I'm planning on being there....

Kathy

Hey,

I would love to be there, but I will be outta town. See yah for week 2!


>From: Michael Burstin <mikeb@...>
>Reply-To: boston_steelers_fans@yahoogroups.com
>To: boston_steelers_fans@yahoogroups.com
>Subject: Re: [boston_steelers_fans] Sunday's game vs. Oakland
>Date: Tue, 7 Sep 2004 08:01:09 -0400
>
>Hard to believe the regular season is starting, but I'll be there...
>
>On Mon, Sep 06, 2004 at 11:09:15PM -0000, slipperyrock89 wrote:
> >
> > Who is going to show up at Roggies for Game 1 vs. Oakland (1 PM)?
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
>--
>  Michael Burstin: mikeb@...
> 	  http://www.cs.brandeis.edu/~mikeb/
>Coalition Against Unsolicited Commercial Email: http://www.cauce.org

_________________________________________________________________
Is your PC infected? Get a FREE online computer virus scan from McAfee®
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Hard to believe the regular season is starting, but I'll be there...

On Mon, Sep 06, 2004 at 11:09:15PM -0000, slipperyrock89 wrote:
>
> Who is going to show up at Roggies for Game 1 vs. Oakland (1 PM)?
>
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
>

--
		 Michael Burstin: mikeb@...
		   http://www.cs.brandeis.edu/~mikeb/
Coalition Against Unsolicited Commercial Email: http://www.cauce.org

Who is going to show up at Roggies for Game 1 vs. Oakland (1 PM)?

Just got to Boston for college and thanks to the steelers.com forum
found out about you guys and Roggies.  Are people getting together
there tonight for the game?

For what it's worth, you can watch a replay of the game Saturday at
10pm, I believe.  Better than nothin'.
{M}


--- In boston_steelers_fans@yahoogroups.com, icbrew79@a... wrote:
> Unfortunately they do not carry the preseason games due to the
license agreement the NFL has with the NFL Network.
> -Ken

Unfortunately they do not carry the preseason games due to the license agreement
the NFL has with the NFL Network.
-Ken

Link was on the front page of usatoday.com this morning:

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/steelers/2004-08-30-cowher-cover_x.h\
tm


--
		 Michael Burstin: mikeb@...
		   http://www.cs.brandeis.edu/~mikeb/
Coalition Against Unsolicited Commercial Email: http://www.cauce.org

I am moving back to Boston for another year of grad school this
week.  My parents were hoping to check out Roggies and all of the
Steelers fans.  Are there going to be people there watching the game
Thursday night?
Braden

I just moved to NYC (Astoria, Queens to be exact)
which means no more easy access to Steelers football
like living in brookline gave me.   I was wondering if
any of you guys happened to know of any good places to
watch the Steelers in New York? Note: I have no car so
it has to be accessible by mass transit.
    Sadly, my girlfriend still lives in Boston. But
luckily she lives two blocks from Roggies.  We already
have an understanding that when I come up to Boston to
visit I will have to spend a few hours at Roggies if
the Steelers are playing. So, I am sure I 'll see
y'all some time this season.

Tim Hartnett



__________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Mail is new and improved - Check it out!
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I plan to be there.

So did the rookie QB sign a contract or what...

-----Original Message-----
From: slipperyrock89 [mailto:vze2qn9b@...]
Sent: Monday, August 09, 2004 4:12 PM
To: boston_steelers_fans@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [boston_steelers_fans] Steelers vs Detroit on Saturday

Through some very good Pittsburgh contacts, we were able to obtain
that KDKA satelite coordinates used for the Steeler preseason games.

As you know, our team is playing Detroit this Saturday at 7:30 and
I've put a message in to our contacts at Roggies to see if they have
the ability to pick up the game with the coordinates I gave them.

How many here are interested in seeing this game and would actually
show up to watch on Saturday?

Through some very good Pittsburgh contacts, we were able to obtain
that KDKA satelite coordinates used for the Steeler preseason games.

As you know, our team is playing Detroit this Saturday at 7:30 and
I've put a message in to our contacts at Roggies to see if they have
the ability to pick up the game with the coordinates I gave them.

