Steelers Quarterback Controversy: Dennis Dixon Should Start Week One

Two weeks have nearly gone by since the suspension of Ben Roethlisberger. The Steelers quarterback was handed at least four games, and it can go up to six pending the NFL office's decision.

With that in mind, the Steelers have a quarterback controversy for the time being. A three quarterback battle currently stands between Dennis Dixon, Byron Leftwich, and Charlie Batch.

Dixon started one game last season with Roethlisberger was injured, while Batch was just a backup. Leftwich was with the Steelers two seasons ago, before being traded back by Tampa Bay this offseason.

And for some reason, there is a competition going on right now. However, there is no doubt Dixon should be the starter.

Dixon showed what the former Oregon quarterback can bring to the table on a Sunday Night game against the Baltimore Ravens.

His athleticism in and out of the pocket brings a whole new dimension to the Steelers offense, which caught the Ravens off-guard.

Even with coming short of the victory, it made a stance to me that Dixon will be a starter in the league some day.

And come week one, Dixon should be the starting quarterback. He may not have the veteran experience of a Leftwich or Batch, but brings much more to the Steelers offense than the other two.

Some can argue Dixon couldn't make the clutch throw in the loss to the Ravens. Well, it was hard enough to have a short time period to study the defense.

Dixon can use the next three months continuing to learn the system as if he would be a starter all 16 games.

He is the best option for the Steelers in the first month of the season, as he improves his development in the passing game, while having a sense of the pocket and understands when to use his legs as a threat.

The Steelers offense wants to go back to run the football. So when Ben is out, running can be the first priority.

Still, Dixon is the best option for the Steelers come week one, as it puts them in the best position to win in Ben's absence.

Matt Miselis is an NFL Featured Columnist for BleacherReport.com.

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