I Believe Batch Will Start

[Iron City South]

Tomlin wants "experience" in the postion and I just don't think Tomlin feels comfortable with Dixon at this point ... and that's really too bad.

If Batch is named the starter, Dixon's days in Pittsburgh are numbered.

[Zachintosh66]

If Batch is named the starter, Dixon's days in Pittsburgh are numbered.

I totally agree, If Batch is named starter after barely practicing and getting less than about 3 quarters of total play in pre-season, that would tell me there is something wrong (some intagibles) with Dixon that we arent aware of.

[DanRooney]

Dixon is the starter. At this point he has more experience with this offense. That's why Tomlin was so quick to get him out of there in favor of Batch who played for more than a half. There's no way China Doll starts.

[JensK]

Well either that, or the coaching staff is just completely lost. There is, imo, two ways to look at it after yesterday:

1. They have, despite a pretty good TC from Dixon, decided that there is no way hell he'll ever start for Steelers after the performance in Denver.

2. They wanted to rest him, to avoid further injuries. They also needed to get batch some playing time as he will be the primary backup now.


Personally i think number two sounds most logical. Pretty much all of TC would have been wasted offensively if they don't go ahead and use Dixon. Sure, Ward and ARE have been taken snaps with Batch before, but thats it. All the rookies and whatnot have been used to take snaps from Dixon and leftwich, and even Hines said that it makes a huge difference for a WR who is in the pocket. It also makes sense that they did not play Dixon more than one drive, as they did not want to risk him getting injured as well. Loosing 3 QBs for at least the first 4 games would be too big of a blow.

[Steelers_All_Day_43]

Mao no way Batch starts. If he does, he wil probably get hurt. If Dixon starts, I think it will be good for us

[SteelDad]

I see the thought about Batch starting, but I just can't see it happening. He has not been in any position to be ready to start. DD not starting is going to send a very negative message to the rest of the team.

[K Train]

both are so limited with the playbook....they HAVE to go with dixons upside, theres no justifying batch at all

[steelcitysfinestXL]

both are so limited with the playbook....they HAVE to go with dixons upside, theres no justifying batch at all

I dont see how you dont go with Dixon at this point. He has the 1st team reps, he has the support of his teammates and he gives them the best chance to survive 4 games. Those of you that said Lefty wouldnt survive 4 games... imagine Chuck??? He wouldnt make it passed week 2!

This has got to be the uitimate motivator for DD. They basically told him all offseason: "You arent good enough to start!" Now, due to injuries, they are gonna be forced to start him. Not sure how much more you could want to prove EVERYONE wrong!

[JollyRob68]

both are so limited with the playbook....they HAVE to go with dixons upside, theres no justifying batch at all

BAtch know the playbook better than Ben. Tomlin is worried about Batch being fragile. I good worry to have. However, Starting Batch in the first game will take the pressure off Dixon. Bring Dixon in and if he gets on a roll,let him roll.

I want to see what the kid has and nows the time.
I would also like the Steelers to Pick up Matt Leinart if he's released or even make a trade for him as insurance(adjusting that contract of course). They can send Hartwig & Bailey to the Cardinals. What do you all think?

[Real Deal Steel]

both are so limited with the playbook....they HAVE to go with dixons upside, theres no justifying batch at all

I kind of agree with this. If Batch had more snaps, I'd like for batch to start but let's face it, batch hasn't played enough to justify starting and playing at the level we need.