NOTEBOOK

NOTEBOOK
Steelers vs. Eagles
Youngstown connection: Former Youngstown State standout Russell Stuvaints is in his second season with the Steelers after signing a free agent contract last year. He plays on special teams and as a safety mostly in third-down situations. "We've had a couple of injuries, so I'm getting to step up and play a little more," said Stuvaints, a Pittsburgh native.
Super Bowl memories: At halftime of Sunday's game, the Steelers celebrated the 25th anniversary of their 1979 Super Bowl team. It marked the Steelers' fourth NFL championship in six seasons. More than 35 players from the Super Bowl XIV team, which defeated the Los Angeles Rams 31-19 in Pasadena, Calif., were honored during halftime festivities.
History lesson: The Steelers and Eagles have shared more than the same state; they once shared the same team. Sixty-one years ago, during World War II, the two teams merged to form the Phil-Pitt Steagles. The teams united to compensate for NFL rosters that had been depleted by the war. The Steagles played two games in Pittsburgh and four in Philadelphia. They finished with a 5-4-1 record.
Sitting it out: Listed on Sunday's inactive list for the Steelers were Duce Staley (RB), Chad Scott (CB), Barrett Brooks (OT), Jim Jones (OG), Matt Kranchick (TE), Alonzo Jackson (LB) and Kendrick Clancy (DT). Listed for the Eagles were J.R. Reed (S), Thomas Tapeh (FB), Jason Short (LB), Jamaal Green (DE), Trey Darilek (T/G), Jermane Mayberry (G/T) and Paul Grasmanis (DT).
Up next: After two tough games the past two weeks against New England and Philadelphia, the Steelers' schedule eases up a bit. They will visit AFC North rivals Cleveland and Cincinnati over the next two weeks before playing host to Washington on Nov. 28. "We've got two tough road games against two tough divisional foes," Steelers coach Bill Cowher said. "That will have a lot more consequence in the greater picture than today's game."
Brian Richesson