the starting spot, but Dixon insinuating that he is owed something... I don't buy that
Snatch98
07-24-2010, 12:06 AM
Dixon has put in his time and he certainly knows the offense at this point. I don't believe his agent is implying he deserves to start but I think the Steelers would be best served to see what they have in Dixon. He certainly played well against the Ravens and he's definitely more of a athlete than Bryon. Who knows maybe they don't want him to burst on to the scene just yet. Either way he certainly deserves a chance to compete and getting reps with the first team allows him to. Either way I'm confident with either behind center.
Captain Lemming
07-24-2010, 10:14 AM
The idea of a trade is interesting. I would be in favor of a Dixon trade for someone of great value. Then keep Lefty as #2 behind Ben, with Batch as #3.
Could work.
I think the hope within the Steelers' FO, has always been to develop Dixon and trade him for significant value... alla Matt Cassel.
They can only get significant value if he plays. This is the perfect time. Clearly they dont think all that much about his progress.
Captain Lemming
07-24-2010, 10:31 AM
He wants more reps? Earn them.
I'm so sick of he and his agent acting like he's owed something because he hurt his knee.
Injuries happen kid, suck it up and play through it.
And for Harris to label him a steal is comical.
:Agree
If Dixon has this starter ability, if the Steelers see his great potential, why did they panic and trade for BL in the first place?
He is no rookie, yet they still arent confident enough for it to be his job. People act like he was so impressive against the Ravens. He was not aweful, but I wasnt blown away either. I know there are legitimate reasons, it was short notice and all but all I'm saying is that it didnt prove anything either way.
The Steelers have been watching him, seeing his progress, and know better than any of us what he has shown.
Ben was a rookie but when Tommy got hurt Ben got the gig as a rookie over Batch who was a very capable backup former starter just like BL.
Here we are, Dixon is a veteran and we are scared to start him for 4 games. I say that despite comments to the contrary, the team does not see him as being all that great.
stlrz d
07-24-2010, 10:36 AM
I don't know that getting Lefty was a move out of panic. If they don't get him the only QBs on the roster with any experience (while Ben is out) are Dixon with one actual regular season game played and Charlie Batch. Doesn't hurt to get someone serviceable who is familiar with the system.
feltdizz
07-24-2010, 12:51 PM
He wants more reps? Earn them.
I'm so sick of he and his agent acting like he's owed something because he hurt his knee.
Injuries happen kid, suck it up and play through it.
And for Harris to label him a steal is comical.
:Agree
If Dixon has this starter ability, if the Steelers see his great potential, why did they panic and trade for BL in the first place?
He is no rookie, yet they still arent confident enough for it to be his job. People act like he was so impressive against the Ravens. He was not aweful, but I wasnt blown away either. I know there are legitimate reasons, it was short notice and all but all I'm saying is that it didnt prove anything either way.
The Steelers have been watching him, seeing his progress, and know better than any of us what he has shown.
Ben was a rookie but when Tommy got hurt Ben got the gig as a rookie over Batch who was a very capable backup former starter just like BL.
Here we are, Dixon is a veteran and we are scared to start him for 4 games. I say that despite comments to the contrary, the team does not see him as being all that great.
Batch was hurt in the preseason that year. The plan was for Ben to sit for a year (or 2) and learn the system.
SteelStallion
07-24-2010, 01:27 PM
I happen to agree with the gist of this article. I think the Steelers are just painful about not allowing young players to play and compete for playing time and starting positions. And say what you want but the only real way to develop players is to make them play in real games. And I agree it's a bit over the top that before training camp even opens and before one practice or preseason game, Leftwich is anointed the starter. Right or wrong, where's the competition, where's the player development?
Another example-does anybody think for a second that there's any real competition at Farrior's spot, or doubt for a second that he starts automatically, as old as he is, and as vulnerable as he was last year? We've seen this under Cowher and we see it under Tomlin, both young head coaches, so I can only conclude this is a front office thing, the 'Steeler Way?' The big contract plays, the veteran favorite plays even if he can't play? Do they try to stockpile talent, try to get in the second contract for below market value before the player becomes too big or famous? I don't know, seems like it sometimes, at the expense of team play and player development. I don't mean to sound like I'm bashing the six time champion franchise that I love. And who could argue with what some of you say about 'earning your way,' 'proving your worth,' ect., it's a Steeler strenght, but even in obvious situations that beg for competition I think they could stand to be a little bit more progressive getting the young guys playing, developing and competing than what they do now, without compromising the 'Steeler Way', and I think Art Rooney was trying to say the same thing. I happen to agree. Will be interesting.
RuthlessBurgher
07-24-2010, 01:41 PM
It's not like we absolutely refuse to give young players playing time...we just have a strong veteran team, so there may not be as many opportunities for young guys to play early like there would be if they were drafted by, say, the Rams or Lions. If there is a possible opening, and the young player earns it, he gets on the field...that's good enough for me.
