ESPN NFL

Going into this season, Tommy Maddox was in an unusual position. Not only was he the lowest-paid starting quarterback in the league, but he was scheduled to make less money than his backup, Charlie Batch. To further add insult to injury, Maddox makes less scratch than Josh Miller, the team's punter.

Maddox tried to get an adjustment on his weekly salary, but the Steelers decided to wait until this offseason because they wanted to make sure his 2002 season was no fluke. So far, it's been tough to judge that. His numbers aren't as good as when he earned Comeback Player of the Year honors, but the offensive line has been beset with injuries and the running game has been non-existent.

Whether it was because of diabetes, aching knees or pinched nerves, the starting offensive line has played together only a handful of snaps. When you factor in the indecision on choosing a starting tailback, it's little surprise that Pittsburgh's rushing attack ranks 31st, the lowest ranking ever for a Steelers team.

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