How many here are interested in seeing this game and would actually
show up to watch on Saturday?

It seems that several members of the group has taken off at this
point.  I moved to Baltimore (yes, the middle of the stupid
Ratbird's territory) at the beginning of June.  I'm doing my best to
teach them the right way to live, it's my civic duty.
Best of luck to you guys (you too Joana!!), keep in touch!
{M}

--- In boston_steelers_fans@yahoogroups.com, "Sayf Y. Sharif"
<sayf@i...> wrote:
> Good luck in San Diego!
>
>
>
> Karen and I won't be joining yinz this year, or probably ever
again, as
> we also have moved. We're now smack dab in Squirrel Hill. We won't
need
> Sunday Ticket here. :-)
>
>
>
> If you need good beer (Arn, Yuengling, Stoudt, etc) shipped up for
> special occasions just let me know. I'm back in heaven here. Bars
with 2
> dollar drafts of Yuengling. You can't f'ing beat that.
>
>
>
> Sayf Y. Sharif
>
> OrcaPack <http://www.orcapack.com/>
>
> 412-225-5638, or
>
> 617-308-7041
>
>  <mailto:sayf@o...> sayf@o...
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Joana Hawkins [mailto:joanaisme@y...]
> Sent: Wednesday, July 21, 2004 4:59 PM
> To: boston_steelers_fans@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: Re: [boston_steelers_fans] 25 more days
>
>
>
> I wish I could join you, but I'm moving to San Diego for law
school next
> week.  I'm so sad that I won't be able to watch games with you
anymore!
> The good news is that I'll have NFL Sunday Ticket, so I won't have
to go
> to the bar at 9:30 AM on Sundays.  I'll miss you guys!
>
>
>
> GO STEELERS!
>
> slipperyrock89 <vze2qn9b@v...> wrote:
>
> On August 14th @ 7:30, our Steelers will have their first
preseason
> game vs Detriot.  In years past, we've been able to get the
> coordinates for these games, last year was a little tough.
>
> I do have some inside contacts that will be able to get these due
to
> some of their inside contacts at KDKA.  If we're able to get this
> AND if our venue at Roggies doesn't have a prior commitment, how
> many people would be interested in getting together for this?
>
> >From what I understand, Roggies has upgraded the downstairs area
> with some new flat screens.
>
> So who's up for it?
>
> Tim
>
>
>
>   _____
>
> Do you Yahoo!?
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> *         Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms
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> <http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/>  Service.

On August 14th @ 7:30, our Steelers will have their first preseason
game vs Detriot.  In years past, we've been able to get the
coordinates for these games, last year was a little tough.

I do have some inside contacts that will be able to get these due to
some of their inside contacts at KDKA.  If we're able to get this
AND if our venue at Roggies doesn't have a prior commitment, how
many people would be interested in getting together for this?

From what I understand, Roggies has upgraded the downstairs area
with some new flat screens.

So who's up for it?

Tim

Please... keep us updated on the status of getting the game at
Roggies.  We would certainly make a show if it were to happen!
Thanks,
CK

Who isn't!


>From: jdz523@...
>Reply-To: boston_steelers_fans@yahoogroups.com
>To: boston_steelers_fans@yahoogroups.com
>Subject: Re: [boston_steelers_fans] 25 more days
>Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 08:27:13 EDT
>
>I'm always up for a Steelers game!
>
>Stacey

_________________________________________________________________
Discover the best of the best at MSN Luxury Living. http://lexus.msn.com/

On August 14th @ 7:30, our Steelers will have their first preseason
game vs Detriot.  In years past, we've been able to get the
coordinates for these games, last year was a little tough.

I do have some inside contacts that will be able to get these due to
some of their inside contacts at KDKA.  If we're able to get this
AND if our venue at Roggies doesn't have a prior commitment, how
many people would be interested in getting together for this?

From what I understand, Roggies has upgraded the downstairs area
with some new flat screens.

So who's up for it?

Tim

If the Buccos can go on a 10 game winning streak, why cant the
Steelers do the same?

