Jets vs. Steelers
Cowher hopes to get a look at many players in ‘Show Me’ game LATROBE – James Farrior won’t say it, but he’d love to show the New York Jets they were wrong in pushing him out the door in favor of Sam Cowart.
Jerome Bettis won’t say it, but he’d love to show the media, fans and, most importantly, himself that his groin is fully healed and he’s ready to return to his Hall of Fame form.
Chad Pennington won’t say it, but he’d love to show the Pittsburgh Steelers they were wrong in passing on him and selecting Plaxico Burress with the eighth pick of the 2000 draft.
Shoot, they ought to play this Show Me game somewhere in Missouri. Instead, the Steelers and Jets will open their preseasons at 8 o’clock tonight at Heinz Field.
The aforementioned aren’t the only players, of course, hoping to show off their skills. In fact, they probably won’t play much at all, instead giving way to some 120 backups who are fighting for roster spots. Really, it’s their time.
“We’re going to make sure we call plays they feel comfortable with so we can evaluate them as players, not evaluate them as far as their comfort level,” said Steelers coach Bill Cowher. “It will be interesting to see how some of these kids do respond in real-game situations. That’s what Thursday night’s going to be for.”
What, no game plan?
“We put in a very limited package, game plan-wise, offense and defense. We want to keep it pretty simple and pretty basic so we have a chance to evaluate these kids because there’s going to be some tough decisions to make.”
Here are just a few of the many subplots to which Steelers fans should pay attention:
l Tight ends – Mark Bruener will join the rest of the starters on the bench after two series and his backup, Jerame Tuman, probably won’t play because of an injury. That will provide plenty of opportunities for Matt Cushing, Cory Geason and newcomer John Allred (No. 46) to win the third roster spot.
l Wide receivers – Has Troy Edwards moved to the head of the class in terms of being the No. 3 receiver? Or is Cowher giving him one final look? Second-round pick Antwaan Randle El (No. 82) and free agent Terance Mathis (No. 88) are also battling for that No. 3 spot. Rookie Lee Mays (No. 89) and special-teams standout Lenzie Jackson are battling for jobs.
l Offensive line – Kendall Simmons (No. 71) could win the starting job at right guard by the time the season starts. But where would Oliver Ross go? The bench or right tackle?
l Nose tackle – The Steelers were set to push former third-round pick Kendrick Clancy out the door in favor of Chris Hoke, but Clancy has responded to the challenge in camp so far. Watch to see which one holds the point of attack better against the Jets.
l Cornerback – Hank Poteat has a lock on the dime cornerback position vacated by Jason Simmons. But seventh-round pick LaVar Glover (No. 23) and NFL Europe refugee Nijrel Eason (No. 40) are battling for the fifth spot. The winner will be the better special teams player.
l Long shot – Probably only one rookie free agent has emerged as a roster candidate. Free safety Erik Totten (No. 39) out of Western Washington is barely 200 pounds, but he’s fast, tough and smart. With Mike Logan hurt, Totten will receive plenty of time.
Of course, the inside linebacker job vacated by Earl Holmes is also up for grabs, but it would be a surprise to the coaches and a setback for the front office if free agent Farrior (No. 51), last year’s tackling leader with the Jets, doesn’t surpass John Fiala by opening day. And, no, Farrior doesn’t feel the need to show anything to his old team.
“I want to show the team that I’m with now what I can do,” Farrior said. “I’m still out here trying to prove myself with the Steelers. I’ve got to make these coaches have confidence in me and put me out on the field, so I’m worried about the Steelers right now.”
It’s time. Show us.
NOTES – The Jets are banged up on the offensive line and will start two rookies and a backup along the interior. … Jets quarterback Vinny Testaverde sprained his right thumb early in camp by banging it off another player’s helmet. He’ll probably play, but the bulk of the Jets’ snaps will be taken by Pennington. … Farrior’s replacement in New York, Cowart, missed all of last season with a torn Achilles tendon and has missed all of training camp with an injured hamstring. … Jets sacks leader John Abraham is out with a knee injury and will be replaced at right defensive end by first-round pick Bryan Thomas.