Grading the Steelers:

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.

Grading the Giants:

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

Offense: D

The offense was totally out of sync. The line couldn't open running lanes for Jerome Bettis and didn't provide Kordell Stewart enough time to pass. When you can't run the ball and don't protect the quarterback, you can't win. The Steelers didn't play like a team with a playoff berth at stake. Why not?

Offense: B+

Needless to say, Kerry Collins was certainly on the same page with Tiki Barber, Amani Toomer and Ike Hilliard the entire day. The Giants controlled the clock, converted critical third-down situations and took advantage of a soft middle in the Steelers' secondary. The offensive line was responsible for all of the above.

Defense: D

The Steelers contained the Giants' potent running game but couldn't control Kerry Collins and his receivers as the Giants gained 326 yards through the air. There was no pressure on Collins, and missed tackles enabled the Giants to gain plenty of yards after a catch. The goal-line stand in the first quarter was a highlight in a dismal afternoon.

Defense: A

Game balls to the Giants' front four -- a fabulous effort from beginning to end. Michael Strahan, Cedric Jones, Christian Peter and Keith Hamilton pressured Kordell Stewart, stuffed Jerome Bettis and dominated the line of scrimmage. Hats off to coordinator John Fox; well-timed, well-called and well-executed blitzes kept the Steelers on their heels the entire day.

Special Teams: D

Two missed field goals, poor kick coverage and stupid penalties contributed to the Steelers' disappointing loss. In the battle for field position, the Steelers' special teams came up short. Even Josh Miller, the most consistent performer, had a subpar game. Against the Giants, the special teams were especially awful.

Special Teams: A

The Giants have certainly addressed their punt- and kickoff-coverage problems -- they executed very well the whole game. Great returns by Barber and Omar Stoutmire set the table for Collins