Steelers Notebook: Bettis Doesn't Count Himself Among Steelers Greats

By Kevin Gorman and Jerry DiPaola
PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Saturday, January 22, 2005

* Running back Jerome Bettis said he doesn't expect to be listed among the all-time Steelers greats, some of which played in and won four Super Bowls.
"No, no, no," he said. "You can never step among those guys until you get four Super Bowl rings. Those guys are in a class all their own. You win these kind of games (AFC Championship) to be mentioned in the same breath with those guys. But you are never in the same class as those guys."

* Steelers receiver Hines Ward acknowledged that attacking Patriots receiver Troy Brown , who doubles as a defensive back, is something the Steelers are scheming. Brown was beaten for the deciding touchdown against the Dolphins, but he deflected a pivotal third-down pass in the first quarter against the Colts last week. Brown is expected to be matched against Antwaan Randle El in the slot.
"Troy Brown is a hell of an athlete, but he hasn't been out there that long. In that way, he is susceptible," Ward said. "When you've got experienced wideouts like we have going against inexperienced cornerbacks, sometimes, they are susceptible. Is that part of our game plan? Yeah, it is."

* Ward said the Steelers' respect for the Patriots has prevented trash talk or serving up bulletin-board material.
"We know they have a great team," Ward said. "Who are we going to trash talk? What are we going to do, guarantee a win? You'll never hear somebody in this locker room say that."
All of the Steelers participated in Friday's practice, which was held at the UPMC Sports Performance Complex indoor facility. The doors were left open to simulate the chilly conditions anticipated for Sunday's AFC Championship game at Heinz Field.
"I think it was colder inside than it was outside," receiver Plaxico Burress said. "It was a like a big tin can, if you ask me."

* Burress was asked what to say to the average fan wondering about all the talk surrounding Ben Roethlisberger , who has been rumored to have an injured thumb and is coming off a two-interception game.
"Tell him to sit back, grab a six-pack and a bag of potato chips and watch the game," Burress said. "There's nothing to worry about."

* Former Steelers Rocky Bleier, Mel Blount, Joe Greene and L.C. Greenwood and former Patriot Andre Tippett will serve as honorary captains for Sunday's