Strzelczyk, Buck at home in NFL

When they were drafted out of the University of Maine in the spring of 1990, no one knew if record-breaking quarterback Mike Buck and helmet-breaking defensive lineman Justin Strzelczyk had what it took to make it in the National Football League, least of all themselves.

Two NFL seasons and half a training camp later, the two former Black Bears believe they have answered the question.

Both Buck and Strzelczyk, whose careers at Maine coincided from 1986-89, recently signed new contracts with their respective teams and are considered locks to be on their respective rosters for the season opener. Both have also been increasingly visible on the playing field.

Buck, a sixth-round draft choice, inked a one-year pact with the New Orleans Saints in July for what he termed a “pretty good” increase on the reported $100,000 he earned each of the past two seasons. Strzelczyk, drafted in the 11th round, signed a two-year deal with an option year with the Pittsburgh Steelers for, he said, “somewhat more than” the reported $70,000 he took home the past two years.

More important than the money, according to each player, is the fact they see their roles increasing in importance with their teams.

“Everything is going good right now,” said Buck, a 6-foot-3, 215-pound native of Oakdale, N.Y., who set 24 passing records at Maine. “They’re giving me a chance to earn the second spot (behind starter Bobby Hebert). Whether I’ve done it or not, I don’t know.”

Buck appears to be making a case for himself. After sitting the bench as the third QB on the depth chart for most of his first two seasons in New Orleans (he completed 1 of 2 passes for 61 yards last season with one interception), he has been given a long look this year, playing two quarters in each of the Saints first two exhibition games.

In those games, a 34-31 victory over Chicago and a 26-0 win over Pittsburgh, Buck completed a combined 14 of 25 passes (.560) for 169 yards with one interception.

“It’s really the first chance I’ve had to play,” said Buck, noting he does not know how much action he will see in Saturday’s exhibition game with Houston. “I didn’t know how I’d react, it had been so long since I’d played in a game. But after I completed the first pass at Chicago, which was a deep out, which is a good throw for me, I felt comfortable. I’ve felt more comfortable ever since.”

New Orleans head coach Jim Mora isn’t commenting on Buck’s place on the depth chart in relation to Hebert and last year’s backup, Steve Walsh. But Mora did say, “There’s good competition almong all three quarterbacks for all three spots. We haven’t made any decisions, but the competition is good. I’ve been pleased with all three, including Mike and Steve.”

Buck may be pushing the other two QBs to new heights. Hebert has completed 15 of 18 throws for 166 yards in the two exhibitions, while Walsh has completed 11 of 17 for 94 yards.

Strzelczyk, a 6-5, 285-pound native of West Seneca, N.Y., who was switched to offensive line by the Steelers, has started Pittsburgh’s first two exhibition games in place of All-Pro tackle Tunch Ilkin, who was holding out for a better contract. Playing a lot was nothing new to Strzelczyk, who saw considerable action on short yardage, goal-line, and special teams last season.

“I had two good games,” said Strzelczyk, assessing his exhibition performances. “They’re pretty high on me right now, I think. They’re more confident about playing me. I’m doing well. I just have to keep it up.”

Ilkin, a 14-year veteran, signed a pact this week, which in all likelihood will move Strzelczyk back to his specialty roles. But Strzelczyk believes he can start if necessary.

“Tunch is great, and I’m still learning. I’m confident I’ll play a lot. Whatever else happens, happens,” he said.

Steelers offensive line coach Ken Stevenson said Strzelczyk “has established he can play. He just has to keep working.”

With their new contracts and two seasons under their belts, Buck and Strzelczyk now believe they’ve got a future in the league.

Buck declined to sign a more lucrative two-year pact with New Orleans in case he winds up a starter this year if Hebert is injured. If that were to happen, Buck would then be in position to demand a significant pay increase when negotiating next year’s contract. He also did not want to be under contract in case the current court case challenging the NFL’s limited form of free agency is won by the players.

“It’s a situation where the two-year deal they offered wasn’t substantial enough to make me happy the second year if I was second string. If I made the jump to first string, I’d probably be the lowest paid quarterback in the league,” said Buck.

The playing time has made Buck rethink a statement he made last year about his future not being in New Orleans.

“I was frustrated the first two years. You never want to go anywhere else because you have to start over again,” he said.

Strzelczyk feels the same about the Steelers.

“There’s a place for me here in Pittsburgh,” he said.