Associated Press -
In Pittsburgh, the big decision has nothing to do with LeBron James. It’s about whether Mike Tomlin will choose to start Byron Leftwich or Dennis Dixon at quarterback to open the regular season.
The importance of that decision is tied to another decision: whether NFL commissioner Roger Goodell will reduce Ben Roethlisberger’s six-game suspension to four games.
No matter how long Roethlisberger is sidelined, the Steelers’ playoff chances will be impacted by how well they cope without him.
“It’s not the typical situation, having your franchise quarterback in camp, when you already know he can’t start the season,” Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Namath said. “And you’re talking about the Steelers, a team that expects to compete for a championship. How would I handle it? Like always, play the guy who gives you the best chance to win. The preseason will help sort that out.”
The quarterback competition between Leftwich and Dixon continues Saturday, when the Steelers visit the New York Giants in an exhibition at New Meadowlands Stadium. Leftwich is the favorite to win the starting job. In fact, some would be shocked if Tomlin went with Dixon.
“In circumstances like this, you go with what you trust,” ESPN analyst and former Steelers running back Merril Hoge said. “You can get carried away and make how a guy like Dixon looks in the preseason more important than it really is. With Leftwich, you’re not limited with what you can do in the passing game. He knows the system. You don’t have to pull back like you would with Dixon.”
However, Dixon was impressive in the preseason opener against the Detroit Lions—6-for-7, 128 yards and a touchdown, plus 31 yards rushing.
“We already know what Byron Leftwich can do, and what he can’t do,” CBS analyst and former NFL quarterback Steve Beuerlein said. “But frankly, I’ve been impressed with Dixon in the limited opportunities he has gotten. I think playing Dixon is something Tomlin has to at least consider.”
Roethlisberger will get his first preseason action Saturday, but Tomlin did not say who would start and how much each quarterback would play.
As for which quarterback starts in Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons, here are factors Tomlin must weigh:
Why Tomlin could choose Leftwich: His experience has value. With 49 starts in his career, Leftwich has seen all the defensive looks and has the patience to look for the second and third receiver when the primary target is covered.
One criticism of Dixon is that he might be too eager to run, electing to take off downfield, even when a receiver is open. Whoever plays quarterback must take advantage of receivers like Hines Ward and Mike Wallace and tight end Heath Miller.
“If you start Dixon, you might as well make Hines Ward obsolete,” Hoge said.
The Steelers have challenging games against the Falcons, Tennessee Titans and Baltimore Ravens in the first month, and Tomlin might be reluctant to go with an unproven player against teams of that caliber. The Steeelers might find it difficult to recover from anything worse than 2-2 during that stretch.
Why Tomlin could choose Dixon: He is an excellent runner, able to produce first downs and elude pass rushers with his legs. Dixon’s mobility could become a major plus if the Steelers have offensive line problems.
Roethlisberger was sacked 50 times last season—tied for most in the NFL—and the Steelers have already lost right tackle Willie Colon for the season.
Pittsburgh signed long-time Dallas Cowboys tackle Flozell Adams to replace Colon, but Adams is used to playing left tackle and he gave up a sack in the preseason opener.
The Steelers might also start first-round pick Maurkice Pouncey, who has looked good in training camp. Even if he handles the starting center job, Pouncey will undoubtedly have growing pains along the way.
How many times have we seen Roethlisberger make a big play after avoiding a sack? Dixon has far more ability than Leftwich to do that.
“The negative with Leftwich is that he’s not very mobile,” Hoge said.
“That’s part of what drove him out of Jacksonville. Dixon adds an element of uncertainty. I think you’ll see Leftwich start, but they’ll have some packages for Dixon, adding that element that is hard to defend.”
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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