Comments on: STEELERS SIGN STEAL OF DRAFT? http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/07/08/steelers-sign-steal-of-draft/ The Best Pro Football Scoop on the Internet Wed, 03 Dec 2008 01:20:22 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.3.2 By: Tex Big Balls http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/07/08/steelers-sign-steal-of-draft/#comment-53271 Tex Big Balls Wed, 09 Jul 2008 18:41:17 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/07/08/steelers-sign-steal-of-draft/#comment-53271 It's that time of year again when the Pittsburgh Steelers hype machine is in full effect. They're already touting the speculation that Fat Ben is under 265lbs for the first time since high school. They're already hyping the fact that Hines Ward is 100% healthy and is helping the younger guys learn. They're already hyping that this years offensive line is better than last years despite losing veterans and signing scrubs. It’s that time of year again when the Pittsburgh Steelers hype machine is in full effect.

They’re already touting the speculation that Fat Ben is under 265lbs for the first time since high school.

They’re already hyping the fact that Hines Ward is 100% healthy and is helping the younger guys learn.

They’re already hyping that this years offensive line is better than last years despite losing veterans and signing scrubs.

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]]> By: skaybaltimore http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/07/08/steelers-sign-steal-of-draft/#comment-52982 skaybaltimore Wed, 09 Jul 2008 11:42:52 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/07/08/steelers-sign-steal-of-draft/#comment-52982 NOTE: The 9:46PM post should have read: He might NOT develop into the next Bob Sanders... NOTE: The 9:46PM post should have read: He might NOT develop into the next Bob Sanders…

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]]> By: skaybaltimore http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/07/08/steelers-sign-steal-of-draft/#comment-52875 skaybaltimore Wed, 09 Jul 2008 01:46:50 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/07/08/steelers-sign-steal-of-draft/#comment-52875 I'm biased, but I think the real steal of the 2008 draft might very well end up being Haruki Nakamura. That kid can just flat out play. He might develop into the next Bob Sanders, but by the same token, he might make his 5th round selection seem like a gift once he gets up to NFL speed. I’m biased, but I think the real steal of the 2008 draft might very well end up being Haruki Nakamura. That kid can just flat out play. He might develop into the next Bob Sanders, but by the same token, he might make his 5th round selection seem like a gift once he gets up to NFL speed.

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]]> By: steeltown pride http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/07/08/steelers-sign-steal-of-draft/#comment-52774 steeltown pride Tue, 08 Jul 2008 22:24:41 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/07/08/steelers-sign-steal-of-draft/#comment-52774 First of all GO STEELERS . To the moron who said the last steal in the draft was Ontario Smith ? lol . What about Marques Colston in the 7th round ? Or was he drafted to high lol . The draft isnt a perfect science . If we only played drafted players we would lose alot of probowl talent on the time . Parker and Harrison were both UFA's coming out of the draft . Not bad huh ? Steelers know talent . Sometimes they work out sometimes they dont . Ask the Bengals how many first round picks made thier team ? Our offensive line will be top 5 this year . And for the record isnt Florio a Steeler Hater ? . And out of all our draft picks the surprise from this class will be Ryan Mundy . He will be a starter for us within 3 seasons . First of all GO STEELERS . To the moron who said the last steal in the draft was Ontario Smith ? lol . What about Marques Colston in the 7th round ? Or was he drafted to high lol . The draft isnt a perfect science .

If we only played drafted players we would lose alot of probowl talent on the time . Parker and Harrison were both UFA’s coming out of the draft . Not bad huh ? Steelers know talent . Sometimes they work out sometimes they dont . Ask the Bengals how many first round picks made thier team ?

Our offensive line will be top 5 this year . And for the record isnt Florio a Steeler Hater ? . And out of all our draft picks the surprise from this class will be Ryan Mundy . He will be a starter for us within 3 seasons .

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]]> By: saintsfan504 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/07/08/steelers-sign-steal-of-draft/#comment-52722 saintsfan504 Tue, 08 Jul 2008 21:16:25 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/07/08/steelers-sign-steal-of-draft/#comment-52722 I have been reading PFT for about 2 years now, and I think this post finally reveals which team Florio roots for. He's CLEARLY a Steelers homer. Seriously, can this post possibly get any more premature and homer-like? You're already predicting that this guy will be a Shaub-type player out of ALL THE BACKUP QUARTERBACKS IN THE LEAGUE? Kind of revealing. I have been reading PFT for about 2 years now, and I think this post finally reveals which team Florio roots for. He’s CLEARLY a Steelers homer. Seriously, can this post possibly get any more premature and homer-like?