In 30 more days, they begin training camp in Latrobe.



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I heard Plaxico Burress was sighted in Loch Ness

In 30 more days, they begin training camp in Latrobe.

I just thought this was an interesting article.  Maybe expecting a
little too much too soon, but interesting none the less.



By Joe Starkey
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Tuesday, May 11, 2004


Let me get this straight.
The same guy who dropped a touchdown pass against Arizona, who
dropped a key pass at the 5-yard line a week earlier against
Seattle, who dropped four passes in those two games, who had six
games of two or fewer catches, who went the equivalent of a full
season with only two touchdown receptions, who dropped five passes
the year before in a game against Houston, who dropped a critical
pass in a playoff game at Tennessee, who rarely makes yards after a
catch, who committed several brainless penalties last season, who
stands to make between $1-2 million this season (including
incentives) and who, in less than a year, can peddle himself to the
highest bidder as an unrestricted free agent decided to blow off
minicamp?

Because he wants a new contract?

Somebody call Sports Illustrated. This has to be the ultimate "Sign
That The Apocalypse is Upon Us."

Obviously, Plaxico Burress was trying to send the Steelers a
message. He might as well have tried a bull rush against Jonathan
Ogden.

Burress will play and play well, because, by doing so, he will
become outrageously rich.

That is what the optimist will tell you, anyhow, and we're in a
particularly optimistic mood today.

Minicamp, like spring training, tends to inspire such moods, so here
are several other reasons to feel good -- or at least to not feel
hopelessly depressed -- about your 2004 Steelers:


The offensive line will be much better with a healthy Marvel Smith,
a rejuvenated Kendall Simmons and a relaxed Alan Faneca, who returns
to his natural position at left guard.

Tommy Maddox, with time to throw, will reacquaint himself with the
word accuracy. In other words, he'll complete fewer touchdown passes
to the other team and more to the guys in black-and-gold uniforms.

New offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt might be inclined to call
for a pass to Burress in the end zone once in a while.

Should the Steelers find themselves in blizzard conditions Jan. 2 at
Buffalo, Whisenhunt presumably will not be inclined to call 38 pass
plays.

Duce Staley, an upgrade under any circumstances, will move the
chains behind a healthy line.

Jeff Reed had his hip surgically repaired by the same guy who worked
on Mario Lemieux, so it's no surprise that he reported to minicamp
in the best shape of his life (surely, then, he won't lead the NFL
in missed field-goal attempts inside of 30 yards, as he did last
season).

Joey Porter stayed away from Denver-area sports bars and is slated
to rush the passer from the right rush-end spot. Look for a monster
season.

Kendrell Bell, hopefully, will have a less complicated role. His
directive should be: Find ball, hurt ball carrier.

A steady infusion of youth has transformed a secondary that hit
bottom (and little else) two years ago.
Troy Polamalu, Ike Taylor, Ricardo Colclough, Deshea Townsend and
Chris Hope inspire, well, hope, instead of fear and loathing.


Dick LeBeau's return as defensive coordinator means that if the
Steelers go down, they'll go down swinging. Which is to say, they
won't lose a game because they refuse to blitz a fossilized
quarterback like 39-year-old Steve Beuerlein.
Just a random example.


Joe Starkey is a sports writer for the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

By Sam Ross Jr.
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Wednesday, May 12, 2004


Raul Mondesi and Plaxico Burress have joined the area's out-migration
trend, but with a significant twist.
While others tend to leave because they have no jobs, Mondesi and
Burress have jobs, but little interest in showing up to work.

Mondesi, who bolted the Pirates last week, offered a classic defense
through an Associated Press reporter: "I've played 20 straight years
of baseball all year round. I deserve a rest, even if it's only a few
months."

Tell that to someone who worked in a steel mill or coal mine for 20
years and as a reward got to work 10 or 20 more years.

The explanation for Mondesi's absence from the Pirates falls into the
catch-all of "personal reasons." There has been a legal flap that
relegated a couple of Mondesi paychecks to an escrow account. He's
getting paid again, but it has been reported -- vaguely -- that
Mondesi returned to the Dominican Republic because his lawsuit
antagonist had been harassing Mondesi's family.

