Cowher defends Steelers’ performance against Jets
LATROBE – Bill Cowher has a message for those whom he feels are overanalyzing the miserable results from the Pittsburgh Steelers’ first preseason game. “It wasn’t to the level that we want,” said Cowher. “But certainly I don’t think it’s something that after every play people should say, ‘Whoa, you can’t run the ball,’ and ‘Whoa, you have special teams problems. These are the same things that showed up in the AFC Championship Game.’
“I mean, come on. Really, are we ready to run to that conclusion?”
The Steelers were beaten by the New York Jets in a fashion similar to their loss in the AFC Championship Game to the New England Patriots. The Steelers were stopped on the ground and had a kick blocked in both games.
The point Cowher tried to make Thursday is that one of those games was meaningless.
“I just want to make sure we don’t overreact,” Cowher said. “I like the way they’re working. I like the focus we have as a football team. I like the approach that they’re taking. I like some of the things we’re doing. We are throwing the football very well. We threw the football very well the other night. I like the development of the offensive line. I like the development of where we are with some of the linebackers and where we are with James Farrior. And we’re all going through the thing with the special teams right now because we’re changing a lot of the things that we did.
“I say we’re not concerned at this point because it is early. Certainly if things become repetitive, then, yeah, the concern will be there and we’ll address it. But I’m not going to overreact as I think is going to happen.”
The Steelers hope to play better Sunday night at FedEx Field against the Washington Redskins. Cowher believes that his running game will soon catch up with his passing game – considering the recent progress made by running backs Jerome Bettis and Amos Zereoue – and Cowher is also looking forward to watching his defense defend Redskins coach Steve Spurrier’s acclaimed Fun ‘N’ Gun passing game.
“It will check our discipline and ability to play the game with them, so to speak,” Cowher said.
In Spurrier’s first two exhibition games as coach since leaving the University of Florida, the Redskins have scored 75 points and passed for 798 yards in wins over the San Francisco 49ers and Carolina Panthers. One of Spurrier’s former quarterbacks at Florida, 1996 Heisman trophy winner Danny Wuerffel, has rejuvenated his career under Spurrier and will start against the Steelers.
Spurrier has also brought with him from Florida his uncanny ability to upset opposing coaches with late touchdowns. After calling a fourth-and-one touchdown pass in the fourth quarter of a 38-7 win over the 49ers, Spurrier was criticized by 49ers coach Steve Mariucci.
Cowher was asked about such tactics.
“I will admit a few years ago I took offense to Sam Wyche running a fake punt in the preseason against us,” said Cowher. “But that’s the only time. I watched the (Redskins-49ers) game. I didn’t feel like in that game that was the case. I thought Steve was running his offense with his players, trying to evaluate the quarterbacks. The only way you’re going to get to know your offense is to apply it for four quarters. I mean, certainly you don’t like to have people throwing for touchdowns when the game’s in hand, but, hey, that’s part of the game.”
Cowher will start quarterback Kordell Stewart and use Charlie Batch and Tee Martin in relief. Cowher will use last week’s second quarterback, Tommy Maddox, only in an emergency situation.
“Tee’s probably had his best couple of practices the last couple days, so he’s coming on,” Cowher said. “Charlie, without question, is getting more comfortable. He hit his hand the other day on a helmet and it’s nothing significant. He, without a doubt, is getting more comfortable with this system. That’s why we feel comfortable enough to put him in there after Kordell.”
Cowher also said the starters would play most of the first half, and that only left tackle Wayne Gandy (ankle) and backup tight end Jerame Tuman (abdomen) will miss the game because of injuries. Oliver Ross will start at left tackle and first-round draft pick Kendall Simmons will start at right guard.