Steelers Sign QB Leftwich (1 Viewer)

[jeter23]

From the blogger

August 9, 2008, 22:21

Steelers :: QB

Steelers Sign QBs Leftwich, Culpepper

Sporting News - [Full Article]

The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed free agent QBs Byron Leftwich and Daunte Culpepper. The two will compete to be the backup to starter Ben Roethlisberger. The Steelers had a need at QB after backup Charlier Batch broke his collarbone in the teams opening preseason game.

 

[McBokonon]

This needs to be a reality show.

 

[MrPhoenix]

This needs to be a reality show.

 

[chris1969]

This needs to be a reality show.

Alex Trebek: Given that the contestants are competing in a foreign language, we will give them a chance to warm up.Cullpepper: yinzzzzLeftwich: yinzzzzAlex Trebek: It means "wash" in PA. Dante rang in first.Culpepper: What is "waaaaasssssh"Alex Trebek: That is incorrect! Byron what is your answer?Leftwich: What is "warsh"Alex Trebeck: Correct!Leftwich: I'll pick family life for 2000 Alex.Alex Trebeck: The answer is "My woman, my woman, my wife."Culpepper: "What is my sister."Alex Trebek: That is correct!

 

[BigRed]

So they replaces Batch w/Leftwich and/or Culpepper. Never knew PIT was so flaming racist.

Or desperate.

 

[BigSteelThrill]

Good. Proactive at the back up QB spot.

 

[3C's]

Maybe they can combine the 2 of them and get a decent backup.

 

[Jimmy James]

Maybe they can combine the 2 of them and get a decent backup.

I can't give this a good posting exactly, but I admit that is exactly what I was thinking when I saw this.I think they're just sending a signal to Miami that they're not going to send a 7th for McCown.

 

[Afro Samurai]

Gonna have to reinforce the axles on the team bus.

 

[apalmer]

This needs to be a reality show.

Alex Trebek: Given that the contestants are competing in a foreign language, we will give them a chance to warm up.Cullpepper: yinzzzzLeftwich: yinzzzzAlex Trebek: It means "wash" in PA. Dante rang in first.Culpepper: What is "waaaaasssssh"Alex Trebek: That is incorrect! Byron what is your answer?Leftwich: What is "warsh"Alex Trebeck: Correct!Leftwich: I'll pick family life for 2000 Alex.Alex Trebeck: The answer is "My woman, my woman, my wife."Culpepper: "What is my sister."Alex Trebek: That is correct!

Alex: And now for the Final Jeopardy answer: Best opponent for fattening up your stats in an easy win.Culpepper: What are the Cleveland Browns?Leftwich: What are the Cleveland Browns?Alex: We need to get tougher Final Jeopardy questions.

 

[jurb26]

As a Steeler fan I like the move to get both and make them compete. I'm hoping the Cpepper can win the job.

 

[3C's]

I'm hoping they find someone else.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

I'm hoping they find someone else.

Me too.Culpepper's about done, in my mind. Leftwich isn't much better, and he's got that delivery you have to time with a sundial to boot. I expect if it's down to ONLY these two guys it'll be Leftwich. Culpepper seems to still firmly believe it's 2003 in his world. Can't imagine he'd want to be anyone's caddy for very long. And didn't he turn down a one-year, one million dollar contract recently from someone? Bet he's kicking himself for that now. The fact they signed both so quickly makes me think they underestiamted the severity of Batch's injury. If he's out for the year, that'll be it for him as a Steeler(he's an UFA after the season). Whichever of these yahoos that wins the #2 spot may be the #2 for a couple years.

 

[jurb26]

I'm hoping they find someone else.

Me too.Culpepper's about done, in my mind. Leftwich isn't much better, and he's got that delivery you have to time with a sundial to boot. I expect if it's down to ONLY these two guys it'll be Leftwich. Culpepper seems to still firmly believe it's 2003 in his world. Can't imagine he'd want to be anyone's caddy for very long. And didn't he turn down a one-year, one million dollar contract recently from someone? Bet he's kicking himself for that now. The fact they signed both so quickly makes me think they underestiamted the severity of Batch's injury. If he's out for the year, that'll be it for him as a Steeler(he's an UFA after the season). Whichever of these yahoos that wins the #2 spot may be the #2 for a couple years.

