Leftwich signed - confirmed

[Diamond Dave]

STEELERS SIGN LEFTWICH

Posted by mvuk
http://acx.prospero.com/n/docs/docDownload.aspx?webtag=KDKA_Sports&guid=88da40ad-96cf-4aaf-bb51-134bfd385b70&width=107&box=n (http://pod08.prospero.com/n/docs/docDownload.aspx?webtag=KDKA_Sports&guid=88da40ad-96cf-4aaf-bb51-134bfd385b70)

Just minutes ago, the Steelers announced that they've signed veteran quarterback Byron Leftwich to be Ben Roethlisberger's backup until Charlie Batch returns. The Steelers brought in both Leftwich and Daunte Culpepper, but, decided to sign Leftwich. He is expected to start practicing with the team tomorrow.

*Other notes: Batch will undergo surgery tomorrow

*Mike Tomlin announced that rookie Ryan Mundy will miss the next couple of games with a high ankle sprain.

More details to follow

[JEFFRO]

Okay, first thing is for Sanwich to lose a few pounds.

[DaSwitz]

Who did they cut to bring in Berger and Leftwich?

[Dgenx321]

If he could stay healthy he'd be one hell of a QB in the NFL.....

[DaSwitz]

Okay, first thing is for Sanwich to lose a few pounds.

I did read last night that Byron has dropped like 25lbs and is down to like 220-225lbs.

[SteelrzGirl]

Whoooooooooo! Yes!! CHAD!!

[DaSwitz]

So, where's Charlie Frye? I think we should bring him in too for good measure. Can't have too many Mac QBs on your roster.

[thesteelcity]

this sucks, I wanted this guy named Chad everyone has been talking about.

[JPbucco]

After learning that earlier in the day they had brought in the 228 pound "Berger"...Leftwich was overheard saying..."Mmmm Burger...where do I sign?".

[Steelers.exe]

'Batch will undergo surgery tomorrow"

Uh,....that right there tells me the 4-8 week est. was way the fuck off.

Anyway, I know there's not many options available, but I hate this pick up..

[Steelz]

so......... we're still signing Chad Pennington, right?

lol, naw honestly i like this signing. I think this is actually a upgrade over Batch if he can stay healthy.

[pete]

Hey, does anyone else want to use the Chad Pennington joke before it becomes not funny?

[Scott T]

too late? ;) ;)

[FAB802]

Who's Chad Pennington?

[SteelrzGirl]

Duh! He's our new back up!

[SteelrzGirl]

Hey, does anyone else want to use the Chad Pennington joke before it becomes not funny?

yes....................

[Steelz]

Besides the injuries, i really dont see what the knock is on Leftwich. I think he's better than Batch & he'll make a solid vet back-up.

[Spike]

a link

Leftwich signs as backup Steelers quarterback
Sunday, August 10, 2008
By Gerry Dulac, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

<!-- end story_image_box_size_1 -->The Steelers signed Byron Leftwich to be their backup quarterback, choosing him over Daunte Culpepper after bringing both veteran quarterbacks to training camp today.

Leftwich (6-5, 242) and Culpepper (6-4, 260) each passed physicals in Pittsburgh this morning and reported to training camp in Latrobe for individual workouts while the Steelers debated which quarterback to sign.

The move to sign Leftwich, a former No. 1 pick of the Jacksonville Jaguars, was necessitated when Charlie Batch, 33, broke his right collarbone in Friday night's preseason opener against the Philadelphia Eagles, a 16-13 victory.

Batch will have surgery tomorrow that will keep him out a minimum six weeks.
Also, nose tackle Casey Hampton was taken off the physically unable to perform list today and joined his teammates for his first practice since reporting to training camp 40 pounds overweight.

http://www.pittsburghpostgazette.com/pg/08223/903337-66.stm

[Royd92040]

I think I'm happy about this move.

[Royd92040]

*Mike Tomlin announced that rookie Ryan Mundy will miss the next couple of games with a high ankle sprain.


Thats going to make it hard for the rook to make the team.

[Far51]

Thats going to make it hard for the rook to make the team.

PS then, Any news as if Daunte is still on our rader.

[Blitzburghv5]

Daunte couldve doubled as a lineman. He's as big as one.

[Steeler Nation.com]

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin announces the signing of free agent QB Byron Leftwich.

More... (http://www.nfl.com/goto?id=09000d5d809eac00)

[Supersteeler]

According to the ESPN article I just read, Dante wanted to compete for a starting job, hence the Steelers chose Leftwich.

[Andymisiu]

This is a great sign for the Steelers! He's a good starter and a GREAT backup QB. Can anyone say see ya later Batch? maybe. But if we keep Batch worse comes to worse for Byron and at least he gets to publicly audition for a starting job for another team in the pre-season. Who knows, maybe Byron looks great in camp, batch gets healthy, a QB goes down for another team and we trade Byron for some draft picks. I think it's a win, win for the Steelers. Good move.

[Blitzburghv5]

According to the ESPN article I just read, Dante wanted to compete for a starting job, hence the Steelers chose Leftwich.

Hehehehehe.........lmao.............roflmfao...... .....

Are you kidding me ?? Compete.........for a STARTING job. Dude wasnt even signed and was about to become a malignant cell.

Fuck off Daunte.......grow some bigger hands, why dont ya.........

[Spike]

So now our back-up Qb is 10X better than any of the starting Ratbird QB's - - - I love it.

[Superman]

So this makes Pennington our 3rd string QB?

[blitz]

is he willingto be a back up for multiple years? who knows but he will be a good back up until charlie is ready. while he is here pick his brain for any information on the jags he can give.

[SteelrzGirl]

So this makes Pennington our 3rd string QB?
YES! Isnt this exciting?

while he is here pick his brain for any information on the jags he can give.I'll take anything he's willing to give.

Culpepper is a complete tool thinking he was going to compete for Ben's job. Is that really true? He smokes copious amounts of dope.

[DrunkinIrishman]

I can live with this. He is not as bad as a qb that some make him. Injury issues have been his biggest issues, but that was always Charlie's also. I sure would not want him as my starter, but would gladly have him as a backup until Batch comes back or even longer if he proves himself. That has to be a joke that Culpepper wanted to compete fro the starting job. I definately would take him over Culpepper.