Mike Wallace and D.J. Johnson got plenty of P.T. as rookies last year, and Ziggy started to make a showing late in the year as well. Mendenhall was held back by injury in year one, but burst onto the scene last season and is expected to flourish even more this year. Early on in their careers, other young guys like LaMarr Woodley, Lawrence Timmons, Daniel Sepulveda, William Gay, etc. ended up carving out roles for themselves on this team.
SteelStallion
07-24-2010, 08:58 PM
I don't know if we have a 'strong' veteran team. We certainly have an aging team that missed the playoffs, dudes that started a long, long time yet no heir-apparents in most cases. I think it's a concern. I think ruling out Dixon as starter before training camp even opens is backwards, not progressive and I don't see the point to it. I think not allowing Ziggy to play until Smith went down, and even then playing second fiddle to an aged career backup is backwards, not progressive and I don't see the point. I think having Woodley doing rare spot work behind a mediocre and declining veteran was beyond backwards and pointless, and a waste of his rookie year. I think having Pouncy run with the second team guards in OTAs when other teams have had success with rookie centers, and pretending that we have competent veteran center play is backwards and pointless. And the master plan to 'sit Ben' for a few year? Or predetermining Woirlds and Gibson 'special teams only' and Farrior and McFadden preordained starters, all before training camp opens? Again, I don't mean to sound hypercritical because of this one point, and I'm not talking absolutes, but I'm concerned that short term they need to ramp up their player development if their going to catch the very young, very good Cincinnati's of the world and make the playoffs. And even long term, they could stand to be a little more progressive with their rooks and young players. Anyway, can't wait til training camp, it's been too long :tt2
stlrz d
07-24-2010, 11:05 PM
It's not like we absolutely refuse to give young players playing time...we just have a strong veteran team, so there may not be as many opportunities for young guys to play early like there would be if they were drafted by, say, the Rams or Lions. If there is a possible opening, and the young player earns it, he gets on the field...that's good enough for me.
Mike Wallace and D.J. Johnson got plenty of P.T. as rookies last year, and Ziggy started to make a showing late in the year as well. Mendenhall was held back by injury in year one, but burst onto the scene last season and is expected to flourish even more this year. Early on in their careers, other young guys like LaMarr Woodley, Lawrence Timmons, Daniel Sepulveda, William Gay, etc. ended up carving out roles for themselves on this team.
As usual, logic in excess.
hawaiiansteel
08-14-2010, 11:36 PM
after tonight's performance, Dixon may very well get a shot at more reps with the 1st-team offense... :tt2
MaxAMillion
08-14-2010, 11:40 PM
It would be crazy to play Leftwich behind this crap OL. Dixon can at least make a few plays outside the pocket.
Neither QB is that great, but I would definitely play Dixon over Leftwich.
hawaiiansteel
08-15-2010, 05:30 PM
Dear Mike Tomlin, Dennis Dixon Can and Should Start The Season
By Chad Smith
August 15, 2010
http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/images/photos/001/008/273/103388725_crop_340x234.jpg?1281889042
I will try to keep this short and sweet as I am more petitioning on this topic more than anything. I've heard several reports this training camp that indicated that Dennis Dixon was having a bad training camp. Furthermore doing nothing to make it a hard decision for Mike Tomlin to decide who will be the starting QB during Ben Roethlisbergers absence. Well well how one night can change that.
Did everyone see the Steelers beat the Lions last night? Now you tell me who appeared to be the better QB? Dixon or Leftwich? Leftwich may indeed be the more qualified candidate to start but.....I believe Dixon should get the job simply based upon his escape ability.
Let's face it Steelers faithful, the Offensive Line is shaping up to be a unit that's headed once again for mediocrity. Byron Leftwich is a statue in the pocket but with Dixon's legs he is able to extend plays much like our Franchise QB.
I know it's early but I can't wait to see another performance from both. All in all a solid first game for the team. It appears Dwyer is heading for a practice squad this year so Issac Redman should make the team easily after last nights performance.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/4364 ... the-season (http://bleacherreport.com/articles/436401-dear-mike-tomlin-dennis-dixon-can-and-should-start-the-season)
grotonsteel
08-15-2010, 11:41 PM
I will take my chances with Leftwich than Dixon. I would use Dixon in Wildcat formation/Slash role.
I did not see much from Dixon yesterday. He starts running after first read. Now its okay against 2nd/3rd string players of mighty Detroit Lions but in a NFL game i don't think its gonna work.
To me Byron Leftwich is the starter against Atlanta unless there is some dramatic improvement in Dixon.
SanAntonioSteelerFan
08-15-2010, 11:51 PM
I will take my chances with Leftwich than Dixon. I would use Dixon in Wildcat formation/Slash role.
I did not see much from Dixon yesterday. He starts running after first read. Now its okay against 2nd/3rd string players of mighty Detroit Lions but in a NFL game i don't think its gonna work.
To me Byron Leftwich is the starter against Atlanta unless there is some dramatic improvement in Dixon.
$$. :Agree.
Having said that, I'd start DD next game. It's time to know whether he needs a wheel barrow, or whether he's going to claim shrinkage. But one way or another we need to know.
