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Notebook: Jackson enjoyed time spent with Greene
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Jerry DiPaola is the Tribune-Review high school sports editor. He can be reached via e-mail.
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Outside linebacker Alonzo Jackson was disappointed when part-time volunteer coach Kevin Greene returned to his home in Florida this week. Greene formed a bond with Jackson, who became a tougher player and a better pass rusher under his watch. "I hated that he had to go. I really did," Jackson said. "But we exchanged (phone) numbers, and we are supposed to talk shortly after the game (tonight). Any kind of information anybody can give me about pass rushing or playing the tight end or tricks of the trade will always make you a better player. He had a lot of tricks and a lot of wisdom to pass down to me and I hope he's not finished."
Running back Jerome Bettis said he expects Steelers coach Bill Cowher to name the starter for tonight's game in Detroit when the team meets this morning at the hotel. Bettis said he has shared snaps equally with Duce Staley through the first two weeks of training camp.
The Steelers returned to their indoor facility on the South Side for practice yesterday morning before they boarded a team plane for Detroit in the afternoon. They return to St. Vincent College on Sunday and will practice Monday.
Look for new outside linebacker Adrian Ross in the short-yardage and goal-line defenses. Also, punter Chris Gardocki will handle the holding duties for kickers Jeff Reed and Rob Bironas.
When quarterback Kurt Kittner joined the Steelers on Friday, it was his fifth NFL stop in the past four months. The Atlanta Falcons, who made him their fifth-round draft choice in 2002, released him in May after they drafted Matt Schaub in the third round. Kittner, who played at the University of Illinois, spent two weeks with the Cincinnati Bengals, who cut him due to concerns about his arm strength. Then, it was on to the New York Giants, who had no room for Kittner after signing No. 1 pick Eli Manning. The New England Patriots offered only a brief oasis, but they cut him because he had not been with the team during their minicamps. Kittner played in seven games for the Falcons last season, starting four. He completed 44 of 114 passes for 391 yards, two touchdowns and six interceptions.
| Digits |
12 The average number of points scored by the Steelers in their past three preseason openers.
8 The number of passes thrown by quarterback Charlie Batch in his two seasons with the Steelers.
10 The number of players drafted by the Steelers in the past five drafts who are no longer with the team. That's out of a total of 37.
11 The number that new Steelers quarterback Kurt Kittner will wear on his jersey (last worn by Kent Graham).
