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| | Friday, August 11 Steelers: Last chance for Stewart? | |||||||||||||||
| By Mark Cannizzaro Special to ESPN.com The once-proud Pittsburgh Steelers enter this summer having lost 15 of their last 21 games. They made few offseason personnel changes, particularly on offense, where the team suffered most in '99.
Kordell Stewart, who has gone from hero to disrespected in the last couple of years. Stewart, in fact, spent the last five games of 1999 as a receiver, not at quarterback where coach Bill Cowher had committed to keeping him. Cowher is giving Stewart another chance — and his coaching job could hinge on the results. Stewart finished '99 with a 64.9 passer rating, and he threw for only 1,464 yards and six touchdowns — less than his now-departed veteran backup, Mike Tomczak (1,625 and 12). "He has a long road ahead of him," Cowher said of Stewart. "He's going to have to win back the respect of the coaches, the players and of himself." Key position battle This might well be at quarterback, too, considering the tenuous position Stewart finds himself in. Gone is longtime backup Tomzcak, but signed in the offseason was former Giants quarterback Kent Graham, who's not going to be satisfied sitting (he never was as a Giant), which could make for an uncomfortable situation. Biggest adjustment Once a strength, the Steelers offensive line has become a question mark. Veteran center Dermontti Dawson is 35 and coming off a '99 season in which he missed nine games with a bad hamstring injury. Guard Brenden Stai was released and will be replaced by free agent Rich Tylski. Right tackle, too, is an issue, with Justin Strzelczyk, injured since '98, having been released. Rookie report The Steelers need No. 1 pick and eighth overall, Michigan State receiver Plaxico Burress, to become a big-time playmaker right away, because their dormant offense needs it. No. 2 pick, Arizona State tackle Marvel Smith, if he's good in camp, could push Wayne Gandy from left to right tackle.
| ALSO SEE Ravens: Playoff expectations Bengals: Some bright spots Browns: Couch leads the way Jaguars: Super outlook Titans: Success brings expectations AUDIO/VIDEO   Mike Golic talks about Kordell Stewart's status in Pittsburgh.RealVideo: 56.6 | ISDN | T1   Kordell Stewart plans on starting at quarterback for the Steelers this year.wav: 88 k RealAudio: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6 | |||||||||||||||
