On three-way QB competition, minicamp, rookies
As the Steelers enter the final phase of their offseason on the road to training camp, Coach Mike Tomlin will provide his insight and observations to Steelers.com on a variety of topics pertaining to the team and the National Football League.
Q. When it comes to the concept of a three-man competition for the starting quarterback job, do you believe that can be conducted at a training camp?
A. It?s too many people. And really, it?s not a three-man quarterback competition at this point. We know what all three men (Byron Leftwich, Charlie Batch and Dennis Dixon) are capable of doing. All three men, at different points in time, have benefited us and helped us win football games or played winning football. We know what we?re working with. We?re going to spend the rest of this offseason teaching, re-acclimating in some cases ? as with Byron Leftwich ? and then we?re going to make decisions and move forward.
Q. So are you saying that you will know what the pecking order is at quarterback going into training camp?
A. Certainly.
Q. Will you announce the starting quarterback when camp opens?
A. In all likelihood, I won?t say it, but the decision will be made.
As the Steelers enter the final phase of their offseason on the road to training camp, Coach Mike Tomlin will provide his insight and observations to Steelers.com on a variety of topics pertaining to the team and the National Football League.
Q. When it comes to the concept of a three-man competition for the starting quarterback job, do you believe that can be conducted at a training camp?
A. It?s too many people. And really, it?s not a three-man quarterback competition at this point. We know what all three men (Byron Leftwich, Charlie Batch and Dennis Dixon) are capable of doing. All three men, at different points in time, have benefited us and helped us win football games or played winning football. We know what we?re working with. We?re going to spend the rest of this offseason teaching, re-acclimating in some cases ? as with Byron Leftwich ? and then we?re going to make decisions and move forward.
Q. So are you saying that you will know what the pecking order is at quarterback going into training camp?
A. Certainly.
Q. Will you announce the starting quarterback when camp opens?
A. In all likelihood, I won?t say it, but the decision will be made.
