Steelers QB Situation (1 Viewer)

[Couch Potato]

First, let's start by saying this isn't the thread to debate what will or should happen to Ben. We have a couple other threads open for that. And it's not a thread for Pats fans and Steelers fans and Browns fans to hate on each other. That's become pretty old for the rest of us, OK?

I'd like this thread to be about the Steelers QB situation if it ends up having to go forward without Roethlisberger for a season or more, and given that assumption whether or not proactive fantasy owners should be adding Dennis Dixon.

Dixon was a 5th round pick in 2008 so he'll be going into his 3rd NFL season, played in one game last year against the Ravens (12-26-145-1-1 passing and 3-27-1 rushing and in that game had some good moments but ended up throwing a killer INT in overtime). I don't know much about him beyond that.

Other options? Charlie Batch is currently a free agent, but the 35 year old most likely could be brought back pretty easily if they wanted to. And there are other QBs out there on the trade and free agent market. There's also the draft, although the top couple of prospects will be gone ahead of the Steelers' pick and it's unlikely anyone they would select could start right away.

Some good weapons in Holmes, Ward, Wallace, Miller, Mendenhall. The OL took a step back last year though, and the team overall went into the crapper the last part of the year. So, if Ben is out of the picture, does Dixon start next season or does someone else? And if Dixon does start, how would he rate in comparison to lower tier fantasy QBs like Josh Freeman, Alex Smith, the floor mats (Moore, Cassell, Hasselbeck, Leinart), and others in that general range?

Never too early to plan ahead in dynasty. Whatcha got?

 

[Sammy Traveller]

Steelers could always trade up and get Bradford.

 

[DerekR]

Bring in Derek Anderson

 

[Kenny Powers]

So dude hasnt even been charged yet and were talkin' bout prison?! Not a game or two, but prison?? prison.

 

[Couch Potato]

So dude hasnt even been charged yet and were talkin' bout prison?! Not a game or two, but prison?? prison.

Please read my first paragraph again. Thanks.

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

Someone like a Thigpen or a Derek Anderson could compete for starting roles. I'm sure D. Cpepper I'm sure will be tossed around.

Delhomme or even possibly Brady Quinn if Delhomme goes to Cleveland.

 

[bonesman]

I doubt I'd be rushing after Dixon. The only reason he got the start last year is because Batch got hurt the game before when he came in to replace BigBen. I think Pitt will definitely bring in Batch or a similar veteran presence to push Dixon back to 3rd on the DC... if Ben is charged or convicted they could even bring in 2 vets and/or draft a QB.

 

[vandyt]

Couple thoughts:

1) Likely, even if hes charged with something, his lawyers will tie it up until after the 2010 season. So this is probably a non-issue

2) Big Ben's fate isn't going to be known before the draft. This makes any high QB draft picks or draft pick trades for QBs unlikely.

3) If he were to be quickly charged and then convicted/suspended, I think they'd consider the following:

Vick - I know replacing a rapist with a gambling ring overlord isnt exactly a trade up, but there was rumors about the Steelers having interest last offseason, and being afraid of the PR hit. That PR hit isnt quite as big at this point.

Whitehurst - This would be my choice if I were the Steelers. Hes played in a similar style of offense for the last 4 years, behind some great QBs and under some great coaches. I think he'd be good competition with Dixon.

Tavaris Jackson - I think hes available from Minny for a 3-4. Hes shown flashes of ability, and would be a good pairing with Dixon, as the offense could be designed around their similar strengths.

 

[trader jake]

In this hypothetical situation (no 2010 season for Big Ben) I'd guess the Steelers would give up their 2nd and 4th round picks to get Donovan McNabb from Philly (or whatever the two teams view as fair compensation). :X

 

[5-ish Finkle]

What the heck, I'll play:

Y'all need to keep in mind....this is the Steelers we're talking about. They aren't going to trade multiple picks for a guy over 30(or for anyone, most likely) or bring in the ex-convict(especially given the situation. It'd be PR suicide to say nothing of the fact that Vick sucks), etc. etc. etc.

