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Tuesday, January 15, 2002

By Ed Bouchette, Post-Gazette Sports Writer

The lineage of great linebackers in Steelers history is long and distinguished, and Kendrell Bell made sure that it remained that way this season.

Yesterday, Bell added to his pile of awards when he was named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year by The Associated Press. Bell won the award in a landslide vote of 50 sports writers and broadcasters who cover the NFL. Bell received 41 votes. Cleveland cornerback Anthony Henry received six.

Previously, Bell was named his team's rookie of the year, made the second-team All-Pro squad and was first alternate at inside linebacker for the AFC's Pro Bowl team. He might yet make the trip to Hawaii, joining linebacker Jason Gildon from the Steelers' defense, because starter Zach Thomas of Miami is injured.

Bell said he really hasn't taken stock of how well he has played as a rookie.

"I'm very flattered," Bells said about all his honors. "But still I like to keep my composure, keep it down. Things don't hit me until late. In junior college, I got an All-American award and it didn't hit me until three months later."

Conversely, Bell wastes no time in providing the hits.

"I've never seen anybody hit like him," defensive end Aaron Smith said. "And the way he closes to the ball! He just brings so many assets to this defense it's hard to describe."

The one thing left for Bell to accomplish would be to become an every-down player. He does not play on the Steelers' pass defense, when he is replaced by an extra defensive back.

"I said before that when he learns what to do he's really going to be good," said defensive coordinator Tim Lewis. "I said then I basically blitz him all the time and try to keep him out of the coverage, keep him out of the way. Now, he's learning the defense. He's telling Earl Holmes what to do."

Bell started all 16 games, becoming the first rookie linebacker to start an opener for the Steelers since Jack Lambert in 1974. He led the team with 15 1/2 tackles for losses and his nine sacks tied for second on the team and were the most by an inside linebacker or a rookie.

His 88 tackles tied for third on the team.