Steelers Add QB Security - Charlie Batch Re-signs

After losing Byron Lefwich to Tampa Bay just a few short days ago, the Steelers have moved forward with Chaz. Always glad to see Charlie on the sidelines mentoring Ben and Dennis Dixon, as well earning himself one more paycheck before he perhaps hangs it up for good.

almost 3 years ago Chicago Steeler 15 comments 0 recs |

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Shoulda used a hyphen there...

It looks like he quit based on the title. In fact he has re-signed with the team. My bad.

by Chicago Steeler on Apr 14, 2009 4:27 PM EDT reply actions

Thanks for the clarification

Your headline made my heart skip a beat. It’s great to see Charlie will be back — he’s a fantastic role model on and off the field. I’d love to see him transition to being an assistant coach on the team when the time is right, probably after this year.

by Alba on Apr 14, 2009 5:57 PM EDT up reply actions

i changed it.

thanks for posting mr windy city

by Michael Bean on Apr 14, 2009 7:00 PM EDT up reply actions

Hasn’t happened yet, not that there is any reason the deal won’t get done.

1-year deal, the steelers want Dixon to step up.

Don't worry about the haters. Haters only hate.

by steelguy99 on Apr 14, 2009 6:50 PM EDT reply actions

Great news

I know we loved Lord Byron, but Batch is a great guy and has been a very solid back-up for us. At 34 he still has juice in the tank and has been working with this team long enough to step in and get it done at a high level.

The team is doing the right things to step in and get it done next year.
Anybody getting excited?!?

by SteelerBuddha on Apr 14, 2009 7:53 PM EDT reply actions

YUP!

Remember our convo earlier Buddha…I LOVE THE STEELERS!

And as I wrote steelerark in an email earlier…I’m BAAAAAAAACK. Was kind in a funk for awhile. Now I just want me some football. w00t!

to the subject at hand – love Batch, love the move. I just hope Dixon gets some opportunities if god forbid that situation arises. Unless its a certain situation where we’re just fine going with little upside. For bigger games or a strech of time, I’d say go with Dixon for the potential at something more than just ‘experienced mediocre play’. No offense to ya Batch! But I just see him more as a coach than a viable player and I’m fine with that. Actually like it.

by Michael Bean on Apr 14, 2009 8:20 PM EDT up reply actions

i agree

i agree i love Batch but he seems to get hurt just by the other team looking at him. a broken hand, a broken collarbone… i wonder if he’ll even make it to week eight.

i’m glad Batch is back but i’m curious about what Dixon can do. perhaps Dixon could be #2 and Batch #3.

URL: ( http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05318/606228-66.stm )
“Batch left the game at halftime with a broken bone in his right hand”

by weegiethompson on Apr 14, 2009 10:43 PM EDT up reply actions

We honestly had an embarrassment of riches at QB last season

BB (one of the best), Leftwich (solid starter), Batch (one of the better backup QBs and a lot of coaching potential), Dixon (would have gone 1st round if not for that knee injury). It was really too good. To think that we are keeping 3, with Batch ready to move on and Dixon under his tutelage one more year before he steps into the 2nd spot, where he will be great. I don’t think his knee is going to be an issue:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKhixK6sefQ&feature=related

Yeah, we had it too good. Now we just have it really good.

by BallsofSteel on Apr 14, 2009 10:51 PM EDT up reply actions

I've never agreed with the thinking that Dixon is a first rounder

Yes, his stock was high before his knee injury, but eventually after the combine and private workouts I can’t see him being a first round draft pick with Matt Ryan, and Joe Flacco in the mix. I think Dixon would of been looked at very similarly to Pat White this year, with teams just as interested in him as a possible wide-out, rather than a QB.

Brian Brohm and Chad Henne were both taken at the bottom of round two, a spot that I think would of been the earliest that Dixon goes if hes not injured.

Was he a good value pick for the Steelers? Absolutely.
Was he ever a viable first round draft pick? I doubt it.

I'll drink your Milkshake, I'll drink it up!

by Frank Mineo (DYMS) on Apr 15, 2009 9:51 AM EDT up reply actions

Good point. I may have engaged in a bit of hyperbole there, but I still think he is top round talent.

He was highly likely to take home the Heisman the year of his injury and his team went 0-3 after he went down. Pat White is a very good example. Tebow is maybe even better, interested to see what his draft status will look like. His results were somewhat in line with Dixon’s potential.

One thing I actually like about White over Dixon is that he seems more likely to scramble to get a chance to throw downfield, rather than just make a break for it. All of these guys are better than Tavaris Jackson though.

by BallsofSteel on Apr 15, 2009 11:51 AM EDT up reply actions

agreed,

wasn’t trying to call you out or anything; I’ve just heard that a bunch of times and have never been convinced he would of went that high.

I'll drink your Milkshake, I'll drink it up!

by Frank Mineo (DYMS) on Apr 15, 2009 1:28 PM EDT up reply actions

Dixon Will Be the Backup

Those of you who think that Batch will be the backup are living in the past. Batch is 34, and by opening day, he won’t have played at full speed in … 18 months or so.

Honestly, I won’t be surprised if/when the Steelers bring in an undrafted QB, or one of the career backups who are out there, to compete for the backup slot.

Dixon will win the 2nd string job, and Batch will have to compete to get the 3rd string role. I’m sure he knows the playbook … the question is, is his body up to the task?

by PaulMorel on Apr 15, 2009 12:08 AM EDT reply actions

It’s a question of what the coaches need most. Batch makes a great #2 to come in mid-game and try to close it out. He knows NFL defenses, he knows the Steelers offense inside and out and he has enough left to execute at a fairly high level.

But as has been stated above, if Ben’s out for a game or two? (knock on wood that it doesn’t happen) I’d imagine we’ll see Dixon lining up under center. He’s got the physical tools to challenge a defense that Batch no longer has. But if we had a moment like the Redskins game this year? You bring in Batch and you’re thankful for his experience.

by Chicago Steeler on Apr 15, 2009 10:10 AM EDT up reply actions

Right on. That’s the bummer part too, because it would be nice to have Dixon is as the number two, but a short-term close you want Batch. Tricky issue.

Don't worry about the haters. Haters only hate.

by steelguy99 on Apr 15, 2009 10:25 AM EDT up reply actions

I kinda look at it the other way around

Dixon will get a lot of work in the preseason and a chance to compete for the No. 2 job right away. He’s a talented guy and brings some different athletic skills to the table. Nice to have some options depending on game situations. Plus, it gets him the work he needs (practice reps as the No. 2 and some playing time in games) to develop just in case Ben suffers an injury. We already know what Batch can do. If Ben goes down for an extended period of time and Dixon hasn’t shown enough to be the starter, Batch can step in for that stretch of games. He’s a good insurance policy and his new contract indicates he is being viewed as the No. 3. At his age he is also susceptible to injury, so all the more reason to get Dixon up to speed asap.. Looking forward to seeing Dixon’s progress during the preseason. I think a lot of people will be pleasantly surprised.

by steeler.lifer on Apr 15, 2009 2:04 PM EDT up reply actions