The fans are on the radio shows asking for Dennis Dixon to start – or at least give him a chance to start.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are without their star quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger, for at least the first four games this season as Big Ben is serving a suspension for violating the league’s personal conduct policy. 

The Steelers went out and signed Byron Leftwich after the suspension was announced.  Leftwich was released from Tampa Bay after a dismal 2009 that ended up with him on the bench.  But Leftwich was on the Steelers last Super Bowl winning team; hHe was brought in after back-up Charlie Batch went down in 2008 and performed well in limited action. 

Dennis Dixon was forced into action late last season against the Baltimore Ravens.  The rookie actually performed rather well considering he was third on the depth chart.  During the first preseason game, Dixon was able to escape the pass rush and showed even more promise with his arm. 

Mobility is the only attribute that Dixon really has over Leftwich at this point.  That is not saying that Dixon doesn’t have promise, but the Steelers have a four week opening and want a seasoned veteran with experience managing this offense. 

The only way I can see Dixon getting the chance that so many are asking for is if leftwich blows up and the offensive line can’t keep the pass rush away from him.