Preview: Steelers Training Camp 2003

[Michael82]

KICKOFF: Camp opens Friday for all players, who must report by 6 p.m. but won't practice until Sunday. The players will take the field for the first time Saturday for their annual running test. The last practice of camp will be held Aug. 19, with the team breaking camp Aug. 20 and 21.

WHERE: St. Vincent College, Route 30, Latrobe, the Steelers' 36th summer at the school. CLICK FOR MORE: (http://www.post-gazette.com/steelers/20030720campguidesteelp4.asp)

[Michael82]

THREE BIG ISSUES


1. The secondary
The defensive backs cannot take all the blame for last year's poor passing defense.

How about 90 percent?

The Steelers plummeted to 20th against the pass in the NFL last season from a No. 4 rank in 2001. The names didn't change, but they did get older and slower. The coaches fingered strong safety Lee Flowers for much of the blame, and he was not invited to return. Other than first-round pick Troy Polamalu at safety, there is no more help. The last Pro Bowlers to play in their secondary were Carnell Lake and Rod Woodson.

2. Busman's holiday
Dick Hoak believes Jerome Bettis has a good two years left in that 31-year-old body, with one caveat: He has to remain healthy. Bettis had the second-fewest yards rushing in his 10-year career last season, an ominous 666, because of a knee injury. The injury was not serious, and surgery removed a small piece of cartilage that hindered his knee's range of motion. He's in good shape, and the Steelers are counting on him again. They likely will not run him as often, but the plan is for him to be the starting tailback again, with Amos Zereoue assuming more playing time. CLICK FOR MORE: (http://www.post-gazette.com/steelers/20030720campissues0720ap3.asp)