Who exactly would you like them to go after? There is nobody left.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

Oh, I know. The cupboard is basically bare.

Still doesn't mean I have to like it.

 

[FunkyPlutos]

I think it is a good move by both QBs, as well as the Steelers. The QBs will get some preseason game time to show what they have and whoever is cut may have impressed another team enough to get picked up by another team. The Steelers get two guys who have played well in the league before and there is not a question of who the starter is so there shouldn't be a distraction of a "controversy" so I think it is a win for all involved.

 

[There it is]

Maybe they can combine the 2 of them and get a decent backup.

I can't give this a good posting exactly, but I admit that is exactly what I was thinking when I saw this.I think they're just sending a signal to Miami that they're not going to send a 7th for McCown.

I like this thought. Stop the bleeding now and when a better prospect gets cut, grab um.

 

[Pittsburgh United]

I see the news locally about Leftwich but can't find anything about Culpepper outside of this post. Can we see a link?

 

[analog_hiss]

I see the news locally about Leftwich but can't find anything about Culpepper outside of this post. Can we see a link?

The original source: The Sporting News.Please note, a contributing source is profootbaltalk.com.

Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette only mentions Leftwich in this morning's paper. The short of it: Leftwich is coming to Pittsburgh to workout, he is not signed yet. Steelers FO is negotiating a contract...Leftwich will not practice with the team until a contract is signed.

 

[TidesofWar]

I just think they need someone to fill in all the snaps that Batch would have taken in these next 3 pre-season games.

A vet will give them a better gauge on how the team / individuals are peforming, in place of having to do a lot more guesswork with Dixon taking the snaps.

Not sure why they would sign both, unless Front office types think they might reach a quick decision that Dixon is not suited for QB

 

[analog_hiss]

Culpepper, Leftwich vie to be Steelers' backup QB

Sunday, August 10, 2008

By Gerry Dulac, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The Steelers have brought two veteran quarterbacks to training camp today and will sign one of them to replace Charlie Batch as their backup.

Byron Leftwich and Daunte Culpepper both arrived at St. Vincent College in Latrobe today. After each have their physicals, one will sign to be the backup to Ben Roethlisberger until Batch heals. Batch broke his right collarbone Friday night in the second quarter against Philadelphia and will miss 4-6 weeks.

More details in tomorrow's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08223/903337-100.stm

 

[Godsbrother]

Culpepper, Leftwich vie to be Steelers' backup QB

Sunday, August 10, 2008

By Gerry Dulac, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The Steelers have brought two veteran quarterbacks to training camp today and will sign one of them to replace Charlie Batch as their backup.

Byron Leftwich and Daunte Culpepper both arrived at St. Vincent College in Latrobe today. After each have their physicals, one will sign to be the backup to Ben Roethlisberger until Batch heals. Batch broke his right collarbone Friday night in the second quarter against Philadelphia and will miss 4-6 weeks.

More details in tomorrow's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08223/903337-100.stm

This is what the NFL network on Serius radio was reporting as well. At this point, neither have been signed by the Steelers.BTW I think this is a shrewd move by the Steelers. Whatever leverage either of these two guys thought they might have is out the window. I would be surprised if they get an offer more than league minimum.

 

[daddymag]

I like it. The Steelers get through the preseason having a back qb "competition", while the main goal is having to play neither Roethlisberger nor Dixon in game action. And whichever of the fat guys loses and gets cut, can at least have shown off his skills for other teams.

 

[Cookiemonster]

I thought they were hoping to IR Dixon for the year anyways when they drafted him. I say we throw one other black, flash-in-the-pan QB into the mix and try out A.Brooks. Leftwich wasn't good enough to even try out for the Raiders. Pep played, and Brooks started there (and got a bad rap IMO from the lack of team around him).

 

[3C's]

I'm hoping they find someone else.

Me too.Culpepper's about done, in my mind. Leftwich isn't much better, and he's got that delivery you have to time with a sundial to boot. I expect if it's down to ONLY these two guys it'll be Leftwich. Culpepper seems to still firmly believe it's 2003 in his world. Can't imagine he'd want to be anyone's caddy for very long. And didn't he turn down a one-year, one million dollar contract recently from someone? Bet he's kicking himself for that now. The fact they signed both so quickly makes me think they underestiamted the severity of Batch's injury. If he's out for the year, that'll be it for him as a Steeler(he's an UFA after the season). Whichever of these yahoos that wins the #2 spot may be the #2 for a couple years.

