Media Savvy
Get Back On The Bus
By Stan Savran

Ask the average Joe, or Bill, Dan or Kevin (Cowher, Rooney, Colbert in this instance) and they're liable to tell you that quarterback is the main issue they must resolve in this upcoming off-season. And, assuming they haven't already nodded yay or nay on Kordell Stewart, they'd be prioritizing properly.

But the status of Stewart, or the position itself, would drop in importance if, and only if, they are unsettled at another position actually more important to them than what is generally the most important position in most offenses.

And that is why the signing of Jerome Bettis must now become the primary focus of the Steelers' organization. It is the lynchpin from which all other decisions and considerations flow. Because if they fail to sign their primary mode of ground transportation, it is that mode they must satisfy above all others heading into the next season. One in which they hope the playoffs become the next level in their rebuilding process.

If they are unable to reach an accord with Bettis, there is absolutely noone on hand to replace him. Richard Huntley is not now, nor in my opinion will he ever BE an every-down running back.

His running style is soft. Seldom do you see him square his shoulders to power his way for the extra yard or two you need on a second or third and short. In his defense, he is seldom asked to run in those situations.

Yet and still, his running style is more passive than aggressive. And while that style may suit a specialized down and distance, you're not going to be running against nickel and dime defenses on first down or most second downs. He's not the answer.

And frankly, had the Steelers' been a bit more confident that Jerome still had thousands of yards left in those legs and knees, they would have allowed the Miami Dolphins to pluck Huntley from the roster. In hindsight, that would have been a 20/20 move.

Chris Fu'amatu Ma'afala seems to be a tougher runner than Huntley, but that's only a rumor. Fu has needed medical attention so frequently, the Steelers' trainer has moved his equipment to Fu's locker. This is not to suggest that the injuries haven't been legitimate. They most certainly have been. But given his fragile nature, having played in just 29 of a possible 48 games the past three seasons, how can you count on him to be an every-down back?

Amos Zereoue we just don't know about. His slight stature is not a good enough reason to rule out all possibility or probability that he can handle the job. Joe Morris of the Giants comes to mind as a little man who could run tough.

However, Li'l Joe also ran behind one of the best offensive lines in recent memory...a forward wall that carried the Giants to two Super Bowls. Even though Zereoue, despite his limited size, ran tough at WVU, he has no such offensive line in front of him, and has to be considered a third down specialist.

All of which points to the Steelers' needing to sign Jerome. They don't have anyone to replace him. Finding someone of his ilk and caliber would cost at least as much as he will. And if they use their first round draft choice to replace him if they must, ultimately they will pay a substantial price for that unproven, albeit younger rookie. And they would be forced to use that high pick to fill Bettis' spot, which would take it away from other glaring areas of need. Of which there are many, so why use a pick on something you already have. Like Jerome.

Allow me to digress for just a moment. Let's assume they sign Bettis, circumventing what I believe would become their top priority. And further assuming they've already decided on bringing Kordell back, then I believe their top priority in the draft should be a pass rushing defensive end.

It's a considerable void on this team, and has been since Ray Seals roamed the turf. If you have that kind of giant you have a much greater chance of avoiding the late game defensive collapses which cost the Steelers dearly against Philadelphia and Tennessee twice.

A timely sack, and perhaps Donovan McNab or Steve McNair is facing a second or third and 15 instead of a more comfortable down and distance. It's a necessity if they hope to get closer than just having their noses pressed up against the playoff picture window.

But unless they get lucky in later rounds, that kind of player will have to wait if they don't retain the services of one J. Bettis. No, he won't come cheaply, but he does come reasonably. And yes, his shelf life is limited.

Although he didn't show much wear and tear this season, backs of his size and type can go quickly. Still, a conservative estimate places Jerome with at least two solid years remaining in those punishing legs.

And we have yet to mention the biggest and most important part of Jerome: his heart. He is a tough son of a gun, one who engenders great respect inside the Steeler locker room. A team that has been searching for leadership, and seems to have found some has little margin for error. Not signing Jerome Bettis would reduce the margin, if not eliminiate it.

Furthermore, consider the trends in the NFL. For years, you had to pass to win. Look at some of the running performances this season. And nowhere is a running game more critical than in Pittsburgh.

So signing a premier running back for a team that is always going to need one as long as Bill Cowher is the head coach is paramount...even more important than decisions made, or about to be made, concerning the quarterback position.

Stan Savran is co-host of SportsBeat, weeknights at 7 on Fox Sports Net.