"My role has changed this year," he said. "You have to swallow your pride."

Ward started 14 games last season at flanker, but his days as a starter ended almost from the moment the Steelers drafted Plaxico Burress in the first round this year. Burress shoved 1999 No. 1 pick Troy Edwards from split end to flanker where he seized the job from Ward.

The result is Ward played only in four- and five-wide receiver sets last Sunday, or when Edwards got tired.

"It's funny," Ward said. "You kind of have to look at it as a business point. We have two first-rounders and Bobby (Shaw) plays slot. I never played slot before. I'm trying to learn that."

Ward understands, but he still is left to wonder.

"I've been productive," he said.

Ward, who rarely drops a pass when the ball is thrown his way, saw his fate coming late last year when he was replaced on third down by Kordell Stewart, who was just looking for something to do after losing his job as starting quarterback.

"It's frustrating. I was good enough to start," Ward said, "but I wasn't good enough to be a third-down receiver."

Steelers trying to sweat out slump

Sept. 6, 2000

On a warm, sunny day -- a day better suited for sailing on the river than sweating on a football field -- Steelers backup quarterback Kordell Stewart continued to prepare diligently for an opportunity that might never come.

After coach Bill Cowher called a halt to practice Wednesday, several players didn't head straight to the locker room. Offensive linemen Marvel Smith and Tom Myslinski put in some extra work with coaches Kent Stephenson and Irv Eatman; running back Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala hoped to run out the tightness in his hamstring while assistant trainer Ryan Grove monitored his progress; and rookie defensive end Chris Combs banged on a blocking sled.

And there was Stewart, running sprints all by himself -- eight 80-yard and two 15-yard dashes. Later, sweat poured down his face in a steady stream.

"I have to get myself prepared some other way," he said, "because I'm not getting the reps like I used to (in practice). I have to keep mentally prepared and physically right. I like the game. I enjoy it. So, when I have the opportunity, I have to make sure I'm in shape. ... and there won't be any excuses."

BY THE NUMBERS: The Steelers went from scoring 36 points in the last game of the 1999 season to scoring none in the 2000 opener. ... The Baltimore Ravens have recorded seven pass plays of 26 yards or more in the past three games against the Steelers. ... Steelers tight end Mark Bruener is second on the team with a 13.5-yards-per-catch average, but he has only two receptions. ... The Steelers have had three different starting quarterbacks in the past seven games -- Kordell Stewart, Mike Tomczak and Kent Graham. ... The Steelers used to pride themselves on moving the chains with their ground game, but they had only two first downs rushing against the Ravens. ... Kicker Kris Brown missed a field-goal attempt Sunday. He didn't miss his first last season until the 10th game.