October 23, 1997

STEELERS RB JEROME BETTIS DISCUSSES SUNDAY’S GAME
AGAINST JACKSONVILLE & TEAMMATE KORDELL STEWART

In a national media conference call on Thursday, October 23, Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jerome Bettis answered questions on a variety of subjects:

Your rivalry with Jacksonville is one of the budding rivalries in the NFL.

This is a really big rivalry for us. Since the inception of the team in Jacksonville, they’ve beaten us at their place and we have defeated them at our place. It’s also become a rivalry because the teams are so evenly matched. Both clubs are tough and hard-nosed.

What kind of crowd do you expect Sunday at Three Rivers? Do you think it will be pumped up like a playoff atmosphere?

It will definitely be a playoff atmosphere. This game is for first place and it is against Jacksonville. The players and the fans realize how critical this game is so it is going to be a real intense atmosphere. It will make for a really good football game.

Talk about Jacksonville’s defense.

They seem to have our number whenever we play. They like to bring an eighth man in the box with one of the safeties. They have two good defensive ends in Tony Brackens and Jeff Lageman and that makes it hard on us because we like to stretch the corners when we run the football.

Can you talk about your start this season?

It’s been a great start. I knew we were going to have to start strong with the running game because of Kordell Stewart’s youth and inexperience at the quarterback position. For us to be consistent winners, we knew we were going to have to be able to run the football until Kordell was able to hold up his end of the bargain.

How has Kordell Stewart progressed?

There has been a dramatic change in his play and it has been chronicled every week. He has taken small steps. He hasn’t tried to rush everything and I think that is really important. After we played Dallas, he came back the second week and rushed for 70 yards. The next week he threw the ball well. It’s been a constant progression and it has really helped the running game. Now teams are beginning to play us a little more honest because he is a threat throwing the football. If he continues that, it will make for a potent offense.

Why do you think there are more long runs this year and an increase in rushing totals?

There are more teams trying to press the running game bringing eight and nine men up into the box. If you can catch a crease or break a tackle, you are pretty much on your own out there with maybe one more guy. If you can outrun him, you’ve got a long run.

What other running backs in the league do you enjoy watching play?

I definitely enjoy watching Barry Sanders. With him, it only takes one play. I don’t think there are too many other running backs who can do what he does. Terrell Davis is also very entertaining because he’s so strong and hits the hole fast. Eddie George is big and strong like I am. I watch him to see what kind of moves he’s using. I use him as a gauge – how he runs against a certain defense is probably how I’ll run against that defense.