Not that I’m the first one with this thought, but the Steelers have a tough decision to make when it comes to their franchise QB in terms of what to do if he has to sit due to the situation in Georgia. The Steelers also may have to make a decision on if they are going to suspend him or not, and then the question is – for how long?
Here are some options that have already been thrown around:
1. Dennis Dixon – This is the most obvious to me. Dixon is ready to step in as the #2 on this team, and even though they lost, I thought he and the team played well enough to win in Dixon’s only pro start in Baltimore last year. He’s been in the system, and I think the team is interested to see what he can do if he has to play 2-3 games in a row.
2. Byron Leftwich – The rumor mill has the Steelers looking at Leftwich, who was with the team for their Super Bowl two years ago. He’s a serviceable backup, and I was for the team bringing him back last year. If the team can get him cheap, he’s not a bad guy to have waiting in the wings.
3. Daunte Culpepper – Another guy the team had interest in two years ago, but he wanted a shot to start, spurning the Steelers. Now though he has few options if he wants to start playing, and the Steelers could be an option if the team wants to plug him in for a few games. Me – forget it, Culpepper has had better days.
4. Charlie Batch – An option, but to me a longshot option. Batch has had good moments, but having to play four quarters of football as a starting QB scares me to death. The team has to have a better option than Batch, but if not, he’s there to step in if no one else can step in.
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March 17, 2010 at 9:56 am
I have to imagine that Dixon is the starter if/when Ben is suspended. I can envision them grabbing Leftwich, but thats a scenario they probably arent looking too seriously at. How about a QB in the draft? 2nd or 3rd rounder, pressure on Ben to straighten out?
Pat G
March 17, 2010 at 11:56 am
lets get D Anderson
Adam
March 17, 2010 at 3:15 pm
too late arizona got em he sux kock anyhow
DrGeorge
March 17, 2010 at 4:57 pm
IF it comes to that — and we all hope it doesn’t — the Steelers will treat Ben’s suspension like an injury and make do with Dixon and Batch until Ben returns. This year’s spartan budget practically dictates that scenario. With our multiple needs on defense, we can’t afford to use a pick on a project QB in the mid-rounds of the draft. While K. Colbert will consider every available QB with significant NFL experience, Culpepper and Leftwich at this point in their careers aren’t a major upgrade and don’t justify their cost. We are not likely to find any QB who can match Ben’s physical skills; but Arians can modify the offense to suit the talents of a less gifted or less experienced QB, as Cowher did successfully when Ben was forced to play as a rookie. We can win with a less talented QB than Ben. But not with an average O-line and Defense. In 2010, the money is better spent there.
review
March 18, 2010 at 5:26 am
blogwalking friend
What do you want to exchange links with me?