Bettis' hard running inspires Steelers

He needs 5 yards to pass Franco Harris for eighth place on the all-time list.
By TOM WILLIAMS
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
PITTSBURGH -- Uncertain of where he'll play next season, Jerome Bettis is doing all he can to savor what could be his final month as a Pittsburgh Steeler.
The Steelers' main running back since 1996, Bettis, 31, enjoyed his best game of a dreary season Sunday, rushing for 106 yards on 27 carries against the Oakland Raiders.
It was the first individual 100-yard rushing effort by a Steeler this season. The team began the game ranked 31st in the league in rushing.
Bettis also took over ninth place on the NFL's all-time rushing list, passing Thurman Thomas (12,074). With 12,116 yards, Bettis needs 5 more to pass Steelers Hall of Famer Franco Harris for eighth place.
"It's an honor to be in the same area with Franco Harris," Bettis said. "He has always been the guy who I have circled on that list because he played here and he [also] was a big physical running back."
Opportunity presented
Bettis, who lost his starting job in the preseason to Amos Zereoue, admitted he was happy to get so many carries.
"We got back to running the ball," Bettis said. "I really think we got back to Steelers football with the defense complementing the offense.
"The way the season has been unfolding, it has been really difficult to enjoy the individual success," Bettis said. "Maybe five years ago, I would have enjoyed it more. As I have gotten older, I appreciate the team concept and winning that much more. It has become more important."
Bettis' milestone pleased his teammates.
"He's a great team leader," wide receiver Hines Ward said. "He came into the season not the starter, but he never got discouraged and kept fighting. And good things happened for him. I'm excited for him."
Ward said a balanced offensive attack was the key to the Raiders' rout.
"At the beginning of the year, everybody was talking about 'Air Pittsburgh,' " Ward said. "To me, I think we have got to be balanced and I think we did that. We established the run and we made some [big] plays in the passing game. That's a sign of a team having success. If you can be balanced, then you should win a lot."
Tight end Mark Bruener, who like Bettis lost his long-time starting role in the preseason, said, "After seeing him rush as effectively as he has in years past, it's nice to see him achieve some of the milestones that a lot of the great backs have achieved."
Team support
Bettis was glad to give them something to smile about.
"That is the fun part, when my teammates get going," Bettis said. "On the last drive, I needed a couple of yards for 100 and everybody from [quarterback] Tommy [Maddox] to all of the offensive linemen were telling me to run hard. I said to myself that I've been running hard all game.
"With 4 yards to go, the guys were calling me out," Bettis said. "That was fun. That shows me that they care about what we are trying to accomplish."
Maddox said, "Jerome has never changed since I first met him in 1994 in St. Louis. He's been the same guy through good times, bad times and the off-season.
"When things like this happen, everyone on the field feels like they are a part of it."
Coach Bill Cowher, the man who ultimately will decide if Bettis is a Steeler in 2004, said, "He has been the heart and soul of this team. I think everyone recognizes what he brings to the table every week. You can do nothing but respect that. Anyone who has been around Jerome knows that it could not happen to a better guy."