MrRant 0 Report post Posted August 20, 2003 PITTSBURGH -- Jerome Bettis, the 10th leading rusher in NFL history, will start the season on the Pittsburgh Steelers' bench following his surprise demotion Wednesday by coach Bill Cowher. Cowher, unhappy not only with his team's play in the preseason but also with how it is practicing, also benched tight end Mark Bruener and said cornerback Deshea Townsend will play more with the starting defense. Amos Zereoue, who replaced an injured Bettis at the end of each of the last two seasons, will start the Sept. 7 opener against Baltimore. Jay Riemersma, signed away from the Bills during the offseason, replaces Bruener and either Chad Scott or Dewayne Washington will take off some series to accommodate Townsend's increased playing time. Cowher announced the moves now because he doesn't want any distractions the week of the opener. "We want the focus to be on Baltimore and not on who's playing for us," Cowher said. "That's the reason why I made the decision, so there's no more speculation." Bettis, the second-leading rusher in Steelers' history to Franco Harris, did not accept the news well. "He's disappointed but he accepted it," said Cowher, who called the move a gut decision by him. "I don't think one player has outperformed the other player." The moves came as the Steelers wind up perhaps the worst of their 12 training camps under Cowher. Not only are they 0-2 going into Thursday night's preseason game against the Cowboys, but camp was constantly disrupted by injuries, rain, lightning and field problems. Cowher was so unhappy with the final full-scale practice of camp Tuesday night that he called off the show rookies traditionally perform for veterans at the end of camp. "I didn't feel like we're focused on this game," Cowher said. Cowher cautioned that just because Bettis won't start doesn't mean he won't play. "This is not like a quarterback situation where you can't keep going back and forth," Cowher said. "That creates disruption in your offense. You can very easily change running backs." Bettis missed much of the second half of the last two seasons with injuries and, Cowher said, "hopefully, we'll have a good November, December and January with Jerome that we haven't had that the last couple of years." Bettis has rushed for 11,542 yards in 10 seasons, easily the most ever by a running back of his size. He is listed at 255 pounds. However, his string of six consecutive 1,000 yard seasons in Pittsburgh ended last season when he was limited to 666 yards in 12 games. Zereoue led the team with a career-high 762 yards in his fourth NFL season. Despite going through the most extensive offseason workout regimen of his career, the 31-year-old Bettis has looked slow and out of rhythm in the first two preseason games. It probably didn't help that, because of injuries, he was running behind a makeshift offensive line. The Steelers' starting line began practicing together only this week. By starting the faster, quicker Zereoue ahead of Bettis and Riemersma ahead of Bruener, who is an excellent blocker but rarely catches the ball, the Steelers appear to be further de-emphasizing their longstanding commitment to the run. Their transition from a running team to a passing team began last season after Tommy Maddox replaced Kordell Stewart at quarterback. -------------------------------------------- Interesting decision but looks like a correct one. Thoughts? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MarvinisaLunatic 0 Report post Posted August 21, 2003 I would have gone with Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala, just because I like the name and would get a kick out of hearing it called almost every play vs a couple times per game. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
razazteca 0 Report post Posted August 21, 2003 FU~ could get some playing time considering both Zereoeu and Bettis have leg problems. I think the Steeler faithful chant FU~ everytime he touches the ball. I would consider him a good sleeper pick up. I hope Zereoue will stay healthy, considering I picked him high in my keeper draft. I ran the risk of picking him over some Pro Bowl caliber WRs, I hope it pays off. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest El Satanico Report post Posted August 21, 2003 This is a good move. Bettis coming off the bench will keep him healthy enough to contribute all season. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jimmy no nose 0 Report post Posted August 21, 2003 Fu at starter wouldnt be a wise choice at all, he's been injured about 50 times in the last 3 years and he's even injured right now. Bettis as the short yardage back and Veron Haynes as the third down back is the way to go. Fu fills in for whoever gets injured. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dr. Tyler; Captain America 0 Report post Posted August 21, 2003 Zero getting the start is good. The guy is absolutely fucking RIPPED after the offseason, and he's looked incredible in camp. However, he hasn't gotten much game time due to a fluke injury (guy stepped on his foot and rolled it over two days in a row), but he should be back and healthy for the regular season. Zero also tends to rape the Ratbirds, so it will be fun to watch. Mark Breuner being benched is a great thing for the team. He provides absolutely nothing in the passing game. Deshea getting more time could be good, but he got whipped a few times last year. We'll see, but he's a better cover corner than Dewayne... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
starvenger 0 Report post Posted August 21, 2003 I wouldn't be surprised to see Bettis go in on short yardage situations. He could probably be their version of the Vikings Moe Williams, which still makes him very valuable, fantasy league-wise. I kept Zeroue last year in my keeper league, which seems like a pretty good move now. Mind you, I was keeping him with an eye towards NEXT year but I guess we'll see what happens... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dr. Tom 0 Report post Posted August 21, 2003 Good call by the Steelers, I think. Bettis' best days are behind him, but he could still be a good short-yardage back. Zereoue is faster, and deceptively powerful given his smaller frame. As a Ravens fan, I'd rather see Bettis get the call, since we usually detour the Bus but seem to have problems with Zero. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kkktookmybabyaway 0 Report post Posted August 21, 2003 Mark Breuner being benched is a great thing for the team. He provides absolutely nothing in the passing game. Breuner was a great blocker -- that's why he had his job for so long. But you're right -- the Steelers do need a more pass friendly TE on the field. Plus Mark was prone to injury... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