[Vader]

We just need Fumblewich to hold on to the ball and give our offense a chance until Ben can come back if he gets hurt. He doesn't need to be Peyton Manning just run the offense and hold on to the ball.

[Avoid Lloyd1975]

This is a great sign for the Steelers! He's a good starter and a GREAT backup QB. Can anyone say see ya later Batch? maybe. But if we keep Batch worse comes to worse for Byron and at least he gets to publicly audition for a starting job for another team in the pre-season. Who knows, maybe Byron looks great in camp, batch gets healthy, a QB goes down for another team and we trade Byron for some draft picks. I think it's a win, win for the Steelers. Good move.

Agree. I was thinking the same thing about Charlie. Does he get released when his injury heals? Do we trade Leftwich sometime this season? Who knows, especially if Drunkenmiller gets ahold of our team. We could see a change of direction in the way player transactions are done. I would love to keep Charlie and I don't think Leftwich is going to stay here as a permanent backup. Just glad that we brought in somebody to help solidify our bench, for now.

[Avoid Lloyd1975]

Actually, just thinking here. I think Batch did break the collarbone in front of his throwing arm. He probably will be a goner.

[jasen@cardiostack]

According to the ESPN article I just read, Dante wanted to compete for a starting job, hence the Steelers chose Leftwich.

thats the same reason they didnt sign me to be the backup

[Spike]

Oh how I used to make fun of him winding up and slinging them javelin's....

http://static.nfl.com/static/content/catch_all/nfl_image/b_leftwich_big_080730.jpg

[TMC]

The Steelers released Anthony Trucks (LB) and Gerrard Warren (WR). Warren is the guy that made the long catch from Dixon that was called back. Trucks is the guy that....well, got cut.

But, there are your roster moves to get the QB and punter.

[TMC]

Hey, the great thing about this, IF Leftwich comes in and gets some mop up time this season, maybe starts the last game because we have the division locked up (and we will).....then next offseason, if someone decides to sign him to start for them *cough* Bears, Fins, Ravens *cough* then we could get a comp pick.

Just wishful thinking....I know.

[Ben#7]

According to the ESPN article I just read, Dante wanted to compete for a starting job, hence the Steelers chose Leftwich.

That is probably the funniest most outrageous thing that I ever heard in my entire life.

If I were Colbert and Tomlin and he said that to me I wouldn't be able to control the laughter. He was probably laughed right out of Latrobe.

[Spike]

John Clayton:

Leftwich signed a one-year, $605,000 deal to join the Steelers. Because he signed for a minimum exception contract, the deal will only count $445,000 on the Steelers salary cap.


Berger agreed to a one-year, $830,000 contract. Berger's deal will only count $445,000 against the Steelers salary cap.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/trainingcamp08/news/story?id=3528603

[TMC]

You know why he signed, he wants a ring before he goes back to some shitty team.


That, and everyone looks good in the black and gold.

[DaSwitz]

John Clayton:

Leftwich signed a one-year, $605,000 deal to join the Steelers. Because he signed for a minimum exception contract, the deal will only count $445,000 on the Steelers salary cap.


Berger agreed to a one-year, $830,000 contract. Berger's deal will only count $445,000 against the Steelers salary cap.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/trainingcamp08/news/story?id=3528603

I'm sure some will still criticize Colbert & Co for this cap impact...

[Spike]

We got a vet minimum!

Hoo-ray! the template works!

[thesteelcity]

ouch, Berger makes more than a "proven", ex-starting QB. Shot right to the ego!

[Spike]

....more....

Steelers sign QB Byron Leftwich
Sunday, August 10, 2008
By BOB LABRIOLA
Steelers.com

LATROBE – A couple of veteran NFL quarterbacks who previously had said they were interested in signing with a team where they would have a chance to compete for a starting job were here today going through a workout in the hopes of becoming Ben Roethlisberger’s backup.

Daunte Culpepper and Byron Leftwich went through a Sunday morning workout for a Steelers team looking for a veteran quarterback after Charlie Batch broke his right collarbone in the preseason opener on Aug. 8 against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Following the workout, the Steelers went to work with the agents for both players, and it was shortly after the team’s only practice of the day at Saint Vincent College that Coach Mike Tomlin announced Leftwich had signed.

“We made an agreement with Byron Leftwich to sign and be a quarterback with the Pittsburgh Steelers,” said Tomlin. “We have some familiarity there, because Ken Anderson, our quarterbacks coach, worked with him down in Jacksonville.”

A former No. 1 pick of the Jaguars in 2003, Leftwich has completed 58.6 percent of his passes over 49 career NFL games for 9,321 yards, with 52 touchdowns, 38 interceptions and a career passer rating of 79.7.

During his three seasons as the Jaguars primary starting quarterback, Leftwich was a part of a team that improved from 5-11 in 2003 to 9-7 and then to 12-4 in 2005.

“He’s a young guy, had a great workout here this afternoon, is very lean, looks to be in great shape,” said Tomlin. “He’s a smart guy, a been-there, done-that guy. He’s been a franchise quarterback for a playoff-caliber team. We’re fortunate to be able to add a guy like him to the mix, and we look forward to putting him in the group as quickly as we can. Hopefully we can have him up to snuff so he can participate as soon as Thursday night in Toronto (vs. the Buffalo Bills).”

Leftwich, 28, lost out in a head-to-head battle with David Garrard last September to be the Jaguars starter, and then he signed with Atlanta, which was in need of quarterback help after Michael Vick went to prison on dog-fighting and related charges.

Leftwich played in only a few games and was released by the Falcons after the 2007 season, and he was out of football until signing with the Steelers today. When asked why he thought Leftwich was out of football, Tomlin said, “Your guess is as good as mine, based on what I saw today.”

After becoming the Jaguars starter three games into his rookie season, Leftwich began to have injury problems. He missed three games in 2004 with a knee injury, five games in 2005 with an ankle injury and then 10 games in 2006 with an injury to the same ankle.

