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Wednesday, August 30, 2000 By Ed Bouchette, Post-Gazette Sports Writer
The Steelers open their final season Sunday at Three Rivers Stadium, their once warm and cozy home that has turned as cold as the Monongahela in December.
The Steelers were 2-6 at home last season. Their only victories came when they staved off the Atlanta Falcons Oct. 25, a Monday night game, and used a snowstorm to help them beat Carolina the day after Christmas.
Coach Bill Cowher expects the home fans to be patient with his team Sunday "as long as we are ahead."
"That is the truth. When you lose, everything is scrutinized, as it should be. When you win, people take it in stride.
"Fans are fans. This is a football town. There is no doubt about it. They love you when you win, and they let you know how they feel when you lose. Who would want it to be any other way?"
Kordell Stewart, perhaps?
"We are all accountable," Cowher said. "So, we have to go out there and give them a reason to get into this game, and I will say this: We will give them a reason to get into this game. Number one is that we want to re-establish this place as a very difficult place for teams to come into and play."
Practice squad set
The Steelers' five-man practice squad will consist of four players who were in training camp with them this summer -- fullback Dan Kreider, wide receiver Demetrius Brown, defensive end Ernie Brown and safety Naki Codie.
The fifth member is Grey Ruegamer, a 6-foot-5, 310-pound center who spent last season on the Miami Dolphins' roster but was active for just one game. He was the Dolphins' third-round draft pick in 1999.
Kreider and Demetrius Brown are rookies. Ernie Brown was on the Steelers' practice squad last season and the regular roster for the final three games. Codie spent last season on the Lions' practice squad.
Cowher had hoped to sign wide receiver Danny Farmer and offensive lineman Hank Fraley to the practice squad, but the Bengals signed Farmer, and the Eagles picked up Fraley. The Super Bowl champion St. Louis Rams claimed linebacker Chad Kelsay off waivers from the Steelers.
"I was somewhat surprised that Hank was [signed]," Cowher said. "I was happy for him. He was all intent in staying here and coming back in the practice squad. I wish him nothing but the best, him and Danny and Chad. I am happy for those guys."
It's subjective
Cowher admitted he is not applying the same rules to demoted free safety Scott Shields that he is for wide receiver Troy Edwards.
Edwards, the first-round pick last year, will remain a starter, even though he has not performed well this summer and Hines Ward has been more consistent behind him.
Shields, the second-round pick last year, was benched in favor of veteran Brent Alexander, even though Cowher said Shields has improved.
"I think, in Troy's case, this kid has worked very hard," Cowher said. "He has dropped some balls. He has dropped a lot of balls, more than you would like him to."
Cowher said he wanted Edwards and rookie Plaxico Burress "to have their mistakes now. I want them to grow with them and let them deal with it and try to work their way through those things in the preseason, as opposed to force-feeding during the regular season."
And why can't Shields get the same benefit?
"I think this is a subjective situation," Cowher said. "I do not think it is a general statement. I think you have to look at what your alternatives are and what the effect is. I look at each situation very subjectively and do not take a blanket approach to every position."
Shields will play in their passing defenses and also might work on occasion on first and second downs.
"At some point in the season," Cowher said, "we may need him to go out there and play 55, 60 snaps, and we will work him in there some now."
Rookie Marvel Smith also will start at right tackle.
"He is headed in the right direction," Cowher said. "That is not to say that he isn't going to have a couple tough afternoons."
Injury update
Center Dermontti Dawson (hamstring) and offensive lineman Tom Myslinski (groin) will be listed as questionable for the game, although both practiced Monday.
"We'll see how they progress through the course of the week," Cowher said.
Jerome Bettis (knee), Bobby Shaw (back), Shields (backside) and Alexander (ankle) will be listed as probable.
Stewart's role?
Cowher continued to be vague on how he might use backup quarterback Kordell Stewart. He said he might play Sunday. Kent Graham will start.
"I am not going to elaborate much on the quarterback situation. I think it has pretty clearly been stated. ... I like the mindset now of both Kordell and Kent. They have a very clear understanding of what their roles are on this team."
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