Ben Sits, Leftwich Chokes, Dixon Shines in Preseason Opener.

by Jim McMillen
Pittsburgh Blitz Editor

The Pittsburgh Steelers and Detriot Lions opened the preseason with a bang, that bang being a one hour, 13 minute rain delay due to lightning filling the sky with flashes of brilliance. With 1:37 left in the second quarter both teams rushed toward the locker rooms for the early break.

The weather was not the only thunder provided to the fans in attendance as Isaac Redman created some of his own, in the Steelers 23-7 win, but more on that in a minute.

The big story coming into the game was how much would Ben Roethlisberger play, with at least a 4 game suspension looming at seasons start, the Steelers would need to get fill-in starter to be, Byron Leftwhich ready for week one. The side plot would be Big Ben would take the night off and Leftwich would play most of the first half.

One problem, Leftwich choked. The o-line did him no favors either. He was ineffective in my mind and only did more to get the fans chanting the “Start Denis Dixon” mantra up again.

Leftwich completed 6 of 10 passes for 43 yards before giving way to the formentioned Dixon. Not terrible but not convincing either. The bigger problem though, was the o-line failing to protect on the pass or run. Granted with a few new starters it takes time to gell but so far it does not look good.

Newly aquired Flozell Adams looked lost at RT and the transformation from the left side is still a work in progress. As for rookie savior Maurkice Pouncey, he looks more like a center then a guard right now. I still have faith the o-line will get it’s act together though.

Denis Dixon would enter the game late in the second quarter and by switching from #2 to #10, he looks an little like a young Kordell Stewart, except he can pass and not just run with the rock. Dixon was the star at QB on the night as he went 6 of 7 for 128 yards and a TD. He also had 6 runs for 31 yards. He still looks a little uncomfortable in the pocket but playing time will fix that. If nothing else the coaches gotta at least be thinking about giving him a chance to start in Ben’s absense now. At least install a wildcat type play or two for him if nothing else. He could cause havoc as a threat to run or pass in that situation.

The Steelers did one thing that was expected but not without fault of it’s own. The run game is on notice from the front office, get better or else. So the Steelers put it on display to open the preseason. On big problem though, fumble-itist set in, not sure if was the weather or just sloppy play but all the backs looked to be dropping the rock as Steelers running backs had trouble hanging onto the football in the first half.

Mendenhall lost one fumble after breaking into the open — it was recovered by teammate Flozell Adams. Mewelde Moore fumbled shortly thereafter but recovered it himself.

Redman then fumbled and Detroit recovered at the Steelers’ 32. But coach Mike Tomlin challenged and after referee Jeff Triplette reviewed a replay, he ruled Redman’s elbow hit the turf before the ball popped loose.

That ruling gave the Steelers a first down and Redman new life. The second-year back who led the Steelers in rushing a year ago in the preseason as a rookie, caught a screen pass for 13 yards and then, on a draw, scampered 31 yards to Detroit’s 23. Redman made three tacklers miss on that run, two on separate spin moves.

Now back to “Redzone Redman”. Once again the preseason phenom led the rush attack as Isaac Redman would lead the way with 60 yards on 15 attempts. He looks like a power runner but not only did he run over Lions defenders he ran around them, past them and spun free from several tackles. If this guy does not make the 53 man roster this year, the Steelers are crazy. I would keep him over Mewelde Moore if thats what it took to get him on the field. Redman could handle short yardage, spell Mendenhall a few plays and even fill in at fullback and give the team a duel threat out of the backfield.

The Steelers defense looked good as well. Sure the Lions had a few nice drives but the only one they were able to cash in on was their starters verse the Steelers back ups. Check and mate. Steelers D did their job and did it well. A few rusty spots but otherwise looked good.

Rookie Watch:

The Steelers rookie widouts are for real. Both Emanuel Sanders and Antonio Brown looked good. The big splash play of the day was Brown turning a 7 yard slant pass from Dixon into a 70 yard scamper for a touchdown. Sanders got behind the Lions defenders late but Charlie Batch could not connect. Speed is the name of the game with these two, add in Mike Wallace and the Steelers have got some burners that could cause havoc on most teams secondary. Crezdon Butler and Pouncy looked good as well. Sixth round pick HB, Jonathan Dwyer was ineffective though.

DB Crezdon Butler made plays on ST and was around the ball and making tackles in the second half. LBs Thaddeus Gibson and Sylvester Stevenson also made plays and came up big on a 4th quarter 4th and short. Sylvester could beat out Pat Bailey who looked quite pedestrian but is a veteran special team star.

Rookie watch from last year; Joe Burnett looked good at DB and made a couple plays. Keenan Lewis made a couple plays but also got beat on a short TD. Ramon Foster looks as solid as anyone on OL.

To sum it all up. The Steelers showed some improvement and some weakness. They played great at times and stumbled at others, but that is expected of the first game of the preseason. The o-line still needs some work and I am not sure the real starting lineup has been set yet. Foster could end up in that mix as the preseason rolls on.

I was very happy with Dixons play though. He showed flashes of starter potential. His athleticism could come in handy if the o-line struggles continue into the season. Other bright spots were Redman and the rookie wideouts.

As for special teams, they looked better but still need work, no splash plays allowed but still to many yards given up.

Up next the Steelers will travel to New York to crash the new stadium party verse the Giants. Check back later this week for a preview of that game and be sure to post your thoughts and comments on the opener as well. Thanks for reading and until next time we meet, stay black and gold baby.

About the Author Jim McMillen

The Editor & Chief, the brains so to say, behind Pittsburgh Blitz. Jim is a rabid sports fan who just loves his Stillers, Pens and Buccos. Feel free to contact us at steelerguy26[@]yahoo.com if you have any questions or comments or would like to join our staff and write for Pittsburgh Blitz.

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