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Tuesday, November 07, 2000

By Ed Bouchette, Post-Gazette Sports Writer

Steelers vs. Eagles, 1 p.m. Sunday, Three Rivers Stadium. TV: WPGH. Radio: WDVE-FM (102.5), WBGG-AM (970) and Steelers Radio Network.

Bill Cowher, whose agent died in a plane crash last season, will now be represented by Octagon, a sports marketing and entertainment agency that employs 1,200 people in 19 countries. Cowher and several others who were represented by the late Robert Fraley of Leader Enterprises moved to Octagon at the recommendation of Fraley's widow, Dixie. Atlanta Falcons Coach Dan Reeves also made the switch. Fraley negotiated Cowher's most recent contract with the Steelers, which averages $2 million annually and lasts through the 2002 season. Octagon will handle Cowher's representation and marketing endeavors. Phil de Picciotto, president of Octagon's athlete representation division, said, "The transition has been smooth for the clients because Octagon and Leader share the same core beliefs, dedication and moral judgment."

Gene Upshaw, executive director of the NFL Players Association, met with the Steelers yesterday along with three other union officials to advise them of attempts to extend the collective bargaining agreement, among other things. The NFLPA and management are negotiating to extend the CBA by two years. It runs through 2003 under the salary cap rules with two more years beyond that uncapped. The sides are trying to extend the cap through 2005. Steelers President Dan Rooney is part of management's negotiating team. Upshaw, highly critical of conditions at Philadelphia's Veterans Stadium last week, said: "It's amazing that two teams are in the same state and one can get one done and one can't. It comes down to leaders. Dan and the Steelers found a way."

TE Corey Geason likely will be out for a while with a sprained left knee ligament, so the Steelers might have to sign another blocking tight end. They have been using two tight ends more often, but Jerame Tuman, their No. 3 tight end, is more a receiver than a blocker.

At 93 points, the Steelers are the only team that has allowed fewer than 100 points. Only two teams have scored fewer than their 137 -- Cleveland (101) and Cincinnati (87).

Outside LBs Joey Porter (seven) and Jason Gildon (six) have 13 sacks, which represent 68.4 percent of the team's 19. At that rate, the Steelers will have 34 sacks, their fewest in 10 years.

The Steelers are one of three teams that don't have a 100-yard receiver. The others are Cincinnati and Detroit.