As for Batch, Tomlin had said immediately after the game against the Eagles that Batch would miss four-to-six weeks and he would not be placed on the injured reserve list. But with surgery scheduled for Monday at noon, Tomlin said the team will know more about Batch’s prognosis once the procedure is done.

“We’re just going to let the play talk,” said Tomlin about whether Leftwich will have a chance to take the backup job away from Batch. “You know how we do it. We’re going to evaluate what we see based on performance. At this point, (Leftwich) is a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers. We have a level of expectation, he has a level of expectation. Hopefully they meet and he goes out and plays well and then those are good problems to have, problems we’ll address at the appropriate time.”

The Steelers also added competition at punter with the signing of veteran Mitch Berger.

Berger, 36, is a 12-year veteran from Colorado, who has 730 career punts for five different teams. He has a career net average of 43.1 yards with 233 inside the 20 and 72 touchbacks. The 6-4, 228 Berger has a career net average of 35.9 yards.

“Mitch Berger was brought in to compete with Paul Ernster,” said Tomlin. “It’s important that we have two veteran guys who have kicked in the National Football League. They’re going to battle it out, kick for kick, over the next few weeks, and whoever our punter is will have earned it. I think that’s important.

To make room on the roster for Leftwich and Berger, the Steelers waived WR Garran Walker and LB Anthony Trucks.

The other roster move made on Sunday was the activation of four-time Pro Bowl nose tackle Casey Hampton from the physically unable to perform list. Hampton had spent two weeks on PUP after failing the team’s conditioning test on July 27.

“It was a Sunday the day we reported to camp and put him on PUP,” said Tomlin. “We met last Sunday and evaluated the progress, met again today and evaluated the progress. We felt it was up to snuff, very impressed. He’s down a significant amount of weight and he’s ready to go. By no means is it a finished product. You’ll see he’ll continue to get extra work after practice as we continue to push to where we want to be. The only emphasis is to make sure he’s the most dominant nose tackle in football. I like where we are. We’re on the planet and moving in that direction.”

INJURY REPORT: DE Kyle Clement (knee) will have an MRI on Monday; ILB Mike Humpal (stinger) originally was injured against the Eagles, and when he tried to return to practice he re-injured it; C Justin Hartwig (knee) had some discomfort and is expected to return on Monday: FS Ryan Mundy (high ankle) was in a protective boot and may miss the next two preseason games; OT Jeremy Parquet (foot) is day-to-day.<!-- / message -->

[DaSwitz]

Man, that sucks about Kyle Clement and I hope Hartwig's sore knee is nothing...

[Spike]

“We’re just going to let the play talk,” said Tomlin about whether Leftwich will have a chance to take the backup job away from Batch. “You know how we do it. We’re going to evaluate what we see based on performance. At this point, (Leftwich) is a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers. We have a level of expectation, he has a level of expectation. Hopefully they meet and he goes out and plays well and then those are good problems to have, problems we’ll address at the appropriate time.”

Leftwich is only 28....I could see him being Batch's replacement - if it comes to that and he shows he can still play.

[Beaker]

I would like to laugh hysterically at this signing, but if I did you can bet ben would get nicked in the Bengals game and leftwich would come in and throw 4 TDs.

[Mud Dog]

Do you think he will ask Ben for the #7?



:-)

[FAB802]

Considering who your team is, it's comical that you could laugh at any other team or what they do.

[Spike]

I would laugh if the Gals pick up von Oelhoffen...that would get Beaker's head spinning.

[steelersoldier]

ummmm yeah if leftwich is better than batch then leftwich wouldn't of lost his starting job in atlanta. batch has been an awsome back up for us. does anybody know his record when starting for us???

[Supersteeler]

ummmm yeah if leftwich is better than batch then leftwich wouldn't of lost his starting job in atlanta. batch has been an awsome back up for us. does anybody know his record when starting for us???

Batch lost his starting job in Detroit....to Mike McMahan.

[Spike]

Batch lost his starting job in Detroit...plus now he's old and brittle and his contract is due up next year. Sorry Charlie.

[steelhawk]

MAC = QB conference?
Another interesting tidbit, Central Florida actully joined the MAC I think a year after Daunte left (only stayed for a few years though.

[Beaker]

I would laugh if the Gals pick up von Oelhoffen...that would get Beaker's head spinning.

Like it hasnt spun enough.

[Spike]

Like it hasnt spun enough.

Who is your back-up QB now anyway - has anyone ever heard of him?


nevermind, I found it

Backups - Ryan Fitzpatrick, Jeff Rowe, Jordan Palmer

[Superman]

we have four backup QBs.
Culpepper, Leftwich, Pennington and Dixon!
WOOOO

[FAB802]

Who is your back-up QB now anyway - has anyone ever heard of him?


nevermind, I found it

Backups - Ryan Fitzpatrick, Jeff Rowe, Jordan Palmer

Now that is an impressive list.

[thesteelcity]

good thing Palmer is durable or they are even more f'd than we would be.

[CornerBlitz]

we have four backup QBs.
Culpepper, Leftwich, Pennington and Dixon!
WOOOO

5, Mike Potts

[DaSwitz]

It's amazing how Steeler fans love their 2nd string QB. Batch has been a good backup, but he's certainly upgradeable.

[Steelers.exe]

If any of you think Leftwich is an upgrade over Charlie,....you've lost your damn mind.

[LetMePlay]

If any of you think Leftwich is an upgrade over Charlie,....you've lost your damn mind.

The same could have been said about Batch when he got here.

I dont think Leftwich is an actual upgrade but you never know.

[pete]

How many games did Charlie start last season?

[Spike]

“We’re just going to let the play talk,” said Tomlin about whether Leftwich will have a chance to take the backup job away from Batch. “You know how we do it. We’re going to evaluate what we see based on performance. At this point, (Leftwich) is a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers. We have a level of expectation, he has a level of expectation. Hopefully they meet and he goes out and plays well and then those are good problems to have, problems we’ll address at the appropriate time.”

Sounds to me like Tomlin is saying - "The job is up for grabs, it's yours if you want it."

[Hiwa Kaoru]

So. . . we signed a guy the Jags released.
Isn't he always breaking/tearing/straining/pulling some organ/muscle/limb?

