2003 STEELERS
	Tommy Maddox threw 20 TDs and 16 INTs last season.
	Head coach: Bill Cowher (12th year). 2003 record: 10-5-1 AFC Central finish: 1st Season opener: Sept. 7 vs. Ravens. Schedule | Depth chart

The quarterback is gone and he is forgotten. Is this the story of Johnny Rotten?

That depends on your opinion of Kordell Stewart. But this year's Pittsburgh Steelers are the story of what's left in his aftermath.

Stewart is gone after a tumultuous eight-year stay that divided fans in the region as only politics and religion can. He was the on-again, off-again starter from 1997 through the start of 2002, when he was sent into oblivion by Tommy Maddox.

While Stewart's name is rarely mentioned in Pittsburgh these days, there is a missing-persons bulletin out for former left tackle Wayne Gandy. The Steelers were fully prepared to let Gandy walk via free agency, then made a last-ditch offer that was too little, too late.Through two preseason games, Steelers fans saw why the organization had a last-minute change of heart.

The Steelers also lost run-stuffing strong safety Lee Flowers and, as per the trend in the league these days, replaced him with cover safeties Mike Logan and first-round pick Troy Polamalu. The most expensive free-agent newcomer is tight end Jay Riemersma, while special-teams ace Clint Kreiwaldt was swiped from Detroit. Todd Fordham was brought in for offensive-line depth.

Offense
Quarterbacks: Maddox and Charlie Batch give the Steelers an established 1-2 punch, and both expect better seasons this time around. That might be difficult for Maddox, but this is his first training camp as the starter and he's working to develop a better chemistry with all of his receivers, not just Plaxico Burress. Maddox has spent more time working with Hines Ward, but it may not mean much if the line doesn't keep Maddox upright. If it doesn't, Batch would be next. His knowledge of the offense has improved in his second season with the team. The third-teamer is fifth-round pick Brian St. Pierre, who could conceivably lose his job to slot WR and former college QB Antwaan Randle El.
Grade: B.

Running backs: Jerome Bettis reported to camp at 252 pounds and even dipped below 250 a few times. The 11th-year veteran has been motivated by his worst season since coming to Pittsburgh. His 666 yards last year forced the 31-year-old to get into shape as he hopes to climb a few notches on the all-time rushing list. Bettis is currently 10th in NFL history with 11,542 yards. He needs 770 to tie Jim Brown for sixth place. Bettis, however, lost the starting job with Amos Zereoue. Last year's team leader with a career-high 762 yards on 193 carries (3.9 average), Zereoue has added five pounds in order to survive the weekly punishment. Both Zereoue and Bettis, however, have been upstaged this preseason by second-year runner Verron Haynes. The Bronx Bulldog didn't start at Georgia until the final four games of his senior season, but was dubbed the "greatest late-bloomer in Georgia history" by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He could be viewed the same way in Pittsburgh by the end of this season. Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala is again struggling with injuries. At fullback, Dan Kreider is entering his third season as the established starter.
Grade: B.

Receivers: The trio of Burress, Ward and Randle El caught more passes (237), and gained more yardage (3,143) than any other WR trio in the league last season. Much of the same can be expected this season, and even more from Randle El, who's expected to revive the "Slash" role made famous by Stewart in 1995. Randle El is taking snaps at quarterback, halfback and as a holder for kicks, along with his normal role as the slotback. Lee Mays replaces Terance Mathis (23 receptions, 218 yards) as the No. 4 receiver and the Steelers believe he'll become a downfield threat. Chris Doering will likely be the team's fifth receiver. Riemersma adds a new dimension to the offense because he can stretch the field in a way Mark Bruener and Jerame Tuman can't. Riemersma will take a double team away from either Burress or Ward. If blocking is needed, the Steelers can rely on Bruener, who proved that microfracture surgery on his knee hasn't hampered his ability to seal the corner. Tuman probably offers the best combination of blocking and receiving.
Grade: B-plus.

Offensive linemen: With Gandy gone, Marvel Smith has moved over from right tackle and will endure a transition period on the left side. Meanwhile, nobody has capably secured right tackle. Oliver Ross and Fordham have shown little, so third-year tackle Mathias Nkwenti may soon receive a chance. Right guard is also a question mark since last year's No. 1 pick, Kendall Simmons, was diagnosed with diabetes a few days before camp started. Keydrick Vincent has played the position in the meantime. At center, Jeff Hartings is troubled by a sore knee, so Chukky Okobi has received more time. All-Pro left guard Alan Faneca provides the only stability on the line.
Grade: C.

Defense
Defensive linemen: Nose tackle Casey Hampton showed up for training camp out of shape but has lost 15 pounds and is at the center of the best run-stuffing unit in the league the last two years. Aaron Smith would be in the Pro Bowl if 3-4 ends were considered. Defensive end Kimo von Oelhoffen is slowing down but remains stout against the run.
Grade: B.

Linebackers: Kendrell Bell, Jason Gildon and Joey Porter have been to Pro Bowls, and they believe James Farrior should have gone too after his 2001 season with the Jets. However, Porter was the victim of a gunshot wound over the weekend in Colorado that, while not life-threatening, will sideline him indefinitely. As a result, fourth-year man Clark Haggans will replace Porter on the weak side. Second-round pick Alonzo Jackson will help the pass rush on third downs. Grade: A-minus.

Defensive backs: This was the team's weak link last year, and the same cornerbacks -- Dewayne Washington and Chad Scott -- return. Washington had a slow finish capped off by a disastrous performance in the playoff loss to Tennessee. He'll turn 31 during this season. Free safety Brent Alexander, 32, is also slowing down. but won't lose his spot until both Logan and Polamalu prove they understand the defense. Safety Chris Hope and rookie cornerback Ike Taylor figure in a future that just might be now.
Grade: C-minus.

Special teams
Kicker Jeff Reed crawled out of a muddy, mid-November tryout at Heinz Field to not only make the club but make 17-of-19 field-goal attempts. His kickoffs have improved and he has been accurate on field goals in the preseason. Punter Josh Miller has been up and down, and is coming back from shoulder and knee surgeries. An array of outstanding athletes should give the Steelers their best coverage units in years.
Grade: B-plus.

Jim Wexell covers the Steelers for Pittsburgh.com.

Material from Pro Football Weekly.
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