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Sunday, November 26, 2000

Steelers vs. Cincinnati Bengals, 11/26/00

Grading the Steelers: Jack McCurry is in his 23nd season as the head coach of the North Hills High School Indians. He has won four WPIAL titles.		Grading the Bengals: Neil Gordon is in his 14th season as the head coach of the Penn Hills High School Indians. He has won one WPIAL title.
Offense: A The Steelers started strong and stayed that way. Anytime a team scores 48 points, the offense is doing something right. Kordell Stewart, in a poised performance, threw for three touchdowns and ran for another. Jerome Bettis was steady as usual, and Hines Ward and Mark Bruener played well. Is the offense getting better or was it due to the inept Bengals? You make the call.		Offense: D Corey Dillon had a great first half and Akili Smith was effective. What happened? The Bengals looked like a different team in the second half. As a matter of fact, they looked like a 2-9 football team. Turnovers resulted in 21 points for the Steelers, but the center snap over the quarterback's head was the low point for the Bengals. The Bungles have returned.
Defense: B- The defense did not play well in the first half as the Bengals' ground game controlled the line of scrimmage. The second half was a different story. The Steelers shut down Corey Dillon and pummeled Akili Smith. The defense caused turnovers that resulted in 21 points. Let's hope the Steelers' second-half performance is an indication that the defense is back on track.		Defense: F The Bengals surrendered 48 points to the Steelers' offense. How could that happen? Anytime Kordell Stewart throws for three touchdowns, your defense is having a bad day. The Bengals went through the motions in the second half and their fans deserve a better effort. Adrian Ross was the lone Bengals defender who really wanted to win.
Special Teams: B Kris Brown contributed two field goals but his kickoffs are still short. In the battle for field position, the kicking game is always important. Mike Vrabel had a great day on the coverage teams as the Steelers recovered a muffed punt that led to a touchdown. When the special teams get turnovers, it's always a good day.		Special Teams: D The special teams gave up a turnover and didn't do anything to alter the outcome of the game. If there was a bright spot, and that is questionable, it was punter Daniel Pope. He did his job. That's more than what can be said about his teammates. Three fumbles or muffed punts shouldn't happen anywhere, anytime. That's just bad football.
Coaching: A Kevin Gilbride recently has received a great deal of criticism because of the performance of the Steelers' offense. Yesterday, he deserved a lot of praise. The offense played well, and the Bengals were kept off balance with nifty play selection. On the defensive side, the first half looked like a repeat of the Jacksonville game. The adjustments at halftime shut down the Bengals. .		Coaching: C Bruce Coslet saw the writing of the wall in September. Get out while you still can. Dick LeBeau might not win another game with this team. Smith is not the answer to the offensive woes, and Peter Warrick is still learning the game. Unless there are significant changes on both sides of the ball, the Bengals will remain an NFL bottom-dweller.
Team Score: 93		Team Score: 67