[Steelers.exe]

So. . . we signed a guy the Jags released.
Isn't he always breaking/tearing/straining/pulling some organ/muscle/limb?

...and Falcons. Yeah he's the guy that has that horrendous wind up, looks like he's about to serve a volleyball.

[Spike]

If his bones aren't broke - he's better than what we have.

For half a milll you can't get a 2nd string long-snapper these days.

[thesteelcity]

you guys crack me up. Who did you want us to sign for $600K(steal)? He will be backing up our franchise QB. Nothing more, nothing less. It's still pre-season, with three games left, mind you. If he doesn't grasp it or shits the bed, Charlie comes back or they bring in Culpepper in for a look.

[60 MINUTES]

I like Charlie and he has been good for us but Lefty is solid and has been solid for a few years in this league. Of 500 thousand against the cap it was a steal.

By the way the falcons support cast fucking sucks and so does the falcons. With our guys there is no doubt Lefty can win games if needed. He won with the jags when they had a worse team then they do now. Our steeler team now is way better then the jags of 3 years ago. This pick up was a great move at this time.

[Stoney]

I don't care much for Leftwitch. Hopefully, I'll never have to see him on the field in any important situation.

[Royd92040]

So. . . we signed a guy the Jags released.
Isn't he always breaking/tearing/straining/pulling some organ/muscle/limb?

How many times has that guy beat our ass?

[Smooth Criminal]

Hes a solid Qb when healthy. Should be good as a backup.

[SteelerFan448]

Hard to believe he was still out there given the QB situations with some teams. He'll be a quality backup for when we need him. I just hope he doesn't see the field.

[Secret Santa]

Daunte couldve doubled as a lineman. He's as big as one.

I was thinking that leftwich could double as a FB.

[BermudaSteel]

:confused:So we signed a black Tommy Maddox.


Great.:mad:

[Idioteque]

I've always loved Leftwich the competitor.

It's hard to get excited knowing that we are one injury away from the guy who was beaten out by Chris Redman and Joey Harrington to QB the worst team on the planet. One conceivable injury, i might add, considering that we've ignored our atrocious line

Yikes.

[CornerBlitz]

How many times has that guy beat our ass?

Surprisingly only twice, he is 2-1 against the Steelers but Gerrard is 2-0 against us.

[Ski_Alta]

reading all these posts about the backup qb kind of got me wondering....

do we all just operate under the understanding that there is NO WAY our "much improved oline" can keep ben off his ass enough for him to <gasp> START EVERY GAME?

[Slaine]

ouch, Berger makes more than a "proven", ex-starting QB. Shot right to the ego!

Only because he's a 12 year vet and we have to pay him that much. Same with Leftwich. he's got the absolute minimum that we were allowed to give him to sign.

But yeah, it has to chap some.

[Hiwa Kaoru]

How many times has that guy beat our ass?

Was he the only one on the field? :)

And, let's not dwell on the past. . . it hurts team pride :D

[steelberger1]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/trainingcamp08/news/story?id=3528603

"Culpepper was hoping for a chance to compete for a starting job."

I dont think there is an emoticon that truly expresses the amount of laughter that quote produces.

[Steelerman]

Culpepper was hoping for a chance to compete for a starting job.

Wait. I know it's early....but did I just fucking read this correctly?

[Slaine]

One problem with this signing is that Leftwich has always been seriously immobile. A classic pocket passer. If Big Ben gets injured because of a porous line what's going to happen to Leftwich...?

Not a great fit.

[markymarc]

Time to see if Leftwich has anything left. While I wish Batch the best of luck in rehab, his last snap with the Steelers may have occurred against the Iggles.

[SteelerAl]

One problem with this signing is that Leftwich has always been seriously immobile. A classic pocket passer. If Big Ben gets injured because of a porous line what's going to happen to Leftwich...?

Not a great fit.

Ummmm...exactly what's the alternative?

[TMC]

One problem with this signing is that Leftwich has always been seriously immobile. A classic pocket passer. If Big Ben gets injured because of a porous line what's going to happen to Leftwich...?

Not a great fit.

Well, HOPEFULLY our line has improved. I am optimistic after seeing the preseason game that this line is better. Honestly, I really think Smith, Kemo, and Colon played exceptionally well. I really cannot complain about Simmons or Mahan....yet. I thought Hartwig and Essex played well too. I thought Starks played pretty good. Hills dominated everyone not named McDougle. In fact, they flipped McDougle to the other side (and he worked Starks a little there) and then Hills started decleating the guy they put across from him. He actually stood over him wanting him to get up on one play. Nasty.....I like that. So, I do have some HOPE for our line. I would mention some of the other guys.....but I saw little to be excited about.

And, if the line is struggling, it will be up to Leftwich to get the damn ball out. If I can blame Ben for holding it too long at times....I can DAMN SURE blame Leftwich.

[Max Power]

We could do much worse than have Leftwich as Back-up at QB. Charlie Batch has spoiled us, kind of, as a Quality back-up the likes of we have not often seen. He brings a sense of confidence when he is needed for duty. He's been the perfect Steeler while here both on the Field and in the Community and will continue to do so no matter the out-come here. As it is, Batch will be back in health and competing for work in a short period. So what of this sudden derth of depth? It's now the Steelers way of being, solid depth all around.

Once again regardless of out-come the Steelers will have someone of decent petigree waiting to spell Ben, run the Scout Teams and Hold a Clip Board like no other.

[Max Power]

One problem with this signing is that Leftwich has always been seriously immobile. A classic pocket passer. If Big Ben gets injured because of a porous line what's going to happen to Leftwich...?

Not a great fit.

If Ben goes out for and indefinate period of time we're screwed anyways. So having Leftwich there is of a comfort, short period wise at best. Same goes for Batch. Both can work with the team for time measured in quarters not games. Beyond that, I'd rather not think about it.

[Jmat]

You people crack me up.

With all of our expertise, how we're not all coaches or scouts for an NFL team is beyond me.

[Steelers.exe]

Too bad we let St. Pierre go.:)

[Diamond Dave]

"Culpepper was hoping for a chance to compete for a starting job."