Then there's Burress, the out-sized Steelers wide receiver who at
least had the courtesy not to skip out on the regular season, but
rather an offseason workout, mandatory as it was. The cynics see
Burress about to enter the final year of his contract -- the Steelers
being slow to offer an extension -- and theorize Burress and his
agent were trying to put some heat on the team to open the vault.

The agent said it's a personal matter -- there's that catch-all
again -- which has been interpreted to mean Burress was upset on a
Mother's Day weekend because his mother had died two years
previously.

Burress has yet to come forward with his own explanation.

Mondesi's dedication to his family might elicit fewer doubts if the
Pirates weren't his fifth different team in six seasons.

The New York Yankees paid the Arizona Diamondbacks $2 million to take
Mondesi off their hands last July, when he left the team after being
pulled for a pinch hitter. Mondesi previously had worn out welcomes
in Los Angeles and Toronto.

Because of his track record, the best Mondesi could do contractually
this season was a $1.15 million deal with the Pirates. That's a lot
of money, true, but not in the baseball world.

Meanwhile, Burress is scheduled to make less than $600,000 this year,
but he did get that $6 million signing bonus after being drafted in
the first round in 2000.

Some teams considered Burress an attitude risk at the time, but the
Steelers downplayed that. Their faith has been proved correct at
times. It is at other times, like Plax's odd brush with the law, his
difficulty remembering not to spike a live football, his tendency to
play only in spurts, that the fears of immaturity have looked to be
well-founded.

Many expect the Steelers and Burress to kiss and make up, if only for
their mutual benefit this season.

The Pirates had a tougher call on Mondesi. If a guy who needs a
strong season to re-establish himself as a star player can't find the
motivation to play, the situation is near hopeless.

The popgun Pirates could use Mondesi, but, to paraphrase a familiar
assessment, they can finish last with him or without him.

Mondesi's absence led to the Pirates twice needing to use pitchers as
pinch hitters Sunday in a 14-inning loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The Pirates finally acted Tuesday, putting Mondesi on the restricted
list and calling up Daryle Ward from Nashville to take his place on
the 25-man roster.

Mondesi could return this season, and we can expect to see Burress in
Steelers livery come July. But can their teams really depend on
either of them?

Hey guys,

I know I've been out of touch recently (Business School is hard!!)
but hope everyone is doing well.

I'm fully aware that you guys hate any type of spamming on this list
but thought some of you might be interested in winning free golf
balls for the summer.  Also, any responses I get to the following
survey will really help my final project at school.

BTW, I love Big Ben as well as the Duce pick-up.  I still think the
O-line and D are the major problems and hopefully the injury bug
won't bite too hard in those place this year.

Have a great summer and I hope to see you all in the fall at Rogies.

-Phil

Please take 10-15 minutes to fill-out the following survey:
http://amostuck.dartmouth.edu/study/GOLF/

Username: GOLF
Password: GOLF

In appreciation for your time and thoughts, we will be raffling off a
series of prizes.  Everyone who completes the survey before May 20th
will have a chance to win one of the prizes below.

In addition, we would be grateful if you would forward this to your
friends and family.

Grand Prize - 5 Dozen Premium Golf Balls

5 1st Prizes - 1 Dozen Premium Golf Balls

Thank you for your time and thoughts.

Monday Night Football Promotion to be Taped in Manchester NH!

ABC Sports is taping a promotion for Monday Night
Football in Manchester NH *this* Saturday, May 8,
2004, and is looking for 200-250 people to participate
in a football rally featuring former presidential
candidate Howard Dean!

The MNF promotions air before each game.  This
specific promo is tentatively scheduled to air before
the first game of the new season.  The format will be
similar to a political rally, but this is NOT a
political commercial!

Participants must be over 18, energetic, and be
able to whoop and holler on cue.  The taping will be
from 10:30AM till 4:30 PM *this* Saturday.  Several
shots of the crowd will be taken before Howard Dean
is scheduled to arrive.

