YinzPitt

So now that Dennis Dixon has made a start with the Pittsburgh Steelers first team offense, I think it’s time to break down the pros and cons  between the two possible starters.  It easy to see and debate this issue now, both have had time and experience playing with the first team guys, and both so far have looked lackluster.

Let’s start out with Byron Leftwich first.  I’ll list his pros first, and then his cons second, and we’ll see what transpires from all of that.

Pros:

1) He’s experienced, he’s won with the Jaguars and he knows how to get it done.

2) He’s got a strong arm.  He brings it on pretty much every pass.

3) He’s got decent field vision.  He has the ability to check down receivers and get it to the guy that’s open.

4) He’s got pocket presence when he has the time, and can be deadly when he’s not pressured.

Cons:

1) Immobile as it gets.

2) Injury plagued ankle.  If he’s named starter, it may not matter because of his ankle being glass.

3) Slow delivery.  Just has an absolutely slow throwing motion.  He always takes to long to throw the ball.

4) Strong Arm is a blessing and a fault.  He throws it hard regardless if your 50 yards away or 5 yards away.

5) Proven loser as well.  Played with the Bucs last year and was benched, but that whole team sucked.

OK, so now that we have the pros and cons listed for Byron, let’s move on to Dennis Dixon and what he can provide for the Steelers through the first four weeks of the season.

Pros:

1) Mobile, mobile, mobile, and he’s certainly not afraid to use his speed to get him out of harms way.

2) Decent arm strength.  He DOES have the ability to make deep passes.

3) Hardly any video on him, which would make it harder for teams to read him and his tendencies.

4) Was and is highly skilled/talented.  Even after his knee injury, he’s got high potential.

Cons:

1) Rookie, making it easier for other teams to out scheme Arians offensive play calling.

2) He has legs, and will hold rather than run through progressions.

3) Skiddish, he’s still a rookie and when he feels he’s rushed, he runs.

4) Can he lead the team?  He showed last night he can do somethings, but not ALL things.

So now that we’ve listed the pros and cons of both Byron Leftwich and Dennis Dixon…who do you feel still brings the best ability to the Steelers first 4-6 games for this season?  Obviously, it’s only short term, but these first four games have the impact to keep us out of the play-offs for the second year in a row if things go south again for the Steelers.

I personally, still feel that Leftwich has the upper hand.  He knows the playbook, and can win with this team.  Dixon could/should also get some playing time with a special package if Leftwich is doing bad and or the team needs a boost.  His legs are just too much to pass up with Ben Roethlisberger sitting on the bench.  All I can say is that it’s going to be a rather tough decision for Mike Tomlin and company to sort out.

The bigger question out there is what do you all think?  What are your pros and cons, as well as who do you think the starter should be and why?

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