It's simple: If Roethlisberger can't go for 2010 they're probably going to roll with Dixon, likely re-sign Batch(or his equivalent) and maybe draft someone in the mid-rounds to be the #3/potential #2 going forward. Then they'll move on to planning for 2011/beyond when the FA crop and draft class at QB is likely to be more robust. This would achieve two things: 1.) It will have allowed Dixon to answer definitively if he has any future at all as a starting QB. May as well use the opportunity to find out, and 2.) It will have cost them nothing in the way of draft picks, which they covet since they build almost exclusively via the draft.

If Ben's done for 2010, it's a lost year for them anyway. I'd be surprised if they peddled away draft picks for a band-aid(e.g. McNabb, et al) or made some kind of panic, trade-up scenario to select the yawners after Bradford that are at QB in this class.

If they DID decide to trade multiple picks, it's going to be for somebody that they'd have to feel could be starting for a while....not someone who's about 3 steps from AARP. Again, that front office does not part with draft picks lightly, as they are their primary source of re-stocking the talent pool on the team.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

Vick - I know replacing a rapist with a gambling ring overlord isnt exactly a trade up, but there was rumors about the Steelers having interest last offseason, and being afraid of the PR hit. That PR hit isnt quite as big at this point.

The only rumors were a bunch of unsubstantiated BS because Vick and Mike Tomlin are from the same hometown or something equally weak. The Steelers were never seriously interested in Vick.

 

[ScottyFargo]

Vick - I know replacing a rapist with a gambling ring overlord isnt exactly a trade up, but there was rumors about the Steelers having interest last offseason, and being afraid of the PR hit. That PR hit isnt quite as big at this point.

The only rumors were a bunch of unsubstantiated BS because Vick and Mike Tomlin are from the same hometown or something equally weak. The Steelers were never seriously interested in Vick.

But operating under the idea that they are desperate for a QB as in the hypothetical case, they might be much more interested in competing this year for the price of a small draft pick. They'd need another "slippery" (slimy?) guy who can get away from the pass rush given the state of the O-line. Vick would fit right in.

 

[Idiot Boxer]

No way they touch Vick. Quinn/DelhommeCpep get killed behind our line.

I think we know in the next two weeks whether this is a small or big problem. If it is a big problem, I expect them to address it in the draft. If it is a small problem, I expect a patch solution and Dennis Dixon. Steelers need a qb3 in any case.

 

[Ray Hueston]

Does Georgia have the death penalty? If so, if Ben is executed do the Steelers get cap relief?

 

[ScottyFargo]

No way they touch Vick. Quinn/DelhommeCpep get killed behind our line.I think we know in the next two weeks whether this is a small or big problem. If it is a big problem, I expect them to address it in the draft. If it is a small problem, I expect a patch solution and Dennis Dixon. Steelers need a qb3 in any case.

Why not? They gave Harrison another chance.

 

[loose circuits]

I doubt I'd be rushing after Dixon. The only reason he got the start last year is because Batch got hurt the game before when he came in to replace BigBen. I think Pitt will definitely bring in Batch or a similar veteran presence to push Dixon back to 3rd on the DC... if Ben is charged or convicted they could even bring in 2 vets and/or draft a QB.

so because he was 3rd string in his 2nd year we should just write him off? I don't understand the reasoning behind your logic. Plenty of 3rd string guys have developed into the 1st string guy. Isn't that how Kurt Warner arrived?

 

[Idiot Boxer]

No way they touch Vick. Quinn/DelhommeCpep get killed behind our line.I think we know in the next two weeks whether this is a small or big problem. If it is a big problem, I expect them to address it in the draft. If it is a small problem, I expect a patch solution and Dennis Dixon. Steelers need a qb3 in any case.

Why not? They gave Harrison another chance.

Because Harrison was already there and wasn't following another PR nightmare.

 

[CrossEyed]

I think they're pretty pleased with Dixon's progress. From what I've seen, I think he can develop into a good NFL QB.