There is no pay for participating.  There will be
food and beverages for everyone and the first 200
will receive a free Monday Night Football hat.
Acting experience is not required.

If you are interested, please respond ASAP to Leigh
at Leighbinla@... with:

Your Name
Phone Number
Email Address

You must also indicate that you can commit to the
10:30 - 4:30PM schedule. And, again, you must be over 18.

NO PHOTO NEEDED (Do *not* email a photo).

Confirmation emails will be sent to those who are
selected to participate.   All confirmations will be
emailed no later than 3PM - 5PM EST on Friday, May 7.

RAIN OR SHINE:  LOCATION is indoors and will be
communicated when folks are confirmed as participants.
Please understand that due to the anticipated response
volume, not everyone may receive a confirmation email.

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE!

OK so I got the info myself...

Round One, 11th player overall

Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Miami of Ohio, 6 feet 4, 242 pounds. Considered by
some scouts to have more potential than Eli Manning and Philip Rivers,
quarterbacks selected ahead of him in the first round ... Was a three-year
starter at Miami, where he completed 854 of 1,304 passes (65.5 percent) for
10,829 yards, 84 touchdowns and 34 interceptions. But played only one year
at quarterback at Findlay (Ohio) High School, causing some scouts to think
he needs several more years of experience ... Big and strong, described as
having the size of a linebacker and mobility of a tailback. Doesn't have
good speed, but moves well in the pocket and shows the ability to step away
from the rush ... Shows good fluidity and quickness in his pass set, though
he lacks a quick release ... Throws well on the run ... Very good at reading
defenses, showing patience and the ability to pick apart zone defenses ...
Was rated the No. 1 quarterback in the draft by The Sporting News, which
said he has better arm strength than most QBs ... Considered a strong
character guy.

Round Two, 38th player overall

Ricardo Colclough, CB, Tusculum, 5-10, 186. Great, physical talent who lacks
only the experience against big-time competition ... Has excellent ball
skills, locating the ball very quickly and displays good leaping ability ...
Considered the best of all small-school cornerbacks ... Excellent speed ...
Has also been used as a punt/kick returner, where he had four scoring
returns in 2003 ... Has the physique to add at least another 10 pounds
without a loss in quickness ... In just two seasons, had 15 interceptions
and 38 passes defensed ... Consensus first-team All-American ... Needs to
improve his technique and adjust to playing at a higher level of
competition. Also struggles to shed blocks ... Uses his speed, though, to
recover in coverage. Shows good explosion when reacting to the ball ...
Colclough pronounced "Coke-lee" ... Sports management major.

Round Three, 75th player overall

Max Starks, RT, Florida, 6-7, 343. A player who could be a starter or a
bust. Has big size and large wingspan, but tends to lunge and gets out of
position on pass protection. Good run blocker ... Played left tackle at
Florida but will be given chance to start at right tackle for Steelers ...
Started three games at right guard ... Doesn't play as physical as his size
would suggest and doesn't always play to his potential ... Has vertical leap
of 271 1/2 inches, but feet movement is considered suspect ... Was rated the
No. 5 tackle by Mel Kiper and No. 6 by The Sporting News War Room ...
Intelligent player who has competed against good pass rushers.

Round 5, 145th player overall

Nathaniel Adibi, OLB, Virginia Tech, 6 feet 3, 255 pounds. Another DE
convert who will move to OLB in the 3-4 defense. ... Biggest contribution
likely will come on special teams. He blocked two punts in college,
including one against Pitt. ... Great speed. Once ran a 4.48, but has been
timed consistently under 4.6. ... Very strong. Bench presses more than 400
pounds and squats more than 600 pounds. ... In 48 games with the Hokies, had
20.5 sacks, 55 pressures and 10 pass deflections. ... Was second team
All-Big East as a senior, when he had 5.5 sacks and 19 QB pressures. ...
Shows good effort on back-side pursuit, using his speed to close on ball
carriers. ... Will have to learn how to drop in pass coverage, something he
didn't do in college.

