Dixon is a Win-Win-Win

I've already deconstructed Charlie Batch today, which is basically the same thing as arguing for Dixon, but I thought that Dixon needed his own vote of confidence from me. Because I know he totally reads this blog and loves it.

The Deconstructing Batch post (you should read it and forward it to your friends) is about how Dixon is a more logical and better choice than Batch. I left something out of that post -- partly because it made more sense as a separate post and partly because the post would've been like 8,000 words if I hadn't -- which is that there's no way the Steelers can lose if they go with Dixon over Batch.

There are three possible scenarios for the Steelers during the four games that Ben Roethlisberger will be out:

1. They go 1-3 or 0-4.
2. They go 2-2.
3. They go 3-1 or 4-0.

That doesn't include all possible scenarios. Jeff Reed could get drunk and steal a blimp, but those are the three win/loss scenarios.

So, how is Scenario #1 a win?

If Batch starts those games and doesn't get hurt -- which is a long shot, but let's play along -- then Ben comes back after the bye and the team most likely rallies around him and hopefully finishes the season strong. Not that I want to sweep the rape allegations under the rug -- I still think his behavior was deplorable even in the "best case scenario" and would refer him not to be on the team, but I don't own the Steelers -- but Scenario #1 would help the fans, the city, and the team embrace Roethlisberger again and, if they start winning and turn things around, people will start to forget about what may or may not have happened in that bathroom.

That's a win regardless of whether Batch or Dixon starts those four games. But, it's a bigger win if Dixon starts. I've heard an opinion that says Dixon's confidence will be shaken if he doesn't do well and the fans turn on him. I know Kordell was fragile and he wore the same number as Dixon, but Dennis Dixon is not a six year-old that maybe doesn't know all the steps for the dance recital. Dennis Dixon is a professional football player and he is very familiar with what's involved with playing the quarterback position.

With those four games, Dixon will be able to learn from his failures, which is almost as important as being able to enjoy his successes. He'll grow as a player and a person and, as a restricted free agent next season, he'll be a valuable asset as a back-up since Leftwich will probably move on and Batch has to retire eventually.

What will hurt his confidence is if Batch is named starter, then gets hurt, then Dixon has to jump in. Dixon will know that he is only being given the opportunity to succeed or fail because absolutely every other option is either hurt or suspended. Dixon's never been put in a position to succeed. He's never been put in a position to fail. If, as was outlined in the Deconstructing Batch post, it doesn't really matter who the quarterback is, then I would rather the Steelers go 1-3 or 0-4 with Dennis Dixon. They'll get more out of it.

I don't want the Steelers to do that, but I'm also realistic. There's a reason that "You can't win them all" is a cliche. They've done very well the last 20 years or so. Maybe they need to not do as well. If they're going to not do as well, they may as well get as much out of that experience as possible.

In Scenario #2, that's basically what everyone thinks will happen anyway. So, you go back to everything Dixon has over Batch in Scenario #1 and add a win. I guess that's where I got win-win. Hey-o!

The odds do not favor a 3-1 or 4-0 start, but that would obviously be the best thing that could happen. Even if Dixon goes 4-0 and looks great, he still knows that he's just keeping the job warm for Roethlisberger (which sounds kinda skeevy in context), so he'll step aside. Batch is the same way.

If Dixon goes 3-1 or 4-0, then the Steelers either keep him as a restricted free agent and use him as a back-up next season or put a big qualifying offer on him and try to trade him to a team that needs a young quarterback with a bright future that's 3-2 or 4-1 as a starter. A lot of teams need that.

Again, I'm not saying that Dennis Dixon is the second-coming of Jesus. I just think that he's a better option than Charlie Batch, both now and for the future.