Dixon, Batch to Compete for Backup Steelers QB

On their march to Super Bowl glory, the Pittsburgh Steelers were able to capture victories thanks to the valiant play of former backup quarterback Byron Leftwich.

Now, Leftwich is enjoying the Florida sun after signing a two-year deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Steelers are set to let polar opposites battle for the most important backup spot in football.

While the Steelers' training camp will host position battles along the offensive line and in the defensive secondary, none are bigger than the one that looms between veteran quarterback Charlie Batch and youngster Dennis Dixon.

Dixon was drafted by the Steelers in the fifth round of the 2008 draft after a knee injury not only shortened his last season at the University of Oregon, but lowered his draft stock from mid-round prospect to a late-round selection.

He ran the spread offense at Oregon and accumulated 6,337 total yards of offense during his time there.

A threat to run or pass, Dixon showed off his versatility when he scampered for a 47-yard touchdown run against the Buffalo Bills during the 2008 preseason.

He has shown great maturity in dealing with injuries and learning the playbook, and recent reports suggest he is starting to grow into an NFL-caliber thrower.

However, Dixon won't be handed the No. 2 duties behind starter Ben Roethlisberger.

Batch, a 12-year veteran, brings a calming effect to the offense. He doesn't have a cannon for an arm and won't win many foot races, but his smart decision-making ability is a rare commodity in backups.

He was signed in 2002 to serve as a backup, and has done so with average success until now. In 2007, he surpassed 10,000 passing yards for his career.

Batch was slated to serve as Roethlisberger's backup last year, but a shoulder injury kept the veteran from seeing any playing time, leading the Steelers to sign Leftwich via free agency.

So is it the young play-maker backing up Roethlisberger, or the reliable veteran?

Training camp and preseason success will likely determine the winner, but having two solid football players battle for a backup spot is a nice problem to have.

The Steelers sure aren't complaining.