Who exactly would you like them to go after? There is nobody left.

I'm guessing there will be in the next few weeks.

 

[Bri]

how'd this wind up? both signed or just one?

 

[massraider]

how'd this wind up? both signed or just one?

NFLN reporting Leftwich has been signed.

 

[Godsbrother]

how'd this wind up? both signed or just one?

NFLN reporting Leftwich has been signed.

Channel 4 WTAE Sports Pittsburgh is reporting this as well...

 

[BigSteelThrill]

PFT and tSN just blow.

 

[Golden Mike Tomczak]

Theres always Kordell....

 

[Tyranny]

From the Steeler site

By BOB LABRIOLA

Steelers.com

LATROBE – A couple of veteran NFL quarterbacks who previously had said they were interested in signing with a team where they would have a chance to compete for a starting job were here today going through a workout in the hopes of becoming Ben Roethlisberger’s backup.

Daunte Culpepper and Byron Leftwich went through a Sunday morning workout for a Steelers team looking for a veteran quarterback after Charlie Batch broke his right collarbone in the preseason opener on Aug. 8 against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Following the workout, the Steelers went to work with the agents for both players, and it was shortly after the team’s only practice of the day at Saint Vincent College that Coach Mike Tomlin announced Leftwich had signed.

“We made an agreement with Byron Leftwich to sign and be a quarterback with the Pittsburgh Steelers,” said Tomlin. “We have some familiarity there, because Ken Anderson, our quarterbacks coach, worked with him down in Jacksonville.”

A former No. 1 pick of the Jaguars in 2003, Leftwich has completed 58.6 percent of his passes over 49 career NFL games for 9,321 yards, with 52 touchdowns, 38 interceptions and a career passer rating of 79.7.

During his three seasons as the Jaguars primary starting quarterback, Leftwich was a part of a team that improved from 5-11 in 2003 to 9-7 and then to 12-4 in 2005.

“He’s a young guy, had a great workout here this afternoon, is very lean, looks to be in great shape,” said Tomlin. “He’s a smart guy, a been-there, done-that guy. He’s been a franchise quarterback for a playoff-caliber team. We’re fortunate to be able to add a guy like him to the mix, and we look forward to putting him in the group as quickly as we can. Hopefully we can have him up to snuff so he can participate as soon as Thursday night in Toronto (vs. the Buffalo Bills).”

Leftwich, 28, lost out in a head-to-head battle with David Garrard last September to be the Jaguars starter, and then he signed with Atlanta, which was in need of quarterback help after Michael Vick went to prison on dog-fighting and related charges.

Leftwich played in only a few games and was released by the Falcons after the 2007 season, and he was out of football until signing with the Steelers today. When asked why he thought Leftwich was out of football, Tomlin said, “Your guess is as good as mine, based on what I saw today.”

After becoming the Jaguars starter three games into his rookie season, Leftwich began to have injury problems. He missed three games in 2004 with a knee injury, five games in 2005 with an ankle injury and then 10 games in 2006 with an injury to the same ankle.

As for Batch, Tomlin had said immediately after the game against the Eagles that Batch would miss four-to-six weeks and he would not be placed on the injured reserve list. But with surgery scheduled for Monday at noon, Tomlin said the team will know more about Batch’s prognosis once the procedure is done.

“We’re just going to let the play talk,” said Tomlin about whether Leftwich will have a chance to take the backup job away from Batch. “You know how we do it. We’re going to evaluate what we see based on performance. At this point, (Leftwich) is a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers. We have a level of expectation, he has a level of expectation. Hopefully they meet and he goes out and plays well and then those are good problems to have, problems we’ll address at the appropriate time.”

The Steelers also added competition at punter with the signing of veteran Mitch Berger.

Berger, 36, is a 12-year veteran from Colorado, who has 730 career punts for five different teams. He has a career net average of 43.1 yards with 233 inside the 20 and 72 touchbacks. The 6-4, 228 Berger has a career net average of 35.9 yards.

