Somewhere buried towards the end of the column in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on the suspension of Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers quarterback, was a prediction that was straightforward. The prediction was that Roethlisberger would be replaced by Bryon Leftwich during his ban of 4 to 6 games.

Ed Bouchette of the Post-Gazette wrote that it’s obvious that Byron Leftwich will be Pittsburgh’s starting quarterback to open the season.

Leftwich has an edge on Dennis Dixon, his competitor, in terms of arm strength and experience. In addition Byron took most of the OTA first reps before Big Ben was reinstated to the offseason workouts.

Still, it’s quite surprising that Dixon didn’t get a fair shake. The offensive line of the Steelers isn’t known for great pass protection. The superior mobility of Dixon’s would seem to make him fit better with the slow front five of the Steelers. Leftwich’s delivery is probably the slowest of all quarterbacks in the NFL.

Last season in his spot start in Week 12 Dixon didn’t embarrass himself while Roethlisberger was out recovering from a concussion. Dixon, faced with odds that were almost impossible in Baltimore, accounted for both of the touchdowns scored by Pittsburgh (one passing, one rushing) in the Steelers 20-17 loss.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin is taking a conservative approach. When you consider the injury history of Leftwich, though, there’s still a good chance that Dixon will see some playing time early in the season before Roethlisberger returns.