Dee Dub
08-16-2010, 02:13 PM
I personally think the immediate and future success of the Pittsburgh Steelers depends on the development of Dennis Dixon. This is Dixon"s third year in the NFL. His time has come. Whether it be 2 games, 3 games, 4 games or 6 games...he should be allowed to show what his worth is.
This team is on the verge of losing players like Hines Ward, Aaron Smith, and possibly LaMarr Woodley. There must be an influx of young talent coming in for the Steelers to compete at a high level. It aint coming from free agency.
If Dennis Dixon shines over a 4 game period after what he showed last year, teams will be beating down the door of the Steelers next offseason with blow me away offers.
.........what he said. :wink:
hawaiiansteel
08-16-2010, 11:49 PM
Got A Fever, The Only Prescription Is More Dixon
August 16, 2010, 8:52 AM
No sooner had the Steelers' 23-7 preseason-opening win over Detroit ended than the twitterverse, blogosphere, and phone lines on Steel Ciy Postgame all lit up like Clark Griswold's front yard with Dennis Dixon fever.
Don't get me wrong, as Dixon scrambled for 1st Downs, put passes right on the money for big run-and-catch plays from Arnaz Battle and rookie Antonio Brown, and very nearly dove in for a touchdown on a designed run , I started to run a temperature as well.
A quarterback battle is not won or lost in one preseason game, nor even a few practices. Especially when one quarterback gets to work almost exclusively with starters and the other is resigned to working with rookies and leftovers. And therein lies the rub.
Dixon has been given no chance to work with the offensive starters while Byron Leftwich has been handed the best possible situations, working with first team receivers, backs, and linemen. (Then again, after watching Saturday night's 1st Quarter maybe that's NOT the best possible situation.)
Until Dixon and Leftwich are allowed to compete evenly, this isn't a quarterback competition at all, which shouldn't surprise anyone. Head Coach Mike Tomlin told us months ago that he'd have his starting QB for the first 4-6 games of the season decided on before he got to camp.
The question is, why hasn't Dixon been given an opportunity to compete with the Steelers offensive starters yet? Contrary to what conspiracy theorists would have you believe, it's not some elaborate ruse to keep Dixon from stealing Ben Roethlisberger's job. Short of Peyton Manning or Tom Brady becoming a Steeler between now and October 4th, nobody will be taking Roethlisberger's job while he's suspended.
More than likely it's one of two things: Either Tomlin and his staff had no clue what they have in Dixon, despite last November 29th's performance in Baltimore, or they're setting Dixon up to win the job from Leftwich but will wait as long as possible to name him the starting QB. If Dixon doesn't continue to play lights out Leftwich as the starter is a fallback position. Leftwich is the safety valve should Dixon stop proving he's ready at any point.
Is that little conspiracy theory of mine a little too creative? Perhaps. But it's a whole hell of a lot better option than the Steelers front office thinking they didn't have an NFL-quality starter in Dixon and deciding to flip a 7th Round Draft pick for Leftwich.
Follow Chris Mack on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/cmack1250
http://stations.espn.go.com/stations/es ... st=5467117 (http://stations.espn.go.com/stations/espnradio1250/blog?id=3499020&post=5467117)
JUST-PLAIN-NASTY
08-17-2010, 10:18 AM
Deserves it.
ANPSTEEL
08-17-2010, 11:54 AM
.... it's a whole hell of a lot better option than the Steelers front office thinking they didn't have an NFL-quality starter in Dixon and deciding to flip a 7th Round Draft pick for Leftwich.
There it is.
cruzer8
08-17-2010, 11:56 AM
Is anyone here a Wexell insider? He has an article called "Why Dixon's not in the running for starting job". I would love to see it.
feltdizz
08-17-2010, 12:54 PM
I will take my chances with Leftwich than Dixon. I would use Dixon in Wildcat formation/Slash role.
I did not see much from Dixon yesterday. He starts running after first read. Now its okay against 2nd/3rd string players of mighty Detroit Lions but in a NFL game i don't think its gonna work.
To me Byron Leftwich is the starter against Atlanta unless there is some dramatic improvement in Dixon.
$$. :Agree.
Having said that, I'd start DD next game. It's time to know whether he needs a wheel barrow, or whether he's going to claim shrinkage. But one way or another we need to know.
I don't think anyone expects Dixon to be a pocket passer who goes through his progressions and doesn't take off running.
We all expect Dixon to run when he senses pressure. This is what our O needs given the OL we have and it adds another element for the D to defend.
Dixon's legs automatically force the D to have 1 to 2 defenders who can't drop back too far in coverage because the space leaves room for Dixon to dash.
hawaiiansteel
08-20-2010, 04:16 PM
Steelers | Dennis Dixon in hunt for starting quarterback job :tt2
Mon, 16 Aug 2010 08:10:45 -0400
Pittsburgh Steelers QB Dennis Dixon remains in contention for the team's starting quarterback job during QB Ben Roethlisberger's suspension, according to Ed Bouchette, of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Head coach Mike Tomlin has refused to name QB Byron Leftwich the starter, and Dixon is coming off a strong performance in the preseason opener.
Read more: http://www.kffl.com/team/30/nfl#ixzz0xBAd1Vfp
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