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Sunday, August 04, 2002

By Ed Bouchette, Post-Gazette Sports Writer

Payback for the defense was rich.

Still smarting after giving up two touchdowns on two series in a live goal-line drill Wednesday night, the Steelers' defense rose to the occasion in round two to end another hot practice yesterday afternoon.

Not only did the first-team defense hold the No. 1 offense out of the end zone on a series of four plays, but the second-teamers also scored a touchdown.

Those wins by the smack-talking defense ended a streak of nine times in which the offense has scored in a live goal-line drill over the years at training camp.

"That was the best goal-line session we've had in eight years," said safety Lee Flowers. "That goes to show you now, we're ready. I mean this is only the first week of training camp, and we're flying around like we can play tomorrow."

Flowers and rookie safety Chris Hope figured prominently in the drill. On third down, linebacker Jason Gildon blitzed, and Flowers knocked down a Kordell Stewart bootleg pass to fullback Dan Kreider near the goal line. A similar pass Wednesday night went for a 5-yard touchdown. Then, on fourth down, Flowers blitzed and was credited with a quarterback sack.

On the first play of the next series, Hope batted a pass from Tommy Maddox into the air. Rookie linebacker Larry Foote grabbed it and raced for a touchdown.

"I think someone said there was a streak so I guess the streak is over," Coach Bill Cowher said. "That's a good way to end a full, complete week."

Jerome Bettis blamed himself for not scoring on the first play. He ran off the right side for a 4-yard gain to the 1. On the next play, linebacker Kendrell Bell burst through and spilled Bettis for a 4-yard loss.

"The first play should have been a touchdown," Bettis said. "You have to scoop that out for a touchdown. I have to do something to get into the end zone."

Stewart, who missed the previous two days of practice to attend the funeral of a cousin in New Orleans, wasn't happy about the outcome.

"I don't like it, but it's going to make us better. It's one of those situations where it frustrates you, humbles you, but, at the same time, I'm glad it's our defense and we don't have to play against them."

Time to rest

Cowher canceled practice for this afternoon, saying the combination of steady high heat and good practices made him reward his players with an unexpected day off.

"It's been close to 100 degree heat index every day we've been out here," he said. "They've earned it. I want to get their legs back for Thursday night."

The Steelers, who play their first exhibition Thursday against the New York Jets at Heinz Field, have not had a day off since July 25. Cowher did give nine veterans the day off Friday.

"It's a somewhat veteran team that's come out with a purpose of practicing," Cowher said. "I like where they are right now."

Said Flowers: "We've been busting our tails not so much since training camp but since February. Guys busted their tails and came into camp in shape."

The Steelers report for meetings at 7:30 p.m. today. They will practice at 3 p.m. tomorrow.

First things first

The first fight and first casualty of the heat occurred yesterday.

Tight end Corey Geason, who is 6 feet 4, 270 pounds, left the field on a cart, sitting in a seat with a towel on his head. He went to cool down.

"He had a little problem," Cowher said, "but I think he'll be fine."

There also was a heated exchange as offensive lineman Chukki Okobi and defensive lineman Scott Schultz grabbed each other and rolled around in the grass during a one-on-one blocking drill.

"That looked good," Cowher said. "A little wrestling around on the floor. It's about that time. Nothing came of it, which is good. Just leave it on the field."

Short snaps

Safety Mike Logan and wide receiver Dallas Davis remained out with hamstring injures, halfback R.J. Bowers with a hip injury. ... Center Jeff Hartings needed two stitches to close a cut on his nose. ... The best long ball of the day came off the hand of Maddox, who connected with Terance Mathis deep on the right sideline.