Another One For the Other Hand? Overcoming Steeler Quarterback Turmoil

Sep 7, 2010

Controversy in Pittsburgh

Late last month, Sports Illustrated selected the Steelers to win Super Bowl XLV. The Steelers are currently hold the record for most Super Bowls won in the history of the NFL. With the Steelers current quarterback trouble, do they have what it takes to put a second ring on that other hand and extend their record-lead even further?

This year the Steelers have encountered quarterback problems long before the season began. With Roethlisberger out for the first four games and unable to practice or communicate with the team, there is some work to be had if the Steelers have any intention of living up to the expectations of Sports Illustrated.

This may just be the first time ever the Steelers are in a predicament that Roethlisberger put this team into but cannot dig them out of. The captaincy and the rallying will be gone for the first four weeks of the season.

If you think things cannot get any worse, Steelers’ number 2 quarterback, Byron Leftwich is out of the picture. He sustained a second-degree sprain of the medial collateral ligament (MCL) in his left knee in the last pre-season game versus the Carolina Panthers. This left head coach, Mike Tomlin in an even stickier situation.

Tomlin was now left with Charlie Batch and Dennis Dixon. Charlie Batch undoubtedly has more experience than Dixon, which definitely came into play. However, Batch is not very durable. In the past few years he has received limited playing time, yet always managed to come up injured. It is unlikely that Batch will be seen as the Steeler’s starting quarterback unless the Steelers find themselves with their backs against the wall and completely out of options.

Then you have Dennis Dixon, who is in his third year of the NFL. If Dixon does a good job, he may even keep the starting position if Leftwich manages to return during the first four weeks of the season. The Steelers have trained Dixon in the same manor that they would practice with Roethlisberger. You do have to keep in mind that Dixon is a young quarterback and does have some maturing to do. However, the Steelers plan on accentuating his positive qualities and downplaying what he may need a little work on. Dennis Dixon will be the starter on September 12.

As we all know, injuries are part of the game. If worst comes to worse, the Steelers be extremely excited to have the extremely versatile Antwaan Randle El back on the team. Remember the trick plays from a few years ago? These plays just might keep the Steelers in the running.