 

[Bojang0301]

Don't forget about Leftwich. I know he looked horrible with the Bucs but he looked decent in limited duty with the Steelers just a season ago.

 

[Sabertooth]

I could see Jeff Garcia or Jake Delhomme.

I think the real beneficiary would be Mendenhall though. The offense would almost have to run through him and he could see 350+ carries.

 

[Sabertooth]

Any chance they draft a guy like Colt McCoy in round 2 or another second teir QB? Apparently McCoy wowed NFL personel in interviews and we know the Rooney's are big on character.

 

[Cecil Lammey]

Don't forget about Leftwich. I know he looked horrible with the Bucs but he looked decent in limited duty with the Steelers just a season ago.

this

 

[Sabertooth]

Don't forget about Leftwich. I know he looked horrible with the Bucs but he looked decent in limited duty with the Steelers just a season ago.

this

RESKO99 Gunnin' for you this year. Michael Turner baby!

 

[fatness]

Does Georgia have the death penalty? If so, if Ben is executed do the Steelers get cap relief?

I'll have to admit, I hadn't thought of that yet.

 

[Godsbrother]

No way they touch Vick. Quinn/DelhommeCpep get killed behind our line.I think we know in the next two weeks whether this is a small or big problem. If it is a big problem, I expect them to address it in the draft. If it is a small problem, I expect a patch solution and Dennis Dixon. Steelers need a qb3 in any case.

Boxer knows things.I am sure the Steelers know the legal situation for Ben and have a pretty good idea on whether or not he'll be charged.If Big Ben is gone for 2010 then I expect them to make a trade offer for Leftwich (probably wouldn't take much) and grab another fairly early in the draft though I don't see them taking one in the 1st round. I think the ship has sailed on Batch since he is just too darn brittle to be counted upon.The other FA QBs available aren't particularly attractive but it thet can't work out a deal they'll be forced into signing one of them.It really pisses me off the Steelers are in this situation..,

 

[fatness]

It really pisses me off the Steelers are in this situation..,

It's terribly awkward for them. They're not going to know the legal outcome by draft time.

 

[JJP]

Vick - I know replacing a rapist with a gambling ring overlord isnt exactly a trade up, but there was rumors about the Steelers having interest last offseason, and being afraid of the PR hit. That PR hit isnt quite as big at this point.

The only rumors were a bunch of unsubstantiated BS because Vick and Mike Tomlin are from the same hometown or something equally weak. The Steelers were never seriously interested in Vick.

Kennel rivals??

 

[BigJim®]

1) Likely, even if hes charged with something, his lawyers will tie it up until after the 2010 season. So this is probably a non-issue

Would the Steelers allow him to play if he is formally charged with sexual assault? I'd say odds-on they agree he should focus on his defense and rid themselves of the PR nightmare.

Vick - I know replacing a rapist with a gambling ring overlord isnt exactly a trade up, but there was rumors about the Steelers having interest last offseason, and being afraid of the PR hit. That PR hit isnt quite as big at this point.

Yes, and interestingly the PR hit was already taken in that very state, so that populace is probably apathetic vs. a different city/state.

 

[Donsmith753]

Similar to the Vick idea that was being thrown around, Troy Smith is available for a 5th. Maybe worth throwing out there.

 

[HellToupee]

Similar to the Vick idea that was being thrown around, Troy Smith is available for a 5th. Maybe worth throwing out there.

good idead but I can't picture the Ravens dealing QB to the Steelers

 

[Godsbrother]

Similar to the Vick idea that was being thrown around, Troy Smith is available for a 5th. Maybe worth throwing out there.

good idead but I can't picture the Ravens dealing QB to the Steelers

Agreed. And if the Raves are willing to trade Smith to their division rival then I would be wary if I were the Steelers.

 

[DesmondBishop]

I think they're pretty pleased with Dixon's progress. From what I've seen, I think he can develop into a good NFL QB.

