The Steelers come into the second Monday of the NFL season a hearty 2-0 after their beat down in Tennessee of the Titans on Sunday 19-11 in a game that shouldn’t have been as close as the score.
The defense and the way they were able to shut down Chris Johnson and collect 7 turnovers is getting all the headlines, but Steeler Nation knows of a bigger looming issue the next two weeks – who will be playing QB for the next two games?
Sunday the team lost starter Dennis Dixon with what is being called a knee sprain after a designed run on a 3rd-and-14 in the second quarter. Charlie Batch, who was the 2nd QB, didn’t do much of anything, though two drops, one of which would have been a TD, didn’t help his cause.
Batch threw for just 25 yards, and while the defense looks like they can beat any team by themselves right now, there is no doubt the offense has to do more, and that includes the passing game.
The team released Byron Leftwich on Saturday, but that was a move that will be corrected today. They did it to call up an extra DL for the game vs the Titans with Casey Hampton out, and it paid off for the one day.
So heading into Tampa Bay Sunday against the shocking 2-0 Bucs, who will get the start?
Charlie Batch – He wasn’t very good against the Titans, but again, a couple drops and the pressure to be thrown in could be the cause of that. When Batch gets a week to practice, he can be effective, and against a Bucs team that will be challenged to score, he won’t be asked to go for 350 yards. Odds of starting 3-1
Byron Leftwich – He would have been probable for Tennessee, meaning he might have been able to play, but the team asked him if he could be “released” for two days to make room for D-linemen Scott McLendon. He was okay with it, and will be back with the team today. Leftwich would love to start vs his old team in the Bucs, but one has to wonder how much rust he will have and if the team would rather go with a healthy Batch over a not 100 percent Leftwich. Odds of starting 5-1
Dennis Dixon – This is a tough one due to the fact the knee injury may make this null and void anyway. Dixon didn’t show much vs the Titans, but it’s not fair to blame him for anything bad yesterday since he got hurt, and was crushed on the play he fumbled. Dixon will go back to the bench when Ben is ready in three weeks, and they will probably use the knee as the major reason to give Leftwich or Batch the shot Sunday vs Tampa Bay. Odds of starting 7-1
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mark
September 20, 2010 at 12:00 pm
If anyone wants my opinion it is this:If Leftwich is healthy, he should start on Sunday. Dixon has been VERY shaky and even before his injury yesterday, he was aweful. Batch is a legitimate back-up to Leftwich and if he has to start, I do NOT have a problem with that. I say Batch over Dixon as well. I understand the need for Dixon to get reps,but at this point, with the team 2-0, lets go for the GREAT start of 3-1 or 4-0 and give Leftwich or Batch the start Sunday.Dixon looks in-over-his-head.
Adam
September 20, 2010 at 3:08 pm
Leftwich should start. It is not as if Dixon has been able to move the chain with his mobility opposed to Leftwich’s lack of. At least Leftwich will be able to use his accurate and strong arm to get to Wallace and Ward. I mean really guys if we could actually throw two TD’s a few chip sho field goals we would be good. This defense we have is destructive right now
mark
September 20, 2010 at 5:47 pm
Just heard Dixon is out 3 weeks. Looks like Batch would start if Leftwich isnt ready. Are the Steelers going to sign a QB for 2 weeks??
George H
September 20, 2010 at 9:49 pm
I feel very comfortable with Batch as the starter. When hes in I feel that there wont be any stupid turnovers. He has great vision and pocket presence. You can tell hes a leader of the team and the playbook is opened up when Batch is in. I will admit i was a supporter for Dixon to start but he just looks in over his head right now. Batch might not being having the best stats last game but there was an uncharacteristic dropped balls. Batch was placing every ball right on the money. I f you couldnt tell, Batch needs to start sunday and Leftwhich will be number two. I would expect to sign the practice squad qb to be number 3 in case Leftwhich isnt ready. I couldnt imaginge Randle el as our qb.
On the Randle el note… hes been very disappointing as a wr thus far. Hes dropped a couple and even though there has been a few bad throws his way he needs to come up with the grab. I would also like to see more of Wallace; run him on a screen or a slant. Hes dangerous with the ball in his hands.
Also our defense is looking absolutely terrific right now and i expect it will last all year… Im pumped for when Ben gets back in the lineup and we start to see more points on the board.
Heres to a great 2-0 start!!!