Over at SB Nation’s Steelers blog, Behind The Steel Curtain, among an extensive recap are some good observations on Pittsburgh’s starter last night, Dennis Dixon. All things considered, it was a pretty solid showing:
Steelers Fans Grade Dennis Dixon’s Performance
Let’s first start with Dennis Dixon, who filled in for Ben Roethlisberger on short notice after the coaching staff of the Steelers opted to sit Big Ben because of the headaches he was getting following practice sessions earlier in the week. Here were Dixon’s numbers for the game. 12 of 26 for 145 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT; 3 rushes, 27 yards, 1 TD
Dixon was neither spectacular nor awful. He made a few really nice plays both in and out of the pocket; he did a generally good job getting the offense in and out of the huddle; he went through his progressions fairly well without getting flustered in the pocket; and he showed a competitive spirit that proved the biggest of stages wouldn’t overwhelm him emotionally or psychologically.
He did however make some mistakes. Obviously the late interception was costly. He got away with a few other bad decisions – most notably the out pattern he threw that was almost intercepted by L. Webb in the 2nd half. He also had several very positive plays negated by penalties. His lengthy 31 yard run on 3rd down during the Steelers second possession was erased by a holding penalty. He also had a big gain to Santonio Holmes taken away due to a Mewelde Moore hold on Ray Lewis. The Steelers would have had the ball at the Ravens 23 yard line with the score tied at 7. Instead they were forced to punt and the Ravens capitalized with a touchdown drive of their own to take a 14-7 lead in to intermission. It’s an awful lot to ask of a kid to lead a team to victory in Baltimore’s house in the first place. It’s an even greater task to expect him to do so when two of his better plays get negated by penalties.
All in all, I’d give Dixon a grade of B for the evening, all things considered. That was an awfully tough spot for him to make his first NFL start. His teammates helped him at times, but they probably could have done even more to lift some of the burden off the young kid’s shoulders. That’s the way the cookie’s crumbled for Pittsburgh so far in 2009. Still, the Steelers now know they have something in Dixon as Big Ben’s backup. Given the number of hits Ben takes, that’s good to know.
For more on the game from the Steeler’s perspective, including a response to Steelers fans complaining about Pittsburgh offensive coordinator Bruce Arians, check out the full recap.
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