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BOURBONNAIS, Ill. - Greg Blache is all too familiar with the damage that multi-dimensional quarterback Kordell Stewart can inflict on a defense.
The Bears' defensive coordinator experienced it firsthand in 1996 when Stewart rushed for two touchdowns to help lead the Pittsburgh Steelers to a 42-14 playoff victory over the Indianapolis Colts. Blache was the Colts' defensive line coach at the time.
"I used to go against him in the AFC, so I've been after him," Blache said. "He and I have had our words. I've called him some real choice words, some that we wouldn't use around mom and the kids back when he was on the other sideline.
"He knocked us out of the championship game. I just told him that all is forgiven and he owes me a championship ring. If he takes us to the championship game here, I'll forgive him."
Stewart has looked sharp operating the Bears' offense during the first 10 days of training camp. The loudest cheers from fans have come when the 6-0, 218-pounder tucks the ball under his arm and takes off running.
"He adds a whole new dimension because he creates a situation where you're not going to play certain coverages because you can't account for the quarterback," Blache said. "The worst thing you can do to a great running quarterback is take all his routes away because all of a sudden he puts the ball away and he's running on you in the open field.
The Bears' defensive coordinator experienced it firsthand in 1996 when Stewart rushed for two touchdowns to help lead the Pittsburgh Steelers to a 42-14 playoff victory over the Indianapolis Colts. Blache was the Colts' defensive line coach at the time.
"I used to go against him in the AFC, so I've been after him," Blache said. "He and I have had our words. I've called him some real choice words, some that we wouldn't use around mom and the kids back when he was on the other sideline.
"He knocked us out of the championship game. I just told him that all is forgiven and he owes me a championship ring. If he takes us to the championship game here, I'll forgive him."
Stewart has looked sharp operating the Bears' offense during the first 10 days of training camp. The loudest cheers from fans have come when the 6-0, 218-pounder tucks the ball under his arm and takes off running.
"He adds a whole new dimension because he creates a situation where you're not going to play certain coverages because you can't account for the quarterback," Blache said. "The worst thing you can do to a great running quarterback is take all his routes away because all of a sudden he puts the ball away and he's running on you in the open field.
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