Report: Leftwich 'obvious' starter for Week 1 (1 Viewer)

[JohnnyU]

According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Ed Bouchette, it has become "obvious" that Byron Leftwich will open the season as the Steelers' starting quarterback.

Dennis Dixon has yet to work with the first team while Leftwich ran the offense from late April until Big Ben's return this week. We can safely say that Dixon was never given a fair shot, but it's hard to fault coach Mike Tomlin for being comfortable with Leftwich. While Dixon offered more upside as a dynamic playmaker, Leftwich's edge as a passer is good news for the fantasy prospects of the Steelers receivers. Jun. 4 - 4:41 pm et

Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

 

[Crippler]

According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Ed Bouchette, it has become "obvious" that Byron Leftwich will open the season as the Steelers' starting quarterback.Dennis Dixon has yet to work with the first team while Leftwich ran the offense from late April until Big Ben's return this week. We can safely say that Dixon was never given a fair shot, but it's hard to fault coach Mike Tomlin for being comfortable with Leftwich. While Dixon offered more upside as a dynamic playmaker, Leftwich's edge as a passer is good news for the fantasy prospects of the Steelers receivers. Jun. 4 - 4:41 pm etSource: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

I am not surprised. I was not that impressed with Dixon last year and just see him as more of a CFL QB. I have seen owners grab Dixon this off-season for a good price also.

 

[Osaurus]

Let the truncated Michael Brick era begin.

 

[Raiderfan32904]

Leftwich has a very strong arm, and we saw that when he played for Tampa Bay. He knows he's a stopgap, so it's he gets to earn some of his clipboard money. The onus is on the Steeler O line. Leftwich is an absolute tree, going down on contact. Opposing DC's will licking their chops as they can stunt and maneuver to collapse the pocket and Leftwich on cue crumples to the ground.

For the Steelers to have sucess, the ball has to be out of Leftwich's hands early. Roethlisberger has excellent mobility in the pocket, and could buy time for vets like Hines Ward to get open. I'd expect the Steelers to run, run, and run some more.

 

[Bojang0301]

It's June. Nothing is in stone. What if Lefty turds up in the preseason (has happened before)? Naming him the starter before the coach does is crazy and yes I know Bouchette is a legit source. It still is absurd in my opinion.

 

[Mr. Retukes]

It's June. Nothing is in stone. What if Lefty turds up in the preseason (has happened before)? Naming him the starter before the coach does is crazy and yes I know Bouchette is a legit source. It still is absurd in my opinion.

Let's wait until they've played a couple preseason games before we start tossing around the word "obvious".

 

[Bob Henry]

I'm swimming against the popular current with my projections on this situation, too. I just can't buy Leftwich anymore. I was a huge fan of his coming out of Marshall. His stock in my eyes has plummeted with the succession of injuries that stripped him of what little ability he had to maneuver in the pocket. Even if he does end up starting (a notion I'm not buying yet until I see him in preseason) I suspect he could be on a short leash and/or the Steelers will go to a very run heavy approach as much as possible. I don't see him as a fantasy option what-so-ever. With Dixon, he could have some low-end fantasy value. Unlike Lefty, he can run and run very well. Let's see what happens in August before we take Mr. Bouchette's proclamation as anything more than speculation, albeit from a well connected Steelers beat writer.

 

[David Dodds]

I'm swimming against the popular current with my projections on this situation, too. I just can't buy Leftwich anymore. I was a huge fan of his coming out of Marshall. His stock in my eyes has plummeted with the succession of injuries that stripped him of what little ability he had to maneuver in the pocket. Even if he does end up starting (a notion I'm not buying yet until I see him in preseason) I suspect he could be on a short leash and/or the Steelers will go to a very run heavy approach as much as possible. I don't see him as a fantasy option what-so-ever. With Dixon, he could have some low-end fantasy value. Unlike Lefty, he can run and run very well. Let's see what happens in August before we take Mr. Bouchette's proclamation as anything more than speculation, albeit from a well connected Steelers beat writer.

I am in this camp too. I have seen Leftwich's game and it will be horrible behind that OL. I agree it looks like he is going to get the first opportunity here, but I suspect we see Dixon playing by week 3 at the latest. They need someone with mobility and Leftwich is not that guy.

 

[hacim13]

I agree in that I'd like to see Dixon get an opportunity here, but the Steelers are really just trying to keep this team afloat until Roethlisberger returns. So for four weeks they're going with the veteran, which is probably the more sound strategy.

But if Ben has any more screw ups and finds himself out of Pittsburgh, I think the Steelers will wish they took this opportunity to develop Dixon more.

 

[KCC]

With the chaos surrounding the Roethlisberger situation, I think the logic behind this statement was to create some stability in the minds of the players and get everyone's head where it needs to be - focussed on the football field.

 

[Jeff Tefertiller]

With the chaos surrounding the Roethlisberger situation, I think the logic behind this statement was to create some stability in the minds of the players and get everyone's head where it needs to be - focussed on the football field.

I agree ... and the naming of Leftwich may (and I do not know) have more to do lack of faith in Dixon and Batch than affirming Leftwich. The Steelers do need to start the season strong just to be in contention until Big Ben gets back, hopefully (for them) after the week five bye.

 

[gandalas]

I am in this camp too. I have seen Leftwich's game and it will be horrible behind that OL.

Don't forget, the Steelers drafted the player many regarded as the best interior lineman in the first round. So that should help the line a LITTLE at least?

 

[Mr. Brownstone]

A part of me is still pulling for Byron. I'd like to see the guy do well.

 

[Godsbrother]

Came in to add my 2 cents but I think everyone here has a good handle on the situation. Leftwich is the veteran and the team needs stability so it makes sense to put him with the #1 team. It is Leftwich's job to lose. He'll likely be the starter week 1 but let's see what happens in preseason.