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Notebook: Nice wakeup call for Foote

Jerry DiPaola

Steelers inside linebacker Larry Foote wasn't happy when he finally decided to turn off the television set and go to sleep Monday night. The New England Patriots were defeating the Miami Dolphins, 28-17, and it looked like the Steelers would gain no ground in the race for home-field advantage in the playoffs. But when the Dolphins rallied to win, Foote's telephone rang.

"Someone called me and woke me up. It's a good thing they pulled that out for us."

  • Wide receiver Hines Ward also got a lot of phone calls, but he knows the Patriots' loss is only half of what needs to happen.

    "We have to go out and win one game," he said.

    That game will be Sunday against the Ravens.

    "Is it going to be tough• Yes, it's going to be tough. But it's going to be tough for them, too," Ward said.

    Ward is only 28 yards from his fourth consecutive 1,000-yard season.

    "That's big," he said. "1,000 yards. In this offense• We are 28th (in the NFL rankings). That's a big accomplishment."

  • The NFL names its Pro Bowl teams today, and Ward said earning his fourth consecutive berth isn't such a big deal to him.

    "I'd trade the Pro Bowl anytime for a chance to play in the Super Bowl," he said. "Who knows when you will have the opportunity again."

  • Foote had an apt description of Ravens running back Jamal Lewis , who is playing with his accustomed power after finally recovering from an ankle injury.

    "He's half-human, half-horse," Foote said. Lewis has rushed for 813 yards, 11 behind the Steelers' Jerome Bettis , who is technically still a backup.

  • Foote was one of several Steelers who reported to work yesterday on their day off to watch video of the Ravens and/or work out. He said that determined mindset started in minicamp in the spring when attendance improved over past seasons after the well-documented problems of 2003.

    "Six-and-10 wasn't a pretty sight," Foote said.

    Digits


    34 Receptions recorded by Ravens leading wide receiver Travis Taylor.

    33 Receptions recorded by Steelers No. 3 wide receiver Antwaan Randle El.