Round 6. 177th player overall

Bo Lacy, OT, Arkansas, 6 feet 4, 303 pounds. Was not rated very highly by
most scouts. ... Steelers discovered him while watching film of his
teammate, RT Shawn Andrews, whom they considered taking with the No. 1 pick.
... Is considered small for a left tackle, but uses movement and
intelligence to get good position. Can probably add about 10 pounds without
a loss in quickness. ... Will be tried at left tackle with the Steelers,
backing up Marvel Smith. But he can play several positions on the line. ...
Tireless worker who understands the game. Has been injury-free, missing only
three practices at Arkansas. ... Was a two-year starter with the Razorbacks.
... Offensive line allowed only 11 QB sacks and helped Arkansas average
237.1 yards rushing per game.

Round 6B, 194th player overall

Matt Kranchick, TE, Penn State, 6 feet 6, 255 pounds. Began his career as a
wide receiver before adding 45 pounds. ... Wasn't a starter for the Nittany
Lions, but the Steelers like his pass-catching ability and quick feet. ...
Is a likely candidate for the eight-player practice squad because he needs
at least another season to develop. ... Average run blocker, an area he
needs to improve. ... Had 24 catches for 352 yards and a touchdown in 23
games at Penn State. ... Shows a quick burst off the line, using strong leg
drive to beat jams at the point of attack. ... Makes good body adjustments
in traffic.

Round 6, 194th player overall

Drew Caylor, C/LS, Stanford, 6 feet 5, 288 pounds. Another project because
he played only one year as a center after three years at defensive end. ...
Will be tried as a long-snapper behind Mike Schneck. ... Has good speed
(4.82) for a down lineman and a 31-inch vertical leap. ... Has a tall and
still developing frame with big shoulders that should allow him to add size
and muscle mass. ... Split time between center and offensive tackle in
Stanford's first four games before settling at center for the final seven.
... Was the Cardinal's long-snapper for three seasons. ... Played defensive
end, middle linebacker and guard in high school at Bethesda, Md.

Round 7, 212th player overall

Eric Taylor, NT/DE, Memphis, 6 feet 3, 304 pounds. The Steelers will try him
at defensive end, but he also can play nose tackle. ... Played defensive end
in college, but considered a strong run-stopper that makes him more suited
for the inside. ... Started 24 of 39 games at Memphis, where he had 150
tackles, six sacks, 21 tackles for losses and a 52-yard interception return
for touchdown. ... Plays low to the ground, making him a good fit for the
nose tackle position. Like Casey Hampton, has a wide waist and hips with
thick thigh and calves. ... Bench pressed 225 pounds 26 times and has a
33-inch vertical jump. ... Also played basketball at Franklin County HS in
Winchester, Tenn.

-----Original Message-----
From: TILNEY, WEBB
Sent: Thursday, April 29, 2004 12:45 PM
To: 'boston_steelers_fans@yahoogroups.com'
Subject: Draft results, Rodney Bailey

I don't follow college ball, so if anyone cares to provide
the skinny on these guys it would be appreciated...

1st - Ben Roethlisberger, QB - Miami (OH)
2nd - Ricardo Colclough, CB - Tusculum
3rd - Max Starks, OT - Florida
5th - Nathaniel Adibi, LB - Virginia Tech
6th - Bo Lacy, OT - Arkansas
6th - Matt Kranchick, TE - Penn State
6th - Drew Caylor, C - Stanford
7th - Eric Taylor, DT - Memphis

Still scratching my head about the team letting Rodney
Bailey go. I don't know what the Pats offered, but in
the last couple of seasons I didn't notice a dropoff
when Bailey replaced Kimo. Good 3-4 DTs are hard to
come by. Much of the money was instead spent on an
aging running back who's never impressed me much.

Webb

I don't follow college ball, so if anyone cares to provide
the skinny on these guys it would be appreciated...

1st - Ben Roethlisberger, QB - Miami (OH)
2nd - Ricardo Colclough, CB - Tusculum
3rd - Max Starks, OT - Florida
5th - Nathaniel Adibi, LB - Virginia Tech
6th - Bo Lacy, OT - Arkansas
6th - Matt Kranchick, TE - Penn State
6th - Drew Caylor, C - Stanford
7th - Eric Taylor, DT - Memphis

Still scratching my head about the team letting Rodney
Bailey go. I don't know what the Pats offered, but in
the last couple of seasons I didn't notice a dropoff
when Bailey replaced Kimo. Good 3-4 DTs are hard to
come by. Much of the money was instead spent on an
aging running back who's never impressed me much.