Colbert: OK, Daunte, everything on your physical looked good. I guess it's time to sit down and discuss this contract. It's pretty routine, a one year deal with the...

Culpepper: I'm not signing anything unless I know I'll have a chance to compete for the starting position.

Colbert: Well, it certainly was nice meeting with you today. I'll have a driver take you out to the airport.

[Spike]

you guys crack me up. Who did you want us to sign for $600K?

You must be new here --- see the deal is, all our very own Billionaire Expert Madden GM's aren't satisfied with their fantasy Steeler teams unless Peyton Manning is their back-up QB and the OL has Pro-Bowlers backing up Pro-Bowlers at every position.


That's how they ride.

[Slaine]

Don't get me wrong - I think that Leftwich is a quality pocket passer but the reason that he gets hit a lot is because he makes Kent Graham look mobile. Most of the times that ben's been hurt is because he's been getting killed by a pass rush. I'm just hoping that our line is up to the job because if Ben with his athletic ability is getting killed then Leftwich will be nothing more than a tackling dummy.

Like I say - if, and it's still a big if, the O-Line hasn't improved and we're still in 50 sack territory then Leftwich is not a good fit for us as a backup QB. Get well soon Charlie Batch.

[Spike]

Does every thread have to turn into an O-line discussion? Really? I get soooo bored with that. It's all been said, like, a 1000 times.

We just signed the biggest FA "name" acquisition in Steelers history ----rejoice peeps.

It was for Vet Minimum! We have a template winner!
2 Template winners in fact!

This is history! What a great time to be alive.

[Super Dave]

I've always loved Leftwich the competitor.

It's hard to get excited knowing that we are one injury away from the guy who was beaten out by Chris Redman and Joey Harrington to QB the worst team on the planet.

Yikes.

Booby Petrino was calling the shots, before he quit on the team.

The important thing to remember is in his last season starting, Leftwich won 12 games. Every season he started, his team won more games, an upward curve.

He is in a caretaker role as Ben's back up, if we need him for a couple of games, he should be able to not turn the ball over and win games. he is a perfect fit.

We couldn't of made out any better.

[SteelerAl]

Don't get me wrong - I think that Leftwich is a quality pocket passer but the reason that he gets hit a lot is because he makes Kent Graham look mobile. Most of the times that ben's been hurt is because he's been getting killed by a pass rush. I'm just hoping that our line is up to the job because if Ben with his athletic ability is getting killed then Leftwich will be nothing more than a tackling dummy.

Like I say - if, and it's still a big if, the O-Line hasn't improved and we're still in 50 sack territory then Leftwich is not a good fit for us as a backup QB. Get well soon Charlie Batch.

So we should have signed Kordell since he has the mobility to evade pass rushers? Seriously, what is the point of harping on Leftwich's flaws? We are lucky a QB of Leftwich's caliber was available at the vet minimum...he's better than a lot of backup QBs around the league.

[USM]

Roethlisberger cant get hurt behind last years O-line...wait...yeah...no, wait...oh nevermind. I'll reserve my judgement of the O-line The Steelers have until after a few more games. I just hope Roethlisberger gets to have a little more input on the play calling this year.

I like the signing. Leftwich could have been a starter for a few teams and Batch is good but also about done playin football anywhere. Thanks Mr. Batch and get well soon. Mr. Leftwich, welcome to the greatest football team of all time.

[Smooth Criminal]

I wouldn't be to worried about Leftwich's mobility. Batch doesn't have great mobility and reports have said Leftwich has lost about 25-30 lbs from the last time he played so that should help.

[Slaine]

So we should have signed Kordell since he has the mobility to evade pass rushers? Seriously, what is the point of harping on Leftwich's flaws? We are lucky a QB of Leftwich's caliber was available at the vet minimum...he's better than a lot of backup QBs around the league.

It's pretty hypothetical anyway seeing as we're (hopefully) not going to be seeing a whole lot of him but I think that you'd be looking at any players flaws who came in wouldn't you? I think that the fact that Mahan is light in the arse and couldn't block my dead grandmother is a fairly relevant flaw in a recent FA signing.

The fact that Leftwich is coming to a team that struggles in pass protection when he has very limited mobility is a relevant point. Is he better than the majority of the backups out there? Hell yes. Is he a good fit for our team...?

You have to wonder. Well I certainly do.

[Slaine]

I wouldn't be to worried about Leftwich's mobility. Batch doesn't have great mobility and reports have said Leftwich has lost about 25-30 lbs from the last time he played so that should help.

Sounds good. Maybe he'll treat this preseason as a job audition and surprise a lot of people. I hope so.

[Smooth Criminal]

Leftwich has been good in the past and the Jacksonville teams he was on are similar to this Steelers team if he was running it. Alot of running the football with safe throws.

[leftcoaststeelerfan]

I wonder who will be the first one to go out and buy a Leftwich jersey? Let's not shit the bed just yet. Alot of you are acting as if he will be the starter. If Ben go's down with an injury, then you may proceed with your meltdown...

[SteelerAl]

It's pretty hypothetical anyway seeing as we're (hopefully) not going to be seeing a whole lot of him but I think that you'd be looking at any players flaws who came in wouldn't you? I think that the fact that Mahan is light in the arse and couldn't block my dead grandmother is a fairly relevant flaw in a recent FA signing.

The fact that Leftwich is coming to a team that struggles in pass protection when he has very limited mobility is a relevant point. Is he better than the majority of the backups out there? Hell yes. Is he a good fit for our team...?

You have to wonder. Well I certainly do.

Do you have any better ideas for backup QB? If not, it sounds like you're whining because Colbert and Tomlin didn't get into a time machine and return with a 28-year old Steve Young to backup Ben.

[Slaine]

Do you have any better ideas for backup QB? If not, it sounds like you're whining because Colbert and Tomlin didn't get into a time machine and return with a 28-year old Steve Young to backup Ben.

Get some reading comprehension skills.

I am offering an opinion that Leftwich may not be the best fit for our team based on the performance of the OL last year that many people believe is a concern.

