The Steelers now need a backup plan.
Second-string quarterback Charlie Batch is lost for 4-6 weeks after suffering a broken right collarbone, his throwing arm, in the Steelers' first preseason game. The 33-year-old Batch injured his shoulder trying to scramble on a broken play. Another reason why preseason games are a waste of time.
Byron Leftwich, the former starting quarterback for the Jacksonville Jaguars, will pay the Steelers a visit and could possibly sign with the team to serve as Ben Roethlisberger's backup.
Leftwich lost his starting job last year to David Garrard and was traded to the Atlanta Falcons. The former Marshall standout did not have a good stint with the Falcons and was released last February. Let's hope Leftwich signs because should Roethlisberger go down, the Steelers will be forced to turn to rookie Dennis Dixon, the team's fifth-round draft choice.
Dixon was 6 of 9 for 30 yards Friday night but is raw. He is coming off a serious knee injury and the Steelers were hoping to bring him along slowly. Batch's injury accelerates Dixon's learning curve.
The score was an afterthought. For those who care, the Steelers defeated the Philadelphia Eagles, 16-10. The starters barely broke a sweat and very few second-stringers looked impressive.
One player in particular who stood out was Steelers second-year linebacker Lawrence Timmons, the team's first-round pick last year. Timmons is battling Larry Foote for the right inside linebacker spot and has looked good in training and made a couple of eye-catching plays against the Eagles.
Timmons looked fast and showed his closing speed on one play that brought on cheers of "L.T.! L.T.!" from the crowd. Timmons and fellow second-year lineback Lamar Woodley could have breakout years. Both bring speed and energy to a defensive unit that wore down towards the end of 2007.
Keywords: Byron Leftwich, Charlie Batch, Dennis Dixon, Lawrence Timmons, NFL, Steelers
