We Take Preparation Real Seriously...

No idea.

But, best part about this = the AP thinks Dixon's first name is "Don."

Solid fact checking. What is this, OFTOT?

It's Gotta Be The Visor...

"Yes, our defense is hard for any quarterback, but Dixon's doing a helluva job. He's still making mistakes, but when he's on point, he's on point."

- Hines Ward

We've been talking about Wreckingball Rashard Mendenhall and Limas Speed Sweed for months now. But here's one name we haven't called in a while - Dennis Dixon.

According to the ever-sagacious, Jim Wexell, Dixon had the best practice of his three month career on Monday. Not only that, but his knee looks like it's as good as new and he's expected to see some decent action in Friday's game.

Surprisngly (or maybe not), I really like Dixon. I'm not exactly the biggest fan of the QB/RB/WR/Kordell Stewart. BUT, I think what makes Dixon different to me is his work ethic. After he got injured back in November, he set out to be ready for April. And indeed, he made a good enough recovery to get himself drafted by the Steelers (who don't mince draft picks) in the 5th round (5th, right?). Oh, and did I mention all the while he chronicled his progress for scouts on his website?

So this means a few things to me...

1. He's got a will of steel
2. He's a good physical specimen
3. He's confident in his ability

Of course, these will all serve him well while holding Chalie Batch's clipboard. But will they help him on the field? Well, only time will tell. Even if Dixon does catch on as 3rd QB, it's not likely he'd even see any real action unless Charlie Batch got run over on the way to Heinz Field. That OR Batch retires. Either way.

Nevertheless, it sounds like Dixon just might end the Steelers tradition of drafting wastes of perfectly good QB roster space.

Cool.

So guys, is Dennis Dixon just another failed QB experiment waiting to happen? Or is he the potential heir apparent to Chuck Batch?

In other news, I am still sans-internets, and Cablevision just might be the most useless profit-making venture since the financial services industry. I would definitely vote them off the island. I am getting pretty good at this blackberry typing, though.

Also, Tecmo and I will be invading Latrobe/Da 'burgh this weekend. Training camp Sunday, anyone? I'll bring the beers. I'll bring the beers...

A Veritable Cornucopia of News...

Not exactly good news. Or bad news. Or even interesting news. But news, nevertheless.

In case you missed them, yesterday brought us four separate stories.

Let's begin...

#1 ~ The Rooneys Are Selling The Steelers...
Chyeah...right...and monkeys might fly out of my butt!

As far as I understand it, Chairman Dan (the Man) Rooney and his son, President Art Rooney II are planning to purchase all of the elder Rooney's brothers shares in the team. Wow that was kind of a mouthful. Anyways, apparently the less football-relevant Rooneys want to focus on things that might appeal more to Charles Barkley than Roger Goodell. Namely, gambling. Will this mean slots in Pittsburgh? Only if there is a God...

#2 ~ The Sporting News Knows Their Stuff...
Two, count 'em, two features by the Sporting News yesterday discussing the Steelers. One, aptly titled, "Optimistic Browns better watch out for Big Ben." The other, "Steelers’ burning question: A more pounding ground game?"

As to the First - I applaud the Browns-focused piece for promoting what we've been peddling here at OFTOT for at least three months - tempered enthusiasm. Look, we know how exciting an overweight Defensive Lineman with character questions can be...But get serious. The Super Bowl is won in February, not April or May or June or July. And plus, it's the Browns.

As to the Second - Sounds like this dude has been reading OFTOT.

#3 ~ The Steelers Signed Some Draft Picks...
Not Rashard Mendenhall or Limas Sweed...but Tony Hills and Dennis Dixon. /Yawns. Kidding...ish.

#4 ~ I Guess I Can't Watch Inside The NFL Anymore...
Simms AND Collinsworth in one broadcast? Might as well be Romeo Crennel and Marvin Lewis. Don't expect any love from either tandem. Jesus.

But look guys, if you think discussing these lackluster story lines is boring, try waxing nostalgic about Kelly Holcomb. As a wise man would say, I pity the foo' who has no fonder memory than Kelly Holcomb.

PS - Rashard. Mendenhall.

You hear me, Steeler fans of the internets?