Is there someone better? I don't know - probably not which is why we've ended up with someone like Leftwich who probably isn't the best fit for our offense. Maybe if we'd waited a little longer to get someone in to camp after the roster cut downs then we'd have more choice.

I don't hate the pickup. He's a solid guy with starting experience that isn't some retread like Holcomb or Weinke etc. That's definitely a plus. But to ignore his lack of mobility when our OL is shall we say unproven at pass blocking doesn't seem sensible to me.

If that's whining then sure I'm a guilty whiner. I didn't like the Timmons pick when we drafted him either is that OK with you or do I need to justify that whining too.

Geez I thought that this was a discussion forum not a jump-down-your-fucking-throat-you-whiner-for-having-an-opinion-about-our-backup-QB-forum.

[SteelerAl]

Get some reading comprehension skills.

I am offering an opinion that Leftwich may not be the best fit for our team based on the performance of the OL last year that many people believe is a concern.

Is there someone better? I don't know - probably not which is why we've ended up with someone like Leftwich who probably isn't the best fit for our offense. Maybe if we'd waited a little longer to get someone in to camp after the roster cut downs then we'd have more choice.

I don't hate the pickup. He's a solid guy with starting experience that isn't some retread like Holcomb or Weinke etc. That's definitely a plus. But to ignore his lack of mobility when our OL is shall we say unproven at pass blocking doesn't seem sensible to me.

If that's whining then sure I'm a guilty whiner. I didn't like the Timmons pick when we drafted him either is that OK with you or do I need to justify that whining too.

Geez I thought that this was a discussion forum not a jump-down-your-fucking-throat-you-whiner-for-having-an-opinion-about-our-backup-QB-forum.

I'm not trying to be a huge jerk, but I do think you're being whiny. This is not like the Mahan signing (your reference) where there were plenty of other (and with hindsight, obviously better) options available through free agency and/or the draft. This is an emergency pickup, and I think we got the best available option a bare minimum price. If you are dying of thirst in the desert and someone hands you an ice cold bottle of Poland Springs, are you going to complain because you'd prefer Evian?

[Idioteque]

I'm not trying to be a huge jerk, but I do think you're being whiny. This is not like the Mahan signing (your reference) where there were plenty of other (and with hindsight, obviously better) options available through free agency and/or the draft. This is an emergency pickup, and I think we got the best available option a bare minimum price. If you are dying of thirst in the desert and someone hands you an ice cold bottle of Poland Springs, are you going to complain because you'd prefer Evian?

Personally, I think it's a case of signing the best available name (or second-best, since Daunte rejected us) as opposed to the best available option. Getting a backup QB is about getting someone who can work within your system. We have a poor o-line and slow-developing pass routes, so Leftwich is a horrible fit. He is one of the slowest and least-athletic QBs in recent NFL history, takes forever to release the ball, and has no touch on his throws.

He's a big name, but someone like Holcomb or Rattay or Quinn Gray or whomever loses the 49er job (Alex Smith, J.T. O'Sullivan or Shaun Hill), while not sounding as glamorous, might be better fits.

[Spike]

So you would rather sit around for 3 weeks with your thumb up your butt waiting for Tim Rattay?

Oh yeah - that's a plan.

[Idioteque]

i'd rather have a backup QB who's better than Chris Redman.

besides, Rattay and a host of others are already FAs.

[Slaine]

I'm not trying to be a huge jerk, but I do think you're being whiny. This is not like the Mahan signing (your reference) where there were plenty of other (and with hindsight, obviously better) options available through free agency and/or the draft. This is an emergency pickup, and I think we got the best available option a bare minimum price. If you are dying of thirst in the desert and someone hands you an ice cold bottle of Poland Springs, are you going to complain because you'd prefer Evian?

Idioteque's already put it really well but the choice is more like urine rather than poland springs. It's not a good fit for the system even though it will actually sustain you for a while.

[SteelerAl]

Personally, I think it's a case of signing the best available name (or second-best, since Daunte rejected us) as opposed to the best available option. Getting a backup QB is about getting someone who can work within your system. We have a poor o-line and slow-developing pass routes, so Leftwich is a horrible fit. He is one of the slowest and least-athletic QBs in recent NFL history, takes forever to release the ball, and has no touch on his throws.

He's a big name, but someone like Holcomb or Rattay or Quinn Gray or whomever loses the 49er job (Alex Smith, J.T. O'Sullivan or Shaun Hill), while not sounding as glamorous, might be better fits.

Leftwich has some serious limitations, but you've got to be kidding me if you think we'd have a better shot of winning a game with the guys you mentioned instead of Byron. Leftwich has an NFL starting QB arm so he can get the ball downfield IF he actually gets protection. If there's no pass protection, none of the players you mentioned above stands a chance in hell of doing anything. Holcomb or Rattay might beat Leftwich in a 40-yard dash, but that doesn't mean either one of them is going to escape from Terrell Suggs. I'll take Leftwich's ability to stand in the pocket and take a hit over the additional "mobility" that a Holcomb or Rattay would give us.

[SteelerAl]

i'd rather have a backup QB who's better than Chris Redman.

besides, Rattay and a host of others are already FAs.

So you've been impressed by what you've seen from Rattay playing behind a porous O-line?

[Idioteque]

Leftwich has some serious limitations, but you've got to be kidding me if you think we'd have a better shot of winning a game with the guys you mentioned instead of Byron. Leftwich has an NFL starting QB arm so he can get the ball downfield IF he actually gets protection.

So does Kyle Boller.....

If there's no pass protection, none of the players you mentioned above stands a chance in hell of doing anything.

Rattay put up acceptable backup numbers last year behind a bad Arizona line. Gray put up an 85.6 rating when Garrard went down last year with one of the worst WR corps in the game. All while Leftwich was being benched, and eventually cut, in favor of Harrington and Chris Redman.

Holcomb or Rattay might beat Leftwich in a 40-yard dash, but that doesn't mean either one of them is going to escape from Terrell Suggs. I'll take Leftwich's ability to stand in the pocket and take a hit over the additional "mobility" that a Holcomb or Rattay would give us.

Last year he was sacked 6 times in only 58 attempts.