I thought he looked pretty good against the Ravens in that start, very athletic with a live arm. I think he dropped in the draft because he had a nasty (ACL I think) injury his last year in college. He has had a chance to sit and watch a good NFL QB and work in that offense, I think he would be the clear #1 choice to start "if" anything should happen to BB. They could bring in a vet to back him up but I would think he would be given every chance to start.

 

[Donsmith753]

Similar to the Vick idea that was being thrown around, Troy Smith is available for a 5th. Maybe worth throwing out there.

good idead but I can't picture the Ravens dealing QB to the Steelers

Agreed. And if the Raves are willing to trade Smith to their division rival then I would be wary if I were the Steelers.

Isn't Smith an RFA though? Would Baltimore really match the contract when they've got Flacco even though it is a division rival? Tendering him for a 5th shows that they're ready to let him go.

 

[ScottyFargo]

1) Likely, even if hes charged with something, his lawyers will tie it up until after the 2010 season. So this is probably a non-issue

Would the Steelers allow him to play if he is formally charged with sexual assault? I'd say odds-on they agree he should focus on his defense and rid themselves of the PR nightmare.

Vick - I know replacing a rapist with a gambling ring overlord isnt exactly a trade up, but there was rumors about the Steelers having interest last offseason, and being afraid of the PR hit. That PR hit isnt quite as big at this point.

Yes, and interestingly the PR hit was already taken in that very state, so that populace is probably apathetic vs. a different city/state.

Plus Vick has already been vindicated by his peers via the
Award. Pittsburgh should be glad to pick up a high character guy and move away from this Roethlisberger business.

 

[Bottomfeeder Sports]

Troy Smith seems like the perfect choice for the Steelers in such a scenario. He is just on the wrong team for it to probably matter.

 

[Bottomfeeder Sports]

Similar to the Vick idea that was being thrown around, Troy Smith is available for a 5th. Maybe worth throwing out there.

Somehow I skipped right over this while reading the thread.

 

[Black]

Does Georgia have the death penalty? If so, if Ben is executed do the Steelers get cap relief?

Ha Ha! Trick question...there is no cap this year.

 

[Da Guru]

Similar to the Vick idea that was being thrown around, Troy Smith is available for a 5th. Maybe worth throwing out there.

Dixon has more upside than Smith.

 

[Black]

Similar to the Vick idea that was being thrown around, Troy Smith is available for a 5th. Maybe worth throwing out there.

good idead but I can't picture the Ravens dealing QB to the Steelers

If they don't match the offer, they don't have a choice...pretty low tender for a guy who could be ok, esp as a backup.

 

[trader jake]

1) Likely, even if hes charged with something, his lawyers will tie it up until after the 2010 season. So this is probably a non-issue

This is true but if more information comes out that the Steelers don't like (remember Rooney isn't one to keep turds on the team long-term) they could let Roethlisberger go now and save themselves a possible cap crippling hit next season. Of course they would have to acquire a real starting QB first (Dixon doesn't have enough accuracy and field vision to be the man IMO).If Big Ben played any position but QB I'd give the possibility of cutting him a higher percentage than I do now (2%??).

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Don't forget about Leftwich. I know he looked horrible with the Bucs but he looked decent in limited duty with the Steelers just a season ago.

this

 

[kaa]

Maybe target Sage Rosenfels.

Sage might be someone the Browns should take a shot at, actually.

 

[Godsbrother]

1) Likely, even if hes charged with something, his lawyers will tie it up until after the 2010 season. So this is probably a non-issue

This is true but if more information comes out that the Steelers don't like (remember Rooney isn't one to keep turds on the team long-term) they could let Roethlisberger go now and save themselves a possible cap crippling hit next season. Of course they would have to acquire a real starting QB first (Dixon doesn't have enough accuracy and field vision to be the man IMO).If Big Ben played any position but QB I'd give the possibility of cutting him a higher percentage than I do now (2%??).