You’re already predicting that this guy will be a Shaub-type player out of ALL THE BACKUP QUARTERBACKS IN THE LEAGUE? Kind of revealing.

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]]> By: CoryDangerous http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/07/08/steelers-sign-steal-of-draft/#comment-52698 CoryDangerous Tue, 08 Jul 2008 20:36:02 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/07/08/steelers-sign-steal-of-draft/#comment-52698 @The Jimmy You sign your mid to late round draft picks for 3 years so they become restricted free agents. This way, the player cannot hit the open market without going through the proper channels. This way, the Steelers can keep them for peanuts or get draft picks for them. Now, in the Steelers system, they don't bother much with free agency. It's all about the draft. In fact, they let a lot of their players go for the money contracts. Also with the Steelers, they know who their keeping and who they will let go after 3 years. Other teams, that sign rookies to 4 year deals, can always cut a player if they don't work out, but they have to eat the cap hit. Or they could keep them and fufill the contract, but the 4th year is usually worth the biggest bucks. I'm no expert, so feel free to correct me if I'm dead wrong, but that's the way I understand it. @The Jimmy

You sign your mid to late round draft picks for 3 years so they become restricted free agents. This way, the player cannot hit the open market without going through the proper channels. This way, the Steelers can keep them for peanuts or get draft picks for them.

Now, in the Steelers system, they don’t bother much with free agency. It’s all about the draft. In fact, they let a lot of their players go for the money contracts. Also with the Steelers, they know who their keeping and who they will let go after 3 years.

Other teams, that sign rookies to 4 year deals, can always cut a player if they don’t work out, but they have to eat the cap hit. Or they could keep them and fufill the contract, but the 4th year is usually worth the biggest bucks.

I’m no expert, so feel free to correct me if I’m dead wrong, but that’s the way I understand it.

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]]> By: E.A.D. http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/07/08/steelers-sign-steal-of-draft/#comment-52674 E.A.D. Tue, 08 Jul 2008 20:11:12 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/07/08/steelers-sign-steal-of-draft/#comment-52674 Seriously, we are talking about an Oregon QB... Akili Smith, Joey Harrington, Kellen Clemens, A.J. Feeley... The only "stealing" in the draft(s) these guys do is their initial signing bonus. There have been what, 2 H.O.F. QB's to come out of Oregon (Norm Van Brocklin & Dan Fouts), in the last 60 years? Seriously, we are talking about an Oregon QB…

Akili Smith, Joey Harrington, Kellen Clemens, A.J. Feeley…

The only “stealing” in the draft(s) these guys do is their initial signing bonus.

There have been what, 2 H.O.F. QB’s to come out of Oregon (Norm Van Brocklin & Dan Fouts), in the last 60 years?

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]]> By: noletide007 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/07/08/steelers-sign-steal-of-draft/#comment-52654 noletide007 Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:42:39 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/07/08/steelers-sign-steal-of-draft/#comment-52654 the steal of the draft is Quentin Groves....Dwight Freeney, Part 2 the steal of the draft is Quentin Groves….Dwight Freeney, Part 2

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]]> By: The Jimmy http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/07/08/steelers-sign-steal-of-draft/#comment-52637 The Jimmy Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:23:10 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/07/08/steelers-sign-steal-of-draft/#comment-52637 My question is why are the Steelers only signing their picks for 3 years? Dixon will take at least 2 years to develop, especially coming off injury. They'll have him for only 1 year under contract after that. My question is why are the Steelers only signing their picks for 3 years? Dixon will take at least 2 years to develop, especially coming off injury. They’ll have him for only 1 year under contract after that.

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]]> By: DROLDSCHOOL http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/07/08/steelers-sign-steal-of-draft/#comment-52616 DROLDSCHOOL Tue, 08 Jul 2008 18:58:54 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/07/08/steelers-sign-steal-of-draft/#comment-52616 Akili Smith was an athletic QB from Oregon too. He turned out great, and wasn't injured when drafted. Wait... Akili Smith was an athletic QB from Oregon too. He turned out great, and wasn’t injured when drafted.

