Grading the Steelers:

Neil Gordon is in his 14^th season as the head coach of the Penn Hills High School Indians. He has won one WPIAL title.

Grading the Opponent:

Jack McCurry is in his 23^nd season as the head coach of the North Hills High School Indians. He has won four WPIAL titles.

Offense: B

Hats off to the offensive line for a job well done; Kent Graham had great protection the entire day and The Bus was provided with impressive running room down the stretch. The Graham-to-Ward connection is alive and well, but the contributions of Burress and Edwards are nonexistent and missing in action.

Offense: B-

With Kevin Dyson and Yancey Thigpen unavailable for regular duty, the Titans also lost their leading receiver in Frank Wycheck. Eddie George tried to carry the team but Neil O'Donnell's three interceptions set the stage for a Steelers' upset. But with time running out, Steve McNair entered the game and engineered the winning touchdown.

Defense: C+

Huge third-down breakdowns in the secondary allowed this critical contest to slip away. Jason Gildon led a ferocious unit that not only stymied the powerful Eddie George but forced Neil O'Donnell into bad reads and three interceptions.

Defense: C+

The Titans' defense played well enough to win. Jevon Kearse was relentless throughout the entire game. This was a physical game on both sides of the ball and an impressive effort by the banged-up Titans. Character is always shown in difficult situations and yes, the Titans have it. 

Special Teams: D-

Kris Brown was near perfect but choked when the game was on the line. The punt and kickoff coverage teams were inconsistent but choked in critical second-half situations. Only Josh Miller continues to be the silver lining in this abysmal cloud we call the 2000 season. 

Special Teams: B

Kicker Al Del Greco is reliable, consistent and automatic. Craig Hentrich punted well and helped Tennessee as both teams struggled for field position. Derrick Mason's kick returns are always exciting and the Titans' coverage teams are one of the AFC's best.

Coaching: C

Black and blue, physical, hard-hitting football -- Cowher and his staff had to be pleased with the intensity and enthusiasm brought to the table yesterday. For the better part of the day, the Steelers outhit and outplayed the Titans, only to be smitten late in the fourth quarter for the second consecutive week.

Coaching: B

The Titans came into the game banged-up and short-handed. Things didn't look good and then Steve McNair entered the game. McNair was the difference and Coach Jeff Fisher's decision to use him certainly enabled the Titans to win. A great decision or just luck? You make the call. 

Team Score: 84

Team Score: 85

Key

100-95

Super Bowl performance

94-90

Division title contenders

89-80

Wild Card possibility

79-70

Shooting for high draft picks in 2000

69-less

Check waiver wire