Webb

Wednesday, March 10, 2004

By Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The Steelers took their first step toward beefing up their woeful
ground game by signing running back Duce Staley to a five-year, $14
million contract last night.

Staley, 29, was an unrestricted free agent from Philadelphia, where
he played seven seasons after the Eagles drafted him in the third
round from South Carolina. He received a $4 million signing bonus as
part of his deal.

The Steelers won out over the Eagles and Detroit Lions, where Staley
spent the day yesterday.

"He really got very excited about playing for the Steelers and
envisioned himself as a Steeler," agent Leigh Steinberg said. "He was
extremely enthusiastic about Coach Bill Cowher and the tradition of
the Steelers and being part of that running game and playing with
Jerome Bettis. And he felt like it was just too amazing an
opportunity to pass up."

The Steelers got away from their great running tradition last season
when they slipped to 31st in the NFL, their lowest ranking in
history. Bettis lost his starting job in training camp but regained
it after six games and led the team with 811 yards. He took a steep
pay cut recently, agreeing to play for a $1 million salary after he
said Cowher promised him a chance to compete for the starting job
with any back the team might bring in.

Cowher and Ken Whisenhunt, his new offensive coordinator, both have
said improving the ground game was a priority. They re-signed
fullback Dan Kreider last week.

Staley might be a bargain for the price the Steelers paid. They like
their running backs big, and he is that at 5 feet 11, 220 pounds. He
was voted the Eagles' MVP in 1998, '99 and 2002, is their third-
leading rusher of all time with 4,807 yards and is second in
receptions by a Philadelphia running back with 272.

Steinberg said Staley was a Steelers fan growing up in Columbia,
S.C., which is also the home of former Steelers great Donnie Shell.

"It's a dream come true for him. In one way, it swung the deal when
we were going back and forth with Detroit and Pittsburgh. He said
it's one of the things that makes it a thrill for him."

By signing him, the Steelers do not have to use their first-round
draft pick on a running back and can fill another need, such as
cornerback or offensive tackle.

Although Staley rushed for only 463 yards last season, he was part of
what was called a "three-headed monster" in Philadelphia, sharing the
backfield duties with two others. He averaged 4.8 yards per carry and
caught 36 passes for an average of 10.6 yards a catch.

He rushed for more than 1,000 yards three times and was considered
the Eagles' best offensive weapon before Donvan McNabb became their
starting quarterback in 2000. Staley's best season rushing came in
1999, when he gained 1,273 yards. He caught 63 passes in 2001 and 51
in '02

The Steelers prefer to have a back to play on first and second downs
and substitute another on third downs, but Staley's ability as a pass
receiver could make him an every-down back here, possibly sharing
some time with Bettis on first and second downs. Staley has the
unique ability of being a tough runner inside the tackles who also is
adept at catching passes.

"He's so versatile, he has so many dimensions, does so many things
well," Steinberg said. "He's just got a ton of tools."

Amos Zereoue, who previously served as the Steelers third-down back
before he won -- and then lost -- the starting job last season, is
expected to be released if the team cannot trade him.



NOTES -- Travis Kirschke, a defensive tackle from San Francisco,
visited the Steelers yesterday. If the Steelers sign Kirschke, who
also played for the Detroit Lions, it likely would mean they would
not match the offer the New England Patriots made to defensive end
Rodney Bailey. If the Steelers decline to match the $1.3 million, one-
year deal for Bailey, they would receive New England's sixth-round
pick in the April draft. ... CB Dewayne Washington, released by the
Steelers, signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars yesterday. ... The
Steelers are trying to trade P Josh Miller and will release him if a
deal can not be worked out. ... CB Artrell Hawkins, who visited the
Steelers on Monday, was close to signing with the Carolina Panthers
last night.