Wait…

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]]> By: webster http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/07/08/steelers-sign-steal-of-draft/#comment-52615 webster Tue, 08 Jul 2008 18:57:31 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/07/08/steelers-sign-steal-of-draft/#comment-52615 of course, the steeler fan site owner thinks he is the "steal of the draft". wait until he gets hit by nfl players--he is built like todd pinkston of course, the steeler fan site owner thinks he is the “steal of the draft”. wait until he gets hit by nfl players–he is built like todd pinkston

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]]> By: Jagdbaer http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/07/08/steelers-sign-steal-of-draft/#comment-52561 Jagdbaer Tue, 08 Jul 2008 17:51:13 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/07/08/steelers-sign-steal-of-draft/#comment-52561 Dennis Dixon made the pro-style defense of Michigan look foolish last season. If his knee heals up well, he could do to the pros what Michael Vick did. The only difference: Dixon is a better passer than Vick could ever be. Dennis Dixon made the pro-style defense of Michigan look foolish last season. If his knee heals up well, he could do to the pros what Michael Vick did. The only difference: Dixon is a better passer than Vick could ever be.

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]]> By: pat in philly http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/07/08/steelers-sign-steal-of-draft/#comment-52560 pat in philly Tue, 08 Jul 2008 17:49:50 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/07/08/steelers-sign-steal-of-draft/#comment-52560 as far as I can tell, Dixon isn't supposed to be a slash or Randle El type player. Apparently he has some speed for a QB and thats great, but can he catch, return punts or even come close to the production these randle el- slash types have for teams? I think not and that doesn't even consider the injury. I think the Steelers realize that Batch is old and is a more a middle releiver then he is a starter. They are looking for a quality back up who could, as Florio said, become a Matt Schaub trade type. Barring crazy injuries, I'd be surprised if Dixon touches the ball more than 5 times in 2008. as far as I can tell, Dixon isn’t supposed to be a slash or Randle El type player. Apparently he has some speed for a QB and thats great, but can he catch, return punts or even come close to the production these randle el- slash types have for teams? I think not and that doesn’t even consider the injury.

I think the Steelers realize that Batch is old and is a more a middle releiver then he is a starter. They are looking for a quality back up who could, as Florio said, become a Matt Schaub trade type. Barring crazy injuries, I’d be surprised if Dixon touches the ball more than 5 times in 2008.

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]]> By: richhamilton12 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/07/08/steelers-sign-steal-of-draft/#comment-52536 richhamilton12 Tue, 08 Jul 2008 17:10:21 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/07/08/steelers-sign-steal-of-draft/#comment-52536 You were right by picking a Pac-10 standout QB... but you picked the wrong one... John David Booty has a far better chance of having positive impact as a backup QB for Minnesota, than Dixon does sitting behind Roethlisberger/Batch. And where's the love for Charlie Batch?? He's one of the better backup QBs in the league, and has proved it in relief appearances time and time again. You were right by picking a Pac-10 standout QB… but you picked the wrong one…

John David Booty has a far better chance of having positive impact as a backup QB for Minnesota, than Dixon does sitting behind Roethlisberger/Batch.

And where’s the love for Charlie Batch?? He’s one of the better backup QBs in the league, and has proved it in relief appearances time and time again.

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]]> By: Inept_guy http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/07/08/steelers-sign-steal-of-draft/#comment-52528 Inept_guy Tue, 08 Jul 2008 17:00:00 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/07/08/steelers-sign-steal-of-draft/#comment-52528 @FrankBurns - I am no Ben hater, but you are wrong about Batch. Ben had a fine year and I hope for many more. The game that Batch lost against the Ravens was hardly even a game. Half of the people on the field were backups, the Steelers had nothing to gain from that game, just the possibility of injuries, so it is no surprise that they did not play well. You are right though, Batch doesnt have a whole lot of time left if you ask me, but he is still going to be a much more viable every down QB for at least next year. Dixon will be worked in as a slash no doubt, but if Ben goes down and the Steelers still have a shot at the playoffs, you will see Batch before Dixon. @FrankBurns - I am no Ben hater, but you are wrong about Batch. Ben had a fine year and I hope for many more. The game that Batch lost against the Ravens was hardly even a game. Half of the people on the field were backups, the Steelers had nothing to gain from that game, just the possibility of injuries, so it is no surprise that they did not play well. You are right though, Batch doesnt have a whole lot of time left if you ask me, but he is still going to be a much more viable every down QB for at least next year. Dixon will be worked in as a slash no doubt, but if Ben goes down and the Steelers still have a shot at the playoffs, you will see Batch before Dixon.

