Kordell Stewart has been ridiculed, harassed, jeered, and vilified. He has been looked upon as the sole root of the Steelers problems. He had lost the respect of the fans, his team-mates and his coaches.

Throughout the ordeal, he remained focused and worked hard to stay in game shape. More importantly, he matured mentally.

It all paid off the last 2 games, as he came in for Kent Graham and led the team to consecutive unexpected road wins. Instead of the team thinking high draft pick, they are now thinking playoff possibilities. He brought a calming influence on a team that was quickly reeling, and brought them mistake-free football.

Before the celebration of these 2 victories had ended, Bill Cowher quickly put an end to any thought of a Quarterback controversy by naming Kent Graham his starting QB. Even though Kordell had played well enough to keep the job, Cowher banished him to the bench.

I believe it is the right call.

Prior to Kent Graham's injury, he was playing some pretty good football. Apart from his bone-headed play at the end of the Cleveland game, he was getting comfortable with the Offense, and was actually putting up some good passing numbers. Graham's passing had been steadily improving in the three games he started, and reached a peak against a good Tennessee defense in the third game of the season. He completed 18 of 33 passes for 254 yards and a 79.9 passer rating before he left in the final minute with a bruised hip.

I can't remember the last time Kordell threw for 254 yards. That is the reason why Kent Graham should remain the starter. Stewart's only chance of ever becoming the leader of this team is to stand on the sidelines and learn. There is no doubt he has the physical tools to play the QB position, he just needs to fine tune the mental aspect of the game. He has matured immensely, and watching Graham for a while will only help his development.

I'm not saying Kordell should stay on the bench the whole game, he's much too valuable for that. Cowher and Gilbride have to devise some game plans that will utilize his talents. I think that was the plan from the beginning, but they weren't sure how ready he was. He was used very sparingly in the first 3 games, but now that they know what he can do, we will probably see more of him.

Another reason to keep Kordell on the bench is to keep him hungry. His confidence is at an all time high right now, and he would like nothing more than to start. That will force him to work even harder, study a little bit longer, and make the most of his opportunities as they arise.

I bet Kent Graham will work a little bit harder as well. He saw what Kordell can do, and I'm sure he knows he better perform, or there is a capable back up waiting in the wings.

Apart from all of this, I think Cowher's main reason to keep Kordell on the bench is the home town crowd. He has seen his young QB's improvement this year, and he doesn't want to chance that all going down the drain with the first Kordell interception. I'm sure Stewart is anxious to start once again at Three Rivers, but Cowher is going to take him along slowly this time.

Kent has proved he can lead this Offense, and the coach is confident he can do it. Kordell will get his chance, but it is in the best interest of the team, and to Kordell that he watch and learn for a while.

The way the Defense and "The Bus" are playing right now, it probably doesn't matter who is at QB any way.

by SteelerGil (October 10, 00)