Bill Cowher Press Conference - Coaching Future to Be Announced Next Week

Bill Cowher met with the assembled media on Tuesday, and thanks to the miracle o the internet Pittsburgh Steelers Fanatic was there. Here is some of what Mr. Cowher discussed.

• Injuries: Ryan Clark, Max Starks are out for Sunday. Clark Haggans is doubtful, and among the other players Ben Roethlisberger -- who has a shoulder problem -- is probable.
  


• Baltimore Game: "Very disappointing outcome" considering all that was at stake. The offense never got into a rhythm, and was poor on third downs. The defense gave up some big plays, and the Baltimore conversion on third-and-thirteen in the third quarter hurt. The Willie Parker fumble took the wind out of the Steelers' sails. The Ravens were more dominating. The Steelers played better than the first meeting, but were fighting uphill all game long.
  


• Cincinnati Game: Pride is at stake, and the team wants to finish at 8-8. There is a real difference between 8-8 and 7-9. The team wants to end the season with a win.
  


• Next Season: He's not ready to reflect on the season, the team is getting ready for the Bengals. Coach Cowher will talk about his future next week, and it won't take long to make a decision. Finishing strong this season will help for the next season.
  


• Willie Parker: He is one of the better backs in the National Football League, and he is the first running back who has played for Coach Cowher who brings big play possibilities to the running game. Turnovers are a problem for the team, but Willie Parker is only a part of that.


• This Season: The team lost early games this season that, frankly, they should have won -- Oakland, Atlanta, and the first Cincinnati game are three that come to mind. The players were unable to make plays -- e.g. "jump ball" plays on which opponent receivers scored -- and the result is that the Steelers were unable to create an identity for themselves. A play here, a play there -- a different outcome on some individual plays might have made a difference.


• Being Super Bowl Champ: Teams definitely bring their "A" game to play the champs, and the scheduling is different, but winning and losing comes down to execution and the team did not execute very well this season.


• Willie Colon: Improved as the game went on.


• Steve McNair: He's a good player -- a good quarterback. He exploited some of the defenses that the Steelers showed. The Baltimore offense is good, and the Baltimore defense is special.