Stewart to Make Home Debut

Kordell Stewart, already designated as the Pittsburgh Steelers’ opening-day quarterback, starts his first home exhibition tonight against the Philadelphia Eagles--the first of three games at Three Rivers Stadium in a 20-day span.

Steeler Coach Bill Cowher fully expects Stewart to play as if he has owned the position for a decade. However, Cowher cautions not to rush to judgment while evaluating the Steelers’ third starting quarterback in as many seasons.

Stewart, who has played only about 2 1/4 quarters, has seen basic defenses so far, with few of the tricks he will see as soon as the season begins.

“He hasn’t seen a whole lot from other teams,” Cowher said. “He has to keep things in perspective. . . He’s going to run into [more complex defenses] soon. Things will start happening and he’ll have to adjust.”

Stewart played near flawlessly in preseason victories over Chicago and Kansas City, completing 15 of 21 passes for 239 yards, a touchdown and no interceptions. He also scored on his only rushing attempt.

“Their offense has looked very sharp. They butchered both of the teams they’ve played,” Eagle Coach Ray Rhodes said. “Kordell Stewart is already looking good at the position.”