“Mitch Berger was brought in to compete with Paul Ernster,” said Tomlin. “It’s important that we have two veteran guys who have kicked in the National Football League. They’re going to battle it out, kick for kick, over the next few weeks, and whoever our punter is will have earned it. I think that’s important.

To make room on the roster for Leftwich and Berger, the Steelers waived WR Garran Walker and LB Anthony Trucks.

The other roster move made on Sunday was the activation of four-time Pro Bowl nose tackle Casey Hampton from the physically unable to perform list. Hampton had spent two weeks on PUP after failing the team’s conditioning test on July 27.

“It was a Sunday the day we reported to camp and put him on PUP,” said Tomlin. “We met last Sunday and evaluated the progress, met again today and evaluated the progress. We felt it was up to snuff, very impressed. He’s down a significant amount of weight and he’s ready to go. By no means is it a finished product. You’ll see he’ll continue to get extra work after practice as we continue to push to where we want to be. The only emphasis is to make sure he’s the most dominant nose tackle in football. I like where we are. We’re on the planet and moving in that direction.”

INJURY REPORT: DE Kyle Clement (knee) will have an MRI on Monday; ILB Mike Humpal (stinger) originally was injured against the Eagles, and when he tried to return to practice he re-injured it; C Justin Hartwig (knee) had some discomfort and is expected to return on Monday: FS Ryan Mundy (high ankle) was in a protective boot and may miss the next two preseason games; OT Jeremy Parquet (foot) is day-to-day.

 

[Tex Goldstein]

From the Steeler siteBy BOB LABRIOLASteelers.comLATROBE – A couple of veteran NFL quarterbacks who previously had said they were interested in signing with a team where they would have a chance to compete for a starting job were here today going through a workout in the hopes of becoming Ben Roethlisberger’s backup.Daunte Culpepper and Byron Leftwich went through a Sunday morning workout for a Steelers team looking for a veteran quarterback after Charlie Batch broke his right collarbone in the preseason opener on Aug. 8 against the Philadelphia Eagles.Following the workout, the Steelers went to work with the agents for both players, and it was shortly after the team’s only practice of the day at Saint Vincent College that Coach Mike Tomlin announced Leftwich had signed.“We made an agreement with Byron Leftwich to sign and be a quarterback with the Pittsburgh Steelers,” said Tomlin. “We have some familiarity there, because Ken Anderson, our quarterbacks coach, worked with him down in Jacksonville.”A former No. 1 pick of the Jaguars in 2003, Leftwich has completed 58.6 percent of his passes over 49 career NFL games for 9,321 yards, with 52 touchdowns, 38 interceptions and a career passer rating of 79.7.During his three seasons as the Jaguars primary starting quarterback, Leftwich was a part of a team that improved from 5-11 in 2003 to 9-7 and then to 12-4 in 2005.“He’s a young guy, had a great workout here this afternoon, is very lean, looks to be in great shape,” said Tomlin. “He’s a smart guy, a been-there, done-that guy. He’s been a franchise quarterback for a playoff-caliber team. We’re fortunate to be able to add a guy like him to the mix, and we look forward to putting him in the group as quickly as we can. Hopefully we can have him up to snuff so he can participate as soon as Thursday night in Toronto (vs. the Buffalo Bills).”Leftwich, 28, lost out in a head-to-head battle with David Garrard last September to be the Jaguars starter, and then he signed with Atlanta, which was in need of quarterback help after Michael Vick went to prison on dog-fighting and related charges.Leftwich played in only a few games and was released by the Falcons after the 2007 season, and he was out of football until signing with the Steelers today. When asked why he thought Leftwich was out of football, Tomlin said, “Your guess is as good as mine, based on what I saw today.”After becoming the Jaguars starter three games into his rookie season, Leftwich began to have injury problems. He missed three games in 2004 with a knee injury, five games in 2005 with an ankle injury and then 10 games in 2006 with an injury to the same ankle.As for Batch, Tomlin had said immediately after the game against the Eagles that Batch would miss four-to-six weeks and he would not be placed on the injured reserve list. But with surgery scheduled for Monday at noon, Tomlin said the team will know more about Batch’s prognosis once the procedure is done.“We’re just going to let the play talk,” said Tomlin about whether Leftwich will have a chance to take the backup job away from Batch. “You know how we do it. We’re going to evaluate what we see based on performance. At this point, (Leftwich) is a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers. We have a level of expectation, he has a level of expectation. Hopefully they meet and he goes out and plays well and then those are good problems to have, problems we’ll address at the appropriate time.”

