Thursday, November 21, 2002
Steelers have turf problems, too
Heinz Field grass considered worst in league
By Mark Curnutte
The Cincinnati Enquirer
The grass surface at Heinz Field is considered the worst in the NFL. But, said Steelers coach Bill Cowher, a lot of teams - including the Bengals - have had problems.
"New York is going through it. Tennessee was talking about their field when we were down there last week," Cowher said. "It's right in that group."
The Bengals have played once in Heinz Field, which opened last season, losing 16-7.
INJURY UPDATE: All five Bengals listed on the injury report - defensive end Vaughn Booker, center Rich Braham, cornerback Jeff Burris, linebacker Canute Curtis and safety Mark Roman - are probable.
The Steelers, however, have several key injuries.
Linebacker James Farrier and center Jeff Hartings are out. Kicker Todd Peterson is out and was placed on the Injured Reserve list Tuesday.
The good news for the Steelers is that tailback Jerome Bettis is back.
"It's just good to have him back," Cowher said of Bettis. "Amos (Zereoue) did a great job in stepping in when Jerome went down. It's just good to be able to have some depth there. So it's nice to have the 1-2 punch back."
The Bengals can expect to see a lot of the Pittsburgh running game. The Bengals are 31st against the run at 137.6 yards a game.
LINE OF THE DAY: Bengals coach Dick LeBeau had the best line of the day when describing the various offensive threats the Steelers can pose.
When asked about the dangers of former college quarterbacks Hines Ward and Antwaan Randle El, both wide receivers, LeBeau said, "Remember the Pink Panther, he said, `I suspect no one, but I suspect everyone. I accuse no one, but I accuse everyone.'
"You better watch everybody out there that has an 80 or a 40 or an eligible number on them. You can get anything from these guys. We've held up reasonably well against the tricks except the reverses. They have been productive with their trick plays because of the special talent they have."
The Steelers are ranked seventh in the NFL in net yards a game with 372.6.
E-mail mcurnutte@enquirer.com
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HOCKEY
Cyclones 6, Lexington 1
Mighty Ducks 2, Grand Rapids 2
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