Leftwich Comes Through for Steelers

Byron Leftwich, the former first round pick of the Jacksonville Jaguars, came through for the Steelers in the second half preforming very effectively in place of Ben Roethlisberger who injured his throwing arm late in the first half. Byron Leftwich had been on the Falcons last year, but lost his starting job there and was eventually cut by the team. The Steelers defeated the Redskins 23-6. The Steelers improved to 6-2 while the Redskins dropped to 6-3

Byron Leftwich had been known as a "statue" in the pocket and even though Leftwich had a good arm, Byron was seen as somebody who couldn't avoid the rush. He also had fumble problems throughout his career with both the Atlanta Falcons and the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jaguars cut him because he couldn't stay healthy and because Byron Leftwich was not the Byron Leftwich they thought they have drafted. After all the man was drafted 7th overall in the first round in 2003. Many have memories of Leftwich completely dominating opposing schools at Marshall.

Leftwich went 7-10 for 129 yards and a touchdown against a very dominate Redskins defense. It was exciting to see Byron playing well, and although he may never live up to his hype as the seventh overall pick. Although Byron Leftwich may have a huge opportunity here with Ben Roethlisberger on the sidelines. The seriousness of that injury not yet known, but Ben was on the sidelines trying to cheer for his team after a touchdown and could not lift his arm over his head in celebration and cringed as he tried to do that.

Many teams simply gave up on Byron Leftwich being a starting quarter back for them after his dismal showing while he was on the Falcons last year, many teams didn't even want him as their back up. Leftwich has a chance to prove all those teams wrong, and prove that he belongs to start in this league. If he keeps playing like he did tonight in the second half, against top defenses like the Redskins, then he may just find himself the starting quarterback for an NFL team next season.