Making the best of a team need here. Hopefully Leftwich won't need to see time in regular season.

 

[BigSteelThrill]

“He’s a young guy, had a great workout here this afternoon, is very lean, looks to be in great shape,” said Tomlin.

Nice. I bet the fitness level of both Byron and Dante were heavily scrutinized.

 

[Anonymous Internet User]

how'd this wind up? both signed or just one?

NFLN reporting Leftwich has been signed.

I heard Leftwich is still winding up

 

[daddymag]

Looks like it's just Leftwich. Don't forget, he and Ben know each other pretty well, played against each other in college. I think it's a good fit as long as Lefty doesn't have to play.

Also signed punter Mitch Berger!

 

[5-ish Finkle]

I think it's a good fit as long as Lefty doesn't have to play.

So, you're saying that as long as they signed the guy who looked best wearing the baseball cap backwards you're okay with whoever? Awesome That's like saying "I think having the worst lawyer in town on retainer is a great idea....as long as he never has to defend me in court."The problem is, they have to be concerned about if the #2 DOES have to play. If their OL pass blocks like it did last year, Leftwich may never get a pass off.Stay healthy, Ben!!

 

[Anthony Borbely]

I realize Leftwich has some flaws, such as his slow windup delivery. But he was a starting QB for a few years and he did a respectable job. People act like he is a complete scrub or something. You could do a lot worse for a backup QB.

 

[Weiner Dog]

Sports agents nationwide will be inserting the Culpepper debacle into their PowerPoint presentations. The slide will be entitled, "Why you should not represent yourself".

The following page will have a photo of Teddy Bruschi signing his 2-year, $4mm deal this past offseason with a "whopping" $1.2mm signing bonus.

 

[Joe Bryant]

I realize Leftwich has some flaws, such as his slow windup delivery. But he was a starting QB for a few years and he did a respectable job. People act like he is a complete scrub or something. You could do a lot worse for a backup QB.

For sure. I like Leftwich in this spot a lot. J

 

[jurb26]

I realize Leftwich has some flaws, such as his slow windup delivery. But he was a starting QB for a few years and he did a respectable job. People act like he is a complete scrub or something. You could do a lot worse for a backup QB.

For sure. I like Leftwich in this spot a lot. J

Lefty scares me as a Steeler fan. His slow release and led feet will not complement our poor Oline very well. Like I said earlier, I hope Cpep can outperform him and earn the spot. Either way, we are talking about a backup and both guys are an upgrade from what the Steelers currently have IMO. That ultimately is what this is all about.

 

[FunkyPlutos]

I realize Leftwich has some flaws, such as his slow windup delivery. But he was a starting QB for a few years and he did a respectable job. People act like he is a complete scrub or something. You could do a lot worse for a backup QB.

Very

 

[analog_hiss]

Leftwich does look a bit leaner.

http://kdka.com/video/?id=44805@kdka.dayport.com

 

[Franknbeans]

Sunday, August 10, 2008

Leftwich signs, but what does it mean?

The Steelers signed Byron Leftwich and have led him to believe he has a chance to beat out Charlie Batch for the No. 2 job in Pittsburgh behind Ben Roethlisberger.

Maybe Leftwich was buying it, but I'm not.

Batch is a Pittsburgh guy who's very involved in the community, something that's very important to the Rooneys. He's also very popular with his teammates - perhaps more so than Roethlisberger.

And if rookie Dennis Dixon continues to show that he can be an eventual replacement for Batch, there won't be any room on the roster for Leftwich.

So long as Batch is only going to be out four to six weeks, I don't look for Leftwich to be around all that long.

 

[Mark Wimer]

From the Sunday email update, confirmation that just Leftwich was signed.

 

[Osaurus]

I realize Leftwich has some flaws, such as his slow windup delivery. But he was a starting QB for a few years and he did a respectable job. People act like he is a complete scrub or something. You could do a lot worse for a backup QB.

