But Smith is playing with enough confidence and efficiency to keep the job, even though he never had played right tackle before making the switch from the left side Aug. 1. Still, Smith is the last person surprised by his presence in the starting lineup. That was my goal from the beginning. I have a whole lot more work to do. If I don't play up to the level I need to, I could lose the job.
Nothing is set in stone.
I still have to perform and go out and do my job everyday. But for the first time since Justin Strzelczyk was manning the position in 1998, there is stability at right tackle for the Steelers. BACK Cowher said yesterday that he expects running backs Jerome Bettis and Richard Huntley to play Friday against the Redskins. For Bettis, who has a knee bruise, it will be his first action of the preseason since carrying seven times for 24 yards on July 30 against the Dallas Cowboys. For Huntley, who has a nagging hamstring injury, his next carry will be his first of the preseason.