OTA Practice Report: Leftwich continues to take 1st team reps at quarterback

OTA Practice Report: Leftwich continues to take 1st team reps at quarterback

6:54pm - Tuesday, May 18th, 2010 by DePaoli

The Pittsburgh Steelers got back to work this morning for their first set of what will be twelve OTA practices over the next four weeks.

With Ben Roethlisberger absent from OTA's and suspended for at least the first four games of the season, all eyes continue to be on the quarterback position.

For the fourth straight practice, dating back to mini-camp, Byron Leftwich took first team reps at quarterback and thus far appears to be the front runner to win the starting quarterback job. The coaching staff has confidence in Leftwich as do his teammates.

A slimmer Leftwich threw the ball well today after having an inconsistent mini-camp in his first set of practices with the team.

Head coach Mike Tomlin acknowledged today that Leftwich has received the bulk of work but there will be opportunities for Charlie Batch and Dennis Dixon in the near future. However, Tomlin noted that there won't be an equal opportunity for all three quarterbacks.

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Comments

hull07

What if Leftwich starts 4-0, and is putting up good numbers, do you pull him in favor of Ben?

05/18/2010 7:15pm

jeffed

It depends on where Ben is when it comes to being ready to get in there. I don't think they will have to worry about that though.

05/18/2010 7:31pm

jeffed

Watch Dwyer on youtube, he's constantly outrunning defenders.

05/18/2010 7:32pm

gjdmd

If the Steelers go 4-0 and Leftwich puts up good numbers, they should erect a statue of Tomlin outside Heinz Field, and give both him and Ariens 10 year contract extensions! What would make anybody think a journeyman like Leftwich is capable of this level of success, let alone capable of replacing a 2 time Super Bowl winning quarterback.

05/18/2010 7:35pm

SV84

If Leftwich goes 4-0 Ben eventually gets back in because he is younger. But if Dixon gets that kind of start and they leave him in and he goes, say 11-5 or 12-4 then it gets interesting. I think Dixon is the only guy who could challenge Ben, but he'd need to be real good.

05/18/2010 7:59pm

SV84

If all goes well with Ben we got lucky that the bye is like one or two weeks after.

05/18/2010 8:00pm

BillCitro

LOL @ those suggesting Leftwich or Dixon even has a chance of remaining when Ben returns. Even if they play out of their minds for 4 games, you don't keep a 100 million dollar 2 time SB Winning QB on the bench for those guys. ROFL

05/18/2010 10:26pm

↑ previous comments ↑

CM2005

Dwyer doesnt have great 40 numbers, but he consistently get behind DB's and out runs them. He has football speed with pads on. He's got a great attitude and he's hungry to learn more. He is a STEAL at 6th round. He's a big guy and loves to make contact too.

05/18/2010 10:36pm

Dale Grdnic

Leftwich will be the quarterback the first four games, and Ben will get his job back when he returns. I don't believe there will be any question one way or another. The only way Leftwich doesn't stay at quarterback is if he is horrendous or he gets injured.

05/19/2010 4:37am

orsulak

If Byron starts 4-0 or even 3-1, he will be the QB until he loses one or two games.. Then Ben can look like a savior, and the controversy will be minimized.

05/19/2010 8:59am

Strike

Imagine the scenario of the Steelers get a good start with Leftwich.

05/19/2010 9:43am

orsulak

I'm thinking that we might see a resurgence of the Steelers D this year, and a running game -both of which would be forced by Ben being suspended/the trade of Santonio. It may not be a bad thing after all.

05/19/2010 10:20am