For sure. I like Leftwich in this spot a lot. J

He is a very good pocket passer, but remember his old nickname: Michael Brick.

 

[Sheriff66]

I realize Leftwich has some flaws, such as his slow windup delivery. But he was a starting QB for a few years and he did a respectable job. People act like he is a complete scrub or something. You could do a lot worse for a backup QB.

I like the signing, not much out there at this point. Cpep doesn't want to sign unless he can compete for the starting job...

 

[baconisgood]

This needs to be a reality show.

Alex Trebek: Given that the contestants are competing in a foreign language, we will give them a chance to warm up.Cullpepper: yinzzzzLeftwich: yinzzzzAlex Trebek: It means "wash" in PA. Dante rang in first.Culpepper: What is "waaaaasssssh"Alex Trebek: That is incorrect! Byron what is your answer?Leftwich: What is "warsh"Alex Trebeck: Correct!Leftwich: I'll pick family life for 2000 Alex.Alex Trebeck: The answer is "My woman, my woman, my wife."Culpepper: "What is my sister."Alex Trebek: That is correct!

Alex: And now for the Final Jeopardy answer: Best opponent for fattening up your stats in an easy win.Culpepper: What are the Cleveland Browns?Leftwich: What are the Cleveland Browns?

Alex: I'm sorry the correct answer is "who day?", Yes, "who Day?".

 

[Godsbrother]

I realize Leftwich has some flaws, such as his slow windup delivery. But he was a starting QB for a few years and he did a respectable job. People act like he is a complete scrub or something. You could do a lot worse for a backup QB.

For sure. I like Leftwich in this spot a lot. J

Lefty scares me as a Steeler fan. His slow release and led feet will not complement our poor Oline very well. Like I said earlier, I hope Cpep can outperform him and earn the spot. Either way, we are talking about a backup and both guys are an upgrade from what the Steelers currently have IMO. That ultimately is what this is all about.

I have no problem with Lefty as a backup. He's got experience with some pretty good Jacksonville teams. Cpep hasn't shown much since Moss left the Vikings. I think the jury is out on the o-line this season. It may not be saying much but I have a feeling they're going to be better than last season plus I think the Steelers offense is absolutely loaded with weapons which can take some pressure off the line a bit. After seeing Dixon and Potts there is no way I would want to turn the team over to them.Let's face it -- if Ben goes down for any length of time the Steelers are screwed regardless if Batch, Lefty or Cpep are taking the snaps. However if they need someone to finish up a game or make a start here or there they could do a whole lot worse than Leftwich. I am glad they didn't waste any time signing him.

 

[Drunken Cowboy]

Sunday, August 10, 2008Leftwich signs, but what does it mean? The Steelers signed Byron Leftwich and have led him to believe he has a chance to beat out Charlie Batch for the No. 2 job in Pittsburgh behind Ben Roethlisberger.Maybe Leftwich was buying it, but I'm not.Batch is a Pittsburgh guy who's very involved in the community, something that's very important to the Rooneys. He's also very popular with his teammates - perhaps more so than Roethlisberger.And if rookie Dennis Dixon continues to show that he can be an eventual replacement for Batch, there won't be any room on the roster for Leftwich.So long as Batch is only going to be out four to six weeks, I don't look for Leftwich to be around all that long.

Dixon could end up on the practice squad this year.

 

[Godsbrother]

Sunday, August 10, 2008

Leftwich signs, but what does it mean?

The Steelers signed Byron Leftwich and have led him to believe he has a chance to beat out Charlie Batch for the No. 2 job in Pittsburgh behind Ben Roethlisberger.

Maybe Leftwich was buying it, but I'm not.

Batch is a Pittsburgh guy who's very involved in the community, something that's very important to the Rooneys. He's also very popular with his teammates - perhaps more so than Roethlisberger.

And if rookie Dennis Dixon continues to show that he can be an eventual replacement for Batch, there won't be any room on the roster for Leftwich.

So long as Batch is only going to be out four to six weeks, I don't look for Leftwich to be around all that long.

Dixon could end up on the practice squad this year.

It really depends on if they like him enough to protect him. If Dixon ends up on the practice squad that means they weren't so impressed that they wouldn't risk losing him.The only thing Dixon showed me is that he doesn't appear ready for prime time.