Columnist Sal DeFilippo: For Steelers, clock, decision-makers proved to be ticking time bombs

Sal DeFilippo

Friday, Sept. 22, 2000 | 11:18 a.m.

Sal DeFilippo's pro football picks column appears Friday. Reach him at sal@lasvegassun.com or 259-4076.

The NFL has much to be proud of in terms of its advances in drug testing over the past decade.

The league is really clamping down on those trying to gain an illegal edge, but now it needs to take the next step -- start testing the coaches.

How else can anyone explain Bill Cowher's actions at the end of Sunday's game as his Steelers were driving for a potential winning score against the Cleveland Browns? And if he's not violating the league policy ... maybe he should consider it, because nothing he or his team has done this season can possibly be putting him in a good mood.

Trailing 23-20 and facing a first and goal at the Cleveland 9 with 35 seconds remaining, the Steelers called their final timeout. Conventional protocol would be a few pass attempts to the end zone to try to win the game, with the caveat that at worst, you could attempt a short game-tying field goal.

But the Steelers hardly do these conventionally these days. On first down, Pittsburgh ran a draw play to their fullback, Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala. Admittedly, he is one big Ma'afala, but that attempted chicanery wasn't enough to fool the Browns. He gained a couple of yards, and the clock kept rolling.

The Steelers were forced to line up quickly and spike the ball on second down, forfeiting another chance to score, just to stop the clock. Bravo. This was handled fluently, as pseudo-quarterback Kent Graham is well-versed in throwing the ball directly to the turf, even on routine pass plays. Still, only colon-fourteen remained at the third-down snap.

Despite these bizarre calls, Cowher can't accept all the blame for the events that followed. From here, the scapegoat role shifts directly to Graham. I'm picturing this pre-huddle directive from the coach:

"OK, Kent, take one shot at the end zone, and if nobody is open, just throw the ball away from everyone (Remember, folks, this is Graham's specialty). And of course, don't get sacked."

Maybe Cowher didn't even bother with the last sentence. After all, that's pretty basic stuff, even for Graham.

Nonetheless, Graham stood around in the backfield, waiting, waiting and waiting some more.

About six seconds and a Snickers bar later, Graham was trampled by Cleveland's Courtney Brown. A frantic attempt to get the field-goal team on the field was equally laughable.

But after what they've experienced in a little more than a year back in the league, Browns fans deserved the chuckle.

Last week

The Patriots' loss to Minnesota was the only blemish on a 4-1 week, as the Browns, Chiefs, Broncos and Seahawks all covered the number. The season mark improves to a respectable 8-6-1.

My top five

CHICAGO -1 1/2 vs. Detroit -- It's almost a must-win situation for winless Chicago, and the Lions might be the right team to pull the Bears out of September hibernation. Detroit's lone offensive touchdown this season came on a Hail Mary pass last week, and I'm praying that they fare no better this time around.

Chicago 24, Detroit 14.

NEW YORK JETS +7 at Tampa Bay -- This has been dubbed the Keyshawn Johnson bowl, but there is a more important, less publicized reunion Sunday. The real key to this game is Vinny Testaverde. The one-time Tampa Bay signal-caller spent several years throwing the ball nowhere near Buccaneers players -- that same ability will help him here. A low-scoring affair, which favors Tampa Bay, but not enough to cover.

Tampa Bay 13, New York Jets 7.

PHILADELPHIA +1 1/2 at New Orleans -- Duce Staley is twice as good as people give him credit for being. He's a double-threat as runner and receiver, and should score twice Sunday to help Philly get its second win ... let's say by two points.

Philadelphia 24, New Orleans 22.

SEATTLE -2 at San Diego -- This seems hard to believe, but if Ricky Watters starts for Seattle on Sunday, he'll move into second all-time among running backs with 101 consecutive starts. Although he's no threat to break Walter Payton's record of 170, he could be the key for Seattle this week. The Seahawks are 8-1 when he surpasses 100 yards. Seattle's defense likely will chip in, too -- the team has 12 interceptions in their last three games against the Chargers.

Seattle 26, San Diego 16.

BALTIMORE -11 1/2 vs. Cincinnati -- When in doubt, pick against the Bengals.

Baltimore 37, Cincinnati 21.