Mike Tomlin isn’t in the mood to say that Ben Roethlisberger is going to just get his QB job back when he comes back to the team before week five vs the Browns.
When asked if Roethlisberger would regain his starting job upon his return, Tomlin told Sirius NFL Radio: “I’m going to dodge that one and not artfully,” according to USA Today. “I’m not going to back myself in a corner.” Byron Leftwich, reacquired by Pittsburgh during an April trade, was expected to start while Roethlisberger was out, but sprained his left medial collateral ligament Thursday against Carolina. Dixon, a third-year player from Oregon, threw for a touchdown and ran for another during an overtime loss in Baltimore last season when Roethlisberger was out with a concussion. “Dennis has had a very productive preseason and training camp,” Tomlin said. “He went into the training camp as a young guy, second in the pecking order behind Byron Leftwich. He did a nice job and made it extremely competitive. He waged a battle and got some first-team reps in some preseason games. Largely, we’ve been very impressed with how he’s handled himself in game situations.”
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mark
September 7, 2010 at 7:47 pm
Lets be serious! Regardless of how Tomlin “artfully” dodges this question, does anyone really believe Ben isnt the starter in 4 weeks time? I dont care if DD is 4-0, the $108 million dollar, 2x SuperBowl Champ,pro-bowler and statistically 2nd best (for now) Qb in team history will be behind Pouncey in week 5! If he isnt, Mike Tomlin will be under the most scrutiny any Steeler coach has ever been in.
P Geary
September 7, 2010 at 8:41 pm
Get rid of Tomlin–he’s going to ruin the Steeler’s!! He’ just part of the Rooney Rule that stinks anyways!!
George H
September 7, 2010 at 9:17 pm
Tomlin is an intelligent head coach and does have an impressive yet short track record. The one negative I would say about Tomlin thus far is his drafting but thats still yet to be seen.
Lisa
September 8, 2010 at 7:24 pm
I think in my opinion as a lifetime Steeler fan if Ben isn’t our QB week 6 when he comes off suspension we need to shop for a new coach!! Come on Mike we don’t bench a championship QB because he was accused! Forgive get on with it and let Ben play!! Whether he did the crime or not he will serve the time. Lets get past it and reign the terrible terror we know we can! I also think this will be a mute point! When the Raven finish with our QB’s week 4 we will have no choice but to welcome Ben home!!
DrGeorge
September 9, 2010 at 12:37 pm
Welcome Lisa and a tip of the hat to George H. and Mark — excellent comments all. I agree that Ben will be our QB for Game 5 regardless of Dixon’s performance; two-time Super Bowl winners don’t fall off the QB Truck every day. I took Tomlin’s remark as a savvy political remark intended to placate Roger Goodell.
Like George H. I questioned Tomlin’s drafting skills, particularly after the Draft of 2008 imploded on him. But his 2010 Draft looks solid. I agree with my colleague that the jury is still out on this question, but it is looking better. My earlier criticism was of Tomlin’s management skills, but he seems to be learning in this phase of coaching as well. He has reined in Arians’ hubris; he grasps the need for more reliable rushing, which is improving; and he has rebuilt the O-line in part. The failure to fully meet the needs of the defense at DE, NT, and CB may not be entirely his fault. The free agency market was not rich in these talents this year, and the Steelers needs were too numerous to fill all of them through the available picks. So before the season starts, I will go on record as saying Tomlin has addressed a number of the concerns expressed on this site, and he deserves credit for that. Whether he has done enough will some become self-evident. This is still a team game, and our success in 2010 will depend on more than his choice at QB.
Jay
September 9, 2010 at 1:46 pm
Run the ball and play defense in these first four games! I realize that is an endangered football notion but it seems to be the best bet. When Ben comes back, open it up more…teams will have awkwardish game planning sessions at least the first half of the season when we are up on their schedule…do we prepare for the run or the pass or a mobile QB or a pocket passer, etc., etc….I do agree with Dr. George’s assessment that Tomlin seems to be attmepting to mollify the situation with Goodell…I don’t, however, like the fact that that’s what he’s trying to do if indeed it is what he’s trying to do. I hope Tomlin remembers that Goodell works for the owners and Tomlin, in my opinion, has no need, politically or not, to placate the commissioner who made a polarizing decision at best when suspending BB. Although Goodell has done by mine and most other estimations, a relatively decent job so far, he also has donned the persona of somewhat of a tyrant and a rather inconsistent one at that. He hasn’t been horrible as commissioner but he also hasn’t been Rozelle-like either. Therefore, I feel that Tomlin, nor any other coach for that matter, should be placating Goodell. This doesn’t mean to crucify or openly oppose, just not go out of your way to kiss his ass. Tomlin says things sometimes that I kinda scratch my head at.
mark
September 9, 2010 at 7:43 pm
I am not a Roger GOD-dell fan. I think his tyrannical and omnipotent approach to discipline has left him open to much deserved critiscism.His arbitrary suspensions,his overlooking of certain players getting involved… AGAIN in unsavory deeds, etc… He hands down a 6 game suspension to a player who wasnt charged in a crime, then in his infinite powers reduces it to 4 games for no other reason other than 4 being a round number? Why not 1,2 or 3? GOD-dell is a tool who is trying to be iron-fisted with his zero tolerance for players “hurting” football. AHHEMMM… Vince Young,Mike Vick, Pac-Man Jones, etc.. ALL this year too! Personal Conduct policy… What a JOKE! Who is defining the policy? Who is meting out the discipline? YUP! Thats who.