[Quack Attack]

Steelers' Dennis Dixon shows flashes in 17-13 loss to Washington



Posted by Staff and wire reports August 22, 2009 21:59PM


Pablo Martinez Monsivais/The Associated Press

Washington's Antonio Dixon (75) and Alex Buzbee (90) dropped the Steelers' Dennis Dixon for a sack in the fourth quarter, but the former UO quarterback had a good night overall, guiding Pittsburgh to two scoring drives in a 17-13 loss.

With starter Ben Roethlisberger out with a sore foot, Pittsburgh Steelers third-string quarterback Dennis Dixon figured to get a little more playing time than usual in a preseason game against Washington tonight. The former Oregon star seemed to make the most of the opportunity, finishing 8 of 16 for 68 yards and leading the Steelers on two scoring drives in a 17-13 loss at FedEx Field.

After taking over for tonight's starter, Charlie Batch, in the second quarter, Dixon offered a glimpse of his athleticism on consecutive plays.
First, he scrambled right and threw back across his body, hitting Limas Sweed for a 17-yard completion. Then, Dixon escaped pressure in the backfield and turned upfield 17 yards before sliding safely to avoid a tackle.

The drive ended in a field goal to make it 10-3 Steelers, and in the third quarter the Dixon-led offense tacked on another field goal for a 13-10 lead. It was the second game in a row that Dixon played well. In Pittsburgh's first exhibition game Aug. 13, Dixon was 10 of 19 for 112 yards and led two touchdown drives.

A little-used quarterback for Washington also shined Saturday night, as undrafted rookie Chase Daniel threw for two touchdowns, including the game-winner. For the Steelers, there was also excitement over Stefan Logan, a first-year player from South Dakota who stands maybe 5-foot-6, averaged 39 yards on four kickoff returns and 12 yards on four punt returns.

"Coach let me know a few days before the game he was going to give me a shot at kickoff return and punt return," said Logan, whose dressing area consisted of a chair below his number taped to the wall. "I told my mom, I was so excited. I told all my friends. They said when you get the ball, you're going to make something happen and I know you're going to make this team because you go at it so hard."

Willie Parker had a three-yard touchdown run for the Steelers, and Pittsburgh's first-team defense looked in regular season form. Washington, shut out 23-0 by Baltimore last week, was happy to get a field goal out of the opening drive, although it needed a fake punt on fourth-and-10 to get the ball down the field.