Assuming BB is charged then I there is a good chance the Steelers could give him a leave of absence in 2010 to "concentrate on his legal issues" but really to avoid the distractions of having him around. Also it would be pretty embarrassing for the Steelers and the NFL as a whole if the Steelers made it to the Super Bowl and was being quarterbacked someone accused of sexual assualt.That being said it would be premature for the Steelers to cut him outright unless he confesses or is convicted. I can't see letting go of a QB of his caliber if there is a chance he could be acquitted of all wrong doing.

 

[CrossEyed]

1) Likely, even if hes charged with something, his lawyers will tie it up until after the 2010 season. So this is probably a non-issue

This is true but if more information comes out that the Steelers don't like (remember Rooney isn't one to keep turds on the team long-term) they could let Roethlisberger go now and save themselves a possible cap crippling hit next season. Of course they would have to acquire a real starting QB first (Dixon doesn't have enough accuracy and field vision to be the man IMO).If Big Ben played any position but QB I'd give the possibility of cutting him a higher percentage than I do now (2%??).

Assuming BB is charged then I there is a good chance the Steelers could give him a leave of absence in 2010 to "concentrate on his legal issues" but really to avoid the distractions of having him around. Also it would be pretty embarrassing for the Steelers and the NFL as a whole if the Steelers made it to the Super Bowl and was being quarterbacked someone accused of sexual assualt.That being said it would be premature for the Steelers to cut him outright unless he confesses or is convicted. I can't see letting go of a QB of his caliber if there is a chance he could be acquitted of all wrong doing.

Don't be so sure. They were talking to some PR folks today who said that Ben's recent actions will not only hurt his own earning power when it comes to endorsements but will also have an impact on the Steelers image. The Rooneys have done a great job of building that image and realize that no one player is worth risking damage to it.

 

[FUBAR]

1) Likely, even if hes charged with something, his lawyers will tie it up until after the 2010 season. So this is probably a non-issue

This is true but if more information comes out that the Steelers don't like (remember Rooney isn't one to keep turds on the team long-term) they could let Roethlisberger go now and save themselves a possible cap crippling hit next season. Of course they would have to acquire a real starting QB first (Dixon doesn't have enough accuracy and field vision to be the man IMO).If Big Ben played any position but QB I'd give the possibility of cutting him a higher percentage than I do now (2%??).

Assuming BB is charged then I there is a good chance the Steelers could give him a leave of absence in 2010 to "concentrate on his legal issues" but really to avoid the distractions of having him around. Also it would be pretty embarrassing for the Steelers and the NFL as a whole if the Steelers made it to the Super Bowl and was being quarterbacked someone accused of sexual assualt.That being said it would be premature for the Steelers to cut him outright unless he confesses or is convicted. I can't see letting go of a QB of his caliber if there is a chance he could be acquitted of all wrong doing.

Don't be so sure. They were talking to some PR folks today who said that Ben's recent actions will not only hurt his own earning power when it comes to endorsements but will also have an impact on the Steelers image. The Rooneys have done a great job of building that image and realize that no one player is worth risking damage to it.

The Steelers franchise relies partly on its reputation which will be tarnished, even if only slightly, by all of this. The only real question is whether "turning their back" on their player when he's having problems would hurt their rep more.

 

[CrossEyed]

1) Likely, even if hes charged with something, his lawyers will tie it up until after the 2010 season. So this is probably a non-issue

This is true but if more information comes out that the Steelers don't like (remember Rooney isn't one to keep turds on the team long-term) they could let Roethlisberger go now and save themselves a possible cap crippling hit next season. Of course they would have to acquire a real starting QB first (Dixon doesn't have enough accuracy and field vision to be the man IMO).If Big Ben played any position but QB I'd give the possibility of cutting him a higher percentage than I do now (2%??).

