On the Steelers: Dixon displays accuracy
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Steelers quarterback Dennis Dixon completed 71.9 percent of his passes in the preseason.
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Quarterback Dennis Dixon's ability to run -- whether his coaches want him to or not -- drew so much attention this summer that his passing talents were overlooked.
Dixon ranked fourth among all NFL quarterbacks in the preseason with at least 30 pass attempts, producing a 71.9 completion rate. Those above him were Jake Delhomme (79.2), Aaron Rodgers (77.4) and Tom Brady (74.0).
That rate of success was not a fluke, either. While Dixon did run well at the University of Oregon, his passing is what made him a Heisman Trophy candidate. He holds Oregon's career accuracy record, completing 63.9 percent of his passes. And he also set a school record for a season, completing 67.7 percent of his passes in 2007 before a torn ACL in his left knee ended his season Nov. 3.
Yet, it's the threat of him to run that has grabbed everyone's attention, even the opponent's, such as Atlanta coach Mike Smith, whose team opens the season Sunday against Dixon at Heinz Field.
"Dennis creates issues with the skill set he has as a quarterback in terms of his athleticism," Smith said. "I think that is something that we are going to have to make sure we are on top of our game because he is very athletic.
"He throws the ball well, but he can make plays with his feet as well and it will be very important for us to have a good plan to contain the quarterback, keep him in the pocket and not let him create explosive plays when the integrity of the play breaks down. I think that is probably one of the biggest things that we are going to have to do."
Smith sounded like many an opposing coach when the Steelers had Kordell Stewart at quarterback.
The Steelers tightened the reins on Dixon in his only start in November in Baltimore because they had no healthy backup after Tyler Palko, who only joined them that week. Still, Dixon ran for a 24-yard touchdown, threw a 33-yard scoring pass and had the Steelers in front, 17-14, in the fourth quarter of a game they eventually lost in overtime after a Dixon interception.
First Published September 9, 2010 12:00 am