[DaSwitz]

Is there someone better? I don't know - probably not which is why we've ended up with someone like Leftwich who probably isn't the best fit for our offense. Maybe if we'd waited a little longer to get someone in to camp after the roster cut downs then we'd have more choice.

The Steelers were quoted as telling Byron that there were no guarantees. They didn't promise him the backup job or even a roster spot come opening day. This still leaves the door open if they think someone better is out there.

While Leftwich wasn't my top choice, he's a relatively young veteran with a winning record. Those are pretty hard to pick up for Vet minimum midway through August.

[Idioteque]

So you've been impressed by what you've seen from Rattay playing behind a porous O-line?

Leftwich - 79.7 career rating, mostly spent on a solid Jacksonville team

Rattay - 81.9 career rating, spent mostly on bad teams, and doesn't take nearly the sacks Leftwich does

[Spike]

zzzzzzzzz You're wasting your time pimping your boy.

We signed our back-up - water under the bridge.

[JEFFRO]

If Sandwich lost some weight, as Tomlin put it: ...."in great shape..."

Then I have no problem with him. Maybe when the phone didn't ring it made alight go on in his head.

Let's all rally around all of our team! This can be a great seasaon. And if all goes well, the Sandwich will be a clipboard holder only!

[Superman]

Pennington will beat him out for the #2 spot anyway, provided the position is up for grabs.

[kurtistb]

One plus is Leftwich must be in great shape. The old Leftwich would have to be PUPed since he never could have complete Tomlin's run test. ;)

[bigtwnvin]

Leftwich has been good in the past and the Jacksonville teams he was on are similar to this Steelers team if he was running it. Alot of running the football with safe throws.
Leftwich has a winning record against the Steelers. He might bring some valuable experience as to how that was possible.
If Batch required surgery to repair his clavicle, you won't see him in uniform this season. You heard it here.
Welcome to the 'Burgh Byron you're going to have to earn it!
Didn't Ben Roeth and Leftwich play against each other in the MAC? :eek:

[SteelrzGirl]

Im just not sad about signing Sandwich.

[tibor]

Watching Leftwich (http://nflfromthesidelines.blogspot.com/2008/08/watching-leftwich.html)


I came away from seeing Byron Leftwich for the first time in practice Monday morning impressed.

He's got a canon for an arm, far more so than Charlie Batch.

Now, I'm starting to think that maybe, just maybe, Batch's spot here isn't so firm.

Batch was having surgery Monday and it wouldn't surprise me if the team eventually releases him. Leftwich looks like a better player.

He threw a perfect strike to rookie Limas Sweed in the front corner of the end zone on his first play in red zone practice Monday morning. Sweed dropped the ball.

He just missed Dallas Baker on his next attempt on a short slant, but followed that up by threading the ball to tight end Jonathan Dekker at the goal line. It was a pass Batch couldn't make.

I like Charlie. He's a great guy.

But he doesn't have this kind of arm strength - not any more, not ever.

[tibor]

<IMG style="WIDTH: 180px; ; WIDTH: expression(this.width > 340 ? 180 : true)" alt="" src="http://media3.steelers.com/MediaContent//2008/08/11/10/0811_leftwich2_93245.jpg" border=0> (http://media3.steelers.com/MediaContent//2008/08/11/10/0811_leftwich2_93245.jpg)
Leftwich ready for new role

By Teresa Varley - Steelers.com<?XML:NAMESPACE PREFIX = O /><O:P></O:P>

Byron Leftwich worked out for the Steelers Sunday morning, signed with them late Sunday afternoon, met some of his new teammates at dinner shortly thereafter and was on the field for his first practice on Monday morning.<O:P></O:P>

It’s been a crazy 24 hours for the new Steelers quarterback, but he isn’t complaining.<O:P></O:P>
“I am happy to be here and that Coach (Mike) Tomlin gave me this opportunity,” said Leftwich. “I am excited because it is a new offense. There are new, good football players around me. As a quarterback you love that.”

The Steelers were looking for a veteran quarterback to back-up Ben Roethlisberger after Charlie Batch suffered a broken collarbone against the Eagles. Leftwich, a former number one draft pick of the Jacksonville Jaguars, understands that he is coming in as a number two guy and is willing to accept the role.

“That’s why I am here,” said Leftwich. “Only a fool would come in this place and think week one he would be the starter. My goal is not going to change. It’s to help the team. I am going to work my tail off and do whatever they ask of me.

“It’s different because you are not ‘the guy’, but it’s not different because my whole goal is to help the football team any way I can. That is what I am going to do. I am going to prepare myself everyday in case I am needed. If I am needed we can’t miss a beat and that is what I am going to try to work myself too.”

Leftwich expects to play on Thursday night against the Buffalo Bills in Toronto, even if he will be a little green as far as learning the offense. But he isn’t worried about being ready physically as he has stayed in shape even though he hasn’t played football in months.

“Any time you put on the shoulder pads and helmet the first day is always tough,” said Leftwich. “I have been working out but with no helmet and shoulder pads. I was in Miami training just getting ready and waiting on the call. I wanted to make sure when I got the call I was ready.”

One big advantage that Leftwich does have is Steelers quarterbacks coach Ken Anderson worked with him when he was in Jacksonville.

“It’s a blessing in disguise,” said Leftwich. “Football is the same, but to have a guy who coached me all of those years he can translate it for me. We had some of the same plays, the communication and interpretation is different. He can translate it for me and that way I can get it right now. I am behind everybody.

“I am trying to learn as fast as I can. To have a guy like that who you had a relationship before and have a lot of respect for helps me out.”<O:P></O:P>

[Super Dave]

I could see Batch being released with an injury settlement

[DaSwitz]

“That’s why I am here,” said Leftwich. “Only a fool would come in this place and think week one he would be the starter. My goal is not going to change. It’s to help the team. I am going to work my tail off and do whatever they ask of me. <o:p></o:p>

Ouch, that hurts doesn't it Daunte? :D

[SteelrzGirl]

Dante has to be on crack

[SteelerFan448]

Watching Leftwich (http://nflfromthesidelines.blogspot.com/2008/08/watching-leftwich.html)


I came away from seeing Byron Leftwich for the first time in practice Monday morning impressed.