Assuming BB is charged then I there is a good chance the Steelers could give him a leave of absence in 2010 to "concentrate on his legal issues" but really to avoid the distractions of having him around. Also it would be pretty embarrassing for the Steelers and the NFL as a whole if the Steelers made it to the Super Bowl and was being quarterbacked someone accused of sexual assualt.That being said it would be premature for the Steelers to cut him outright unless he confesses or is convicted. I can't see letting go of a QB of his caliber if there is a chance he could be acquitted of all wrong doing.

Don't be so sure. They were talking to some PR folks today who said that Ben's recent actions will not only hurt his own earning power when it comes to endorsements but will also have an impact on the Steelers image. The Rooneys have done a great job of building that image and realize that no one player is worth risking damage to it.

The Steelers franchise relies partly on its reputation which will be tarnished, even if only slightly, by all of this. The only real question is whether "turning their back" on their player when he's having problems would hurt their rep more.

If Ben had a drug or alcohol problem, that might be a possibility. But I don't think too many people have much sympathy toward a boorish womanizer. If this turns out to be the case, I don't think the Steelers would risk anything by dropping him.

 

[CrossEyed]

So, are we still allowed to discuss this situation, or is this thread going to get the ax too?

 

[cobalt_27]

So, are we still allowed to discuss this situation, or is this thread going to get the ax too?

After the Make-a-Wish story about BB inflamed Jason Wood so much that he brought the hammer down on a thread that actually was going reasonably well (and, at least on par with everything else that's allowed here), it's again very clear that there is no consistent policy here. Reconfirms how uptight this group is that hosts/moderates this board, and it prefers stale, Serious Business discussions about 40 times and whether Emmitt is better than Barry or vice versa.

In other words, no. It does not appear safe to discuss legal/personalogic factors that could impact the status of a player, a team, or fantasy squad.

 

[Godsbrother]

1) Likely, even if hes charged with something, his lawyers will tie it up until after the 2010 season. So this is probably a non-issue

This is true but if more information comes out that the Steelers don't like (remember Rooney isn't one to keep turds on the team long-term) they could let Roethlisberger go now and save themselves a possible cap crippling hit next season. Of course they would have to acquire a real starting QB first (Dixon doesn't have enough accuracy and field vision to be the man IMO).If Big Ben played any position but QB I'd give the possibility of cutting him a higher percentage than I do now (2%??).

Assuming BB is charged then I there is a good chance the Steelers could give him a leave of absence in 2010 to "concentrate on his legal issues" but really to avoid the distractions of having him around. Also it would be pretty embarrassing for the Steelers and the NFL as a whole if the Steelers made it to the Super Bowl and was being quarterbacked someone accused of sexual assualt.That being said it would be premature for the Steelers to cut him outright unless he confesses or is convicted. I can't see letting go of a QB of his caliber if there is a chance he could be acquitted of all wrong doing.

Don't be so sure. They were talking to some PR folks today who said that Ben's recent actions will not only hurt his own earning power when it comes to endorsements but will also have an impact on the Steelers image. The Rooneys have done a great job of building that image and realize that no one player is worth risking damage to it.

I love and respect the Steelers organization as much as anyone (been a season ticket holder for a long time) but I just cannot see them cutting Ben loose if he is not charged with a crime. At best he'll get a game or two suspension.All that changes if he is charged though...

 

[Godsbrother]

So, are we still allowed to discuss this situation, or is this thread going to get the ax too?

After the Make-a-Wish story about BB inflamed Jason Wood so much that he brought the hammer down on a thread that actually was going reasonably well (and, at least on par with everything else that's allowed here), it's again very clear that there is no consistent policy here. Reconfirms how uptight this group is that hosts/moderates this board, and it prefers stale, Serious Business discussions about 40 times and whether Emmitt is better than Barry or vice versa.

In other words, no. It does not appear safe to discuss legal/personalogic factors that could impact the status of a player, a team, or fantasy squad.

I missed it. I would ask what it is all about but then I guess this thread would get axed as well...

Edited:Nevermind, I could still read the thread. The only comment I will make is that John Steigerwald has no room to talk about someone else's character and I'll just leave it at that. He is easily my least favorite sports reporter in Pittsburgh.