3 Reasons Why Dennis Dixon is the Man for the Steelers.

It's been the only thing taking the heat out of Ben Roethlisberger's kitchen: the Steelers September quarterback controversy. For the duration of camp, the first-team snaps have been taken by veteran (and former first-round pick) Byron Leftwich. Even through OTA's and the start of camp, there were murmurs floating around that perhaps unproven, but electric QB Dennis Dixon deserved a shot at the job.

After two preseason games, it's gone far past "murmurs". Dixon is playing for keeps, and in this blogger's humble opinion, should take Heinz Field against the Falcons on September 12th. Why should he? Well let me tell you.

1. The Steelers have ZERO quarterback protection.


Steelers O-Lineman running away from the oncoming rush

This offensive line is in trouble. Big time. For the most part, the first-team offensive lineman have looked like turnstiles. They can't run block, and they certainly can't pass block. Having Leftwich at the helm would exacerbate that issue even further. I like Byron Leftwich, but he's about as mobile as a can of tuna. Dixon would be able to somewhat mask that problem with his pure athleticism.

2. Opposing defenses would need a radically different game plan.

Forget blitzing. If you blitz Dennis Dixon and DON'T get him, goodnight. It's over. It also seems as if Dixon's maturity would prevent him from being confused by many defensive schemes. If you've watched Dixon's play this preseason, you've certainly seen that he's going through his progressions better than at any point in his career. And even if he were to be foiled by a defensive tactic, you STILL have to catch him and bring him down, which is no small feat.

3. News flash: he can actually throw too!



Lost in the stereotyping of Dennis Dixon as a running quarterback is the fact that he is immensely talented as a passer. Prior to his season ending injury in 2007 at Oregon, Dixon was completing nearly 68% of his passes-which would have put him in the top 5 in the NFL last season. Even in his lone start last season, Dixon showed flashes of this ability; his stats merely marred by several drops and by the fact that Bruce Arians refused to devise a game plan that catered to Dixon's strengths.

This is no knock on Byron Leftwich, by any means. He's a funny guy, good team player and above all, a good quarterback. He's just not the right one. Dixon provides excitement, and in the eyes of many, a better chance to win those first 4-6 games. I think Dixon has proven that not only should he start, but he needs to see the field even upon Roethlisberger's return. He's too talented to sit on the bench all year. Even if it's only for a few plays a game, that's all Dixon needs.

And if not, Dixon will still have a spot open for him on the Pirates.

Santonio Holmes continues his "Douche of the Year" campaign; Why the Steelers must start Dennis Dixon

Santonio Holmes is trying to distract Steeler Nation from the Ben Roethlisberger situation. It’s the only logical reason I can think of for how his off-season has progressed. By this point, we’re all aware of the “Ipod incident” on a plane here in Pittsburgh, in which Santonio refused to turn his Ipod off when asked by a flight attendant. He could have apologized and recognized his childish behavior, but that just wouldn’t be Santonio. Instead, he turns around and blames the flight attendant, saying she was just “trying to make a name for herself”. Yes, because I forgot about all of her Playboy shoots and Good Morning America appearances after the incident.

I’ll go ahead and give you a minute to digest the stupidity of that comment. In the mean time, look at this puppy.



Adorable, I know. On to other things.

One of the big questions for the Steelers going into the summer is who will be starting the first several games with Ben Roethlisberger suspended. The consensus is that it will be between Dennis Dixon and Byron Leftwich. In five short and unassailable statements, I will tell you why the opening day starter should be Dennis Dixon rather than Byron Leftwich.

1. Dixon’s pure playmaking ability.

All Dennis Dixon knows how to do is make plays, whether it is with his arm or his legs. Dixon offers mobility superior even to Roethlisberger, let alone Leftwich. Dixon can put a defense on their heels, as he proved last year against Baltimore. If Arians can design a package to suit Dixon’s strengths, he will have far more upside than Byron Leftwich.

2. Dixon’s mobility will open things up for Rashard Mendenhall

This is simply a product of reason. The more the defense is worried about Dennis Dixon, the less they are worried about Rashard Mendenhall. If Dixon can earn the respect of the defense, it will open holes for Mendenhall, who will have to shoulder the most offensive responsibility without Roethlisberger around.

3. Byron Leftwich looks like Gary Coleman.

I know this has nothing to do with football, but it had to be said.





Uncanny.

4. He can actually throw, too.

Dixon is known mostly for what he can do as a running quarterback, but lost in the shuffle is his ability to be a dropback passer. Dixon is no slouch, he completed nearly 70% of his passes during his senior season at Oregon. He also had a TD to Interception ratio of 20/4. He’s a good decision maker who can make all of the necessary throws.



5. If not now, when?

This is truly a prime opportunity for Dixon. If the Steelers want Dixon to be the backup of the future (if you can call someone such a thing), he NEEDS experience. One game against Baltimore just isn’t enough. The one thing that you want a backup quarterback in this league to be is comfortable. Develop a game plan around Dixon, so that if Roethlisberger is injured at some point (and given his history, he will be), everyone already knows what we have in Dixon. He played well enough in his lone start last year that it should be his job to lose.

We all know that there are very few people who expect that the Steelers will have a successful season. Given the circumstances, there is no better time to test the guts of your young quarterback. Especially considering the Steelers don’t have the toughest first four games (Falcons, Titans, Buccaneers, Ravens). Just give him a shot.

And don’t forget to tell him to turn his Ipod off before going on the field.