He's got a canon for an arm, far more so than Charlie Batch.

Now, I'm starting to think that maybe, just maybe, Batch's spot here isn't so firm.

Batch was having surgery Monday and it wouldn't surprise me if the team eventually releases him. Leftwich looks like a better player.

He threw a perfect strike to rookie Limas Sweed in the front corner of the end zone on his first play in red zone practice Monday morning. Sweed dropped the ball.

He just missed Dallas Baker on his next attempt on a short slant, but followed that up by threading the ball to tight end Jonathan Dekker at the goal line. It was a pass Batch couldn't make.

I like Charlie. He's a great guy.

But he doesn't have this kind of arm strength - not any more, not ever.

Leftwich is young, pretty talented and should be a starter again as soon as next year. At the very least, a team will invite him into camp to compete. Batch's chances of starting are over and would be a relatively cheap, quality backup for us for another season or two.

[Vader]

I don't see the problem with signing Leftwich. He has always had a good arm and he isn't going to be asked to take the team on his shoulders. We just need him to NOT screw things up. We have a good set of RBs, WRS, and TEs.

As long as he can keep his weight under control I would love to keep him as a backup until Dixon is ready to take over the backup spot.

[Spike]

Batch is making $1.6M on the last year of his contract, that's why I expect him to be gone next year.

[ekeicher16]

bring in the slowest quaterback of all time to a team with offensive line problems, nice

[Lunar7]

We signed Leftwich, the sky is falling!

[Spike]

Batch is just as much a statue, costs us 3 times as much and has a much weaker arm.

Throw them on the field and see how they look - that's the only way to evaluate a player.

All the rest is jibber jabber.

[CornerBlitz]

Byron looks great , lost a lot of weight , but of course some on this board say the eye test is not reliable.

[Spike]

I guess we'll find out Thurs night - he'll be playing at least a half - you would think.

[Steelz]

Leftwich is a solid back-up for us. Anyone that has ever watched him play through the years knows that he has the talent & can play through pain. All he really needed was a good team w/ good receivers. I was getting tired of Batch's slow release anyways.

[TMC]

Batch is making $1.6M on the last year of his contract, that's why I expect him to be gone next year.

Cutting Batch would count 1.355M in cap space and an injury settlement does not go against the cap. Batch is in his last year. While he has been here for a few years, he really has no ties to Tomlin. Tomlin has only worked with him 1 season.

Batch opted for surgery and is believed to be out at least 6 weeks. I read today that IF he had not opted for surgery, it would have been 10-12 weeks.

Tomlin stated he would not put Batch on IR a few days ago. I think that was a subtle hint that IF they find someone to take the spot, IR would not be the way to go.

And, I caught a blurb from an un-named insider (in an article that I cannot print here because of the author), that during the workouts for Culpepper and Leftwich, both looked better than Batch ever has.

No offense to Batch, I think he is 100% class, but it may be time for him to move forward with his life's work.

I also heard that a reporter asked Leftwich why he signed and Leftwich stated this team has a chance to win it ALL. He is not coming in here looking for a free ride, he wants a ring.

[Jmat]

Steelers fans are something else LOL. It won't be long before Byron Leftwich is either beating out Ben for the starting job or worse than Kordell ever was.

If it wasn't for Mewelde Moore going the wrong way on the play Charlie got hurt on what would we have to talk about?
Ya gotta love it!

[Spike]

during the workouts for Culpepper and Leftwich, both looked better than Batch ever has


Like I said - show us what you got, the job is yours if you can take it.

I know one thing - he's automatically better right now that all the Ratbird QB's...I was hoping they didn't take someone like him and we'd face another McNair or something.

Ya gotta love it!

Nobody is hating on Nate Washington yet? What's up with that?

[TMC]

Steelers fans are something else LOL. It won't be long before Byron Leftwich is either beating out Ben for the starting job or worse than Kordell ever was.

If it wasn't for Mewelde Moore going the wrong way on the play Charlie got hurt on what would we have to talk about?
Ya gotta love it!

If they keep Charlie and we move forward in that manner, that is fine. But, again, it was stated by an insider to Wexell that those two were better than Batch. Hell, weren't both of those guys Top 10 draft picks and both are still fairly young?

Batch is the type of guy I hope can play as long as he wants. He is a helluva guy to have on roster....but the signs are pointing towards the Steelers moving in a different direction.

[SteelrzGirl]

Nobody is hating on Nate Washington yet? What's up with that?
Because Nate is great. He gives us chocolate cake without cake farts.

[Jmat]

Because Nate is great. He gives us chocolate cake without cake farts.

Don't go there.

[SteelerFan448]

If they keep Charlie and we move forward in that manner, that is fine. But, again, it was stated by an insider to Wexell that those two were better than Batch. Hell, weren't both of those guys Top 10 draft picks and both are still fairly young?

Batch is the type of guy I hope can play as long as he wants. He is a helluva guy to have on roster....but the signs are pointing towards the Steelers moving in a different direction.

Are you suggesting that Leftwich will be our backup beyond this season? As you stated, he looked better than Batch and I would expect him to be, as he was a pretty successful, highly rated QB. I would be stunned if he was not in another camp next year competing for a job. That would leave us with Dennis Dixon, who could develop and take that backup spot over the season.

[markymarc]

I have loved Batch since he came here. He is a class act and does a lot of great stuff off the field. At 33 I just don't see him signed for a couple more years. If you can sign someone who is younger, has more starts and of course a stronger arm why not. I just think that Batch's last play as a Steeler was on Friday night.

[Steel Curtain]

Leftwich>Batch>Culpepper

[Slaine]

The Steelers were quoted as telling Byron that there were no guarantees. They didn't promise him the backup job or even a roster spot come opening day. This still leaves the door open if they think someone better is out there.

While Leftwich wasn't my top choice, he's a relatively young veteran with a winning record. Those are pretty hard to pick up for Vet minimum midway through August.

I hear you - as I've been trying to get across I don't hate the signing but I hope that our line is better at pass protection this year than last year or all our QB's are going to need some wheels.