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]]> By: shaslers http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/07/08/steelers-sign-steal-of-draft/#comment-52518 shaslers Tue, 08 Jul 2008 16:51:35 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/07/08/steelers-sign-steal-of-draft/#comment-52518 If Dixon was a steal because he was a could-be Heisman winner who made it to the fifth round, what does that make Troy Smith, an actual Heisman winner who made it to the fifth round. Dixon could prove to be a steal, or he could be playing in Canada in two years. If Dixon was a steal because he was a could-be Heisman winner who made it to the fifth round, what does that make Troy Smith, an actual Heisman winner who made it to the fifth round.

Dixon could prove to be a steal, or he could be playing in Canada in two years.

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]]> By: kazkal http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/07/08/steelers-sign-steal-of-draft/#comment-52508 kazkal Tue, 08 Jul 2008 16:33:54 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/07/08/steelers-sign-steal-of-draft/#comment-52508 ---I thought Dixon was more of the pass first, run last type of QB, but I could be wrong. The only surprise was that he made it all the way to the 5th round. I thought he would be a bargain in the 3rd or 4th.--- He is a pass first high character and smart the only reason he went as late as he did was because of injury...I hope he does get a chance to start for another team. -Bengals Fan —I thought Dixon was more of the pass first, run last type of QB, but I could be wrong. The only surprise was that he made it all the way to the 5th round. I thought he would be a bargain in the 3rd or 4th.—

He is a pass first high character and smart the only reason he went as late as he did was because of injury…I hope he does get a chance to start for another team.

-Bengals Fan

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]]> By: samh http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/07/08/steelers-sign-steal-of-draft/#comment-52504 samh Tue, 08 Jul 2008 16:25:19 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/07/08/steelers-sign-steal-of-draft/#comment-52504 BBen, Watching players over the last few years, I still think it's clear that it takes closer to two full seasons to return fully to form. Guys are playing after less than one year removed, but not to their pre-injury level. Dixon was injured late in the season and had the surgery even later. On top of that, he's making a huge transition (PAC10 to NFL). I would be extremely surprised if he was able to make any real positive impact this year. But hey, he plays for th Steelers, so I guess he can do anything, right? BBen,

Watching players over the last few years, I still think it’s clear that it takes closer to two full seasons to return fully to form. Guys are playing after less than one year removed, but not to their pre-injury level. Dixon was injured late in the season and had the surgery even later. On top of that, he’s making a huge transition (PAC10 to NFL). I would be extremely surprised if he was able to make any real positive impact this year.

But hey, he plays for th Steelers, so I guess he can do anything, right?

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]]> By: Ditkas Cigar http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/07/08/steelers-sign-steal-of-draft/#comment-52469 Ditkas Cigar Tue, 08 Jul 2008 15:27:09 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/07/08/steelers-sign-steal-of-draft/#comment-52469 Hey, wasn't Mr. Whizzenator, Onterrio Smith the last S.O.D. (steal of the draft)??? Hey, wasn’t Mr. Whizzenator, Onterrio Smith the last S.O.D. (steal of the draft)???

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]]> By: Frank Burns http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/07/08/steelers-sign-steal-of-draft/#comment-52468 Frank Burns Tue, 08 Jul 2008 15:25:21 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/07/08/steelers-sign-steal-of-draft/#comment-52468 Don't be so sure about the Steelers OL, which has already improved 100 percent by signing a new center to replace the weakest link, Mahan. There's also a star in waiting, Kemo, to take over for Faneca, who was never the greatest pass blocker to begin with. I'm always puzzled by this fascination with Batch, the favorite of Big Ben haters everywhere. Let's see now, last season Ben in, 5 TDs and destroy Baltimore, Batch in against Baltimore and... lose. Batch is on the decline -- the Steelers need to start training a backup option (other than the great Brian St. Pierre). It's so obvious -- Dixon fills the gap left by Randle-El for the first couple years, then takes over for Batch as he learns the position. It's yet another great move by the Steelers. Don’t be so sure about the Steelers OL, which has already improved 100 percent by signing a new center to replace the weakest link, Mahan. There’s also a star in waiting, Kemo, to take over for Faneca, who was never the greatest pass blocker to begin with.

