Grading the Steelers:

Jack McCurry is in his 25th season as the head coach of the North Hills High School Indians. He has won four WPIAL titles.

Grading the Browns:

Ron Wabby is in his 21st season as the head coach at Brashear High School. His teams have won five City League championships.

Offense: C

For three-and-a-half quarters, the Steelers' lethargic offense struggled. Jerome Bettis was ineffective and Kordell Stewart inept. Tommy Maddox's seven-play touchdown drive was dramatic, but his interception in OT gave the Browns hope. Remember, it's only a short distance from the palace to the outhouse, but the path does go both ways.

Offense: C

They played at times too conservatively, trying not to lose the game instead of trying to win it. In the first half, the Browns had the ball deep in the red zone and came away with just two field goals when they needed at least one touchdown. The offense did take advantage of the blocked punt and scored a touchdown. But when leading in the fourth quarter, the Browns tried to run time off the clock with their ground game, which is not a smart thing to do against the Steelers.

Defense: B

After the first two Browns offensive possessions, the defense began to pressure Tim Couch and play much better pass defense. Joey Porter's interception was a critical point.The Steelers are not playing like the league's premier defense, but they are getting better.

Defense: B

The Browns held the Steelers' running game in check for most of the game, forcing the Steelers to pass to win the game. The Browns forcing Kordell Stewart out of the game in the fourth quarter brought on Tommy Maddox and led to their own demise.

Special Teams: D

Murphy's Law was certainly in effect because anything that could go wrong did go wrong -- a short kick off, blocked punt, blocked field goals and a kick off out of bounds highlighted a dismal effort. Antwaan Randle El is becoming an exciting kick and punt returner. Kicker Todd Peterson was on the same path as Maddox and thank goodness it does go both ways.

Special Teams: A

The reverse on the punt return is unique for the pro game and was a nice play. Blocking the Steelers' punt was another great play and kept the Browns in the game. The Browns didn't do anything to hurt themselves in this area.

Coaching: C

The defensive adjustments during the two-week layoff certainly helped. Pressure on the Browns quarterback and tight coverage made a noticeable difference. Keeping Stewart in the game for three-and-a-half quarters was almost fatal. Cowher's decision to kick on second down enabled the Steelers to win.

Coaching: C

Browns Coach Butch Davis must have misplaced the game films from the first two Steelers losses. He did not realize the best way to beat the Steelers is to pass and didn't go after the Pittsburgh cornerbacks. Trying to control the ball and the clock gave the Steelers an opportunity to win.

Team Score: 83

Team Score: 80

Key

100-95

Super Bowl performance

94-90

Division title contenders

89-80

Wild Card possibility

79-70

Shooting for high draft picks in 2003

69-less

Check waiver wire