I’m always puzzled by this fascination with Batch, the favorite of Big Ben haters everywhere. Let’s see now, last season Ben in, 5 TDs and destroy Baltimore, Batch in against Baltimore and… lose. Batch is on the decline — the Steelers need to start training a backup option (other than the great Brian St. Pierre).

It’s so obvious — Dixon fills the gap left by Randle-El for the first couple years, then takes over for Batch as he learns the position. It’s yet another great move by the Steelers.

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]]> By: BBenSuperman http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/07/08/steelers-sign-steal-of-draft/#comment-52463 BBenSuperman Tue, 08 Jul 2008 15:21:11 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/07/08/steelers-sign-steal-of-draft/#comment-52463 samh, ACL tears alone are no longer considered serious knee injuries by anyone other than the media. Surgical techniques and rehabilitation programs are to the point that an athlete can easily return to form within a year. samh,

ACL tears alone are no longer considered serious knee injuries by anyone other than the media. Surgical techniques and rehabilitation programs are to the point that an athlete can easily return to form within a year.

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]]> By: sporkdevil http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/07/08/steelers-sign-steal-of-draft/#comment-52460 sporkdevil Tue, 08 Jul 2008 15:14:08 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/07/08/steelers-sign-steal-of-draft/#comment-52460 I thought Dixon was more of the pass first, run last type of QB, but I could be wrong. The only surprise was that he made it all the way to the 5th round. I thought he would be a bargain in the 3rd or 4th. I thought Dixon was more of the pass first, run last type of QB, but I could be wrong. The only surprise was that he made it all the way to the 5th round. I thought he would be a bargain in the 3rd or 4th.

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]]> By: WhoDeyThinkGonnaBeatDemBengals http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/07/08/steelers-sign-steal-of-draft/#comment-52443 WhoDeyThinkGonnaBeatDemBengals Tue, 08 Jul 2008 14:51:26 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/07/08/steelers-sign-steal-of-draft/#comment-52443 As a Steelers hater I would have to say that Batch would give them a better shot at winning games over an extended period of time if Ben were to go down. A QB like Dixon (run first pass second) can give a defense fits over the short run, but coordinators seem to figure them out quickly. At Oregon Dixon could run past the OLB and DE, but that's not so easy to do in the NFL. As a Steelers hater I would have to say that Batch would give them a better shot at winning games over an extended period of time if Ben were to go down. A QB like Dixon (run first pass second) can give a defense fits over the short run, but coordinators seem to figure them out quickly. At Oregon Dixon could run past the OLB and DE, but that’s not so easy to do in the NFL.

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]]> By: skaybaltimore http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/07/08/steelers-sign-steal-of-draft/#comment-52432 skaybaltimore Tue, 08 Jul 2008 14:31:58 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/07/08/steelers-sign-steal-of-draft/#comment-52432 What's the problem with Batch? In 2006, as a Ravens fan, I was screaming for the Steelers NOT to bring in Batch because he was more more consistent at that time than Big Ben. I always considered Batch to be one of the premiere backups in the league. What’s the problem with Batch? In 2006, as a Ravens fan, I was screaming for the Steelers NOT to bring in Batch because he was more more consistent at that time than Big Ben. I always considered Batch to be one of the premiere backups in the league.

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]]> By: CoryDangerous http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/07/08/steelers-sign-steal-of-draft/#comment-52428 CoryDangerous Tue, 08 Jul 2008 14:30:23 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/07/08/steelers-sign-steal-of-draft/#comment-52428 I'm pretty excited about this news. BTW, every Steeler fan knows Big Ben gets injured playing Baltimore. Happens every year. Terrell 'how do you like me now' Suggs comes flying off the edge, Ben throws, then subsequently gets drilled into the field. I’m pretty excited about this news.

BTW, every Steeler fan knows Big Ben gets injured playing Baltimore. Happens every year. Terrell ‘how do you like me now’ Suggs comes flying off the edge, Ben throws, then subsequently gets drilled into the field.

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]]> By: samh http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/07/08/steelers-sign-steal-of-draft/#comment-52427 samh Tue, 08 Jul 2008 14:30:20 +0000 http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/07/08/steelers-sign-steal-of-draft/#comment-52427 What makes Dixon different from every other backup QB signing with a team this year? And what makes you think that, less than a year removed from serious knee surgery, he has any chance of contributing anything at all this year? What makes Dixon different from every other backup QB signing with a team this year? And what makes you think that, less than a year removed from serious knee surgery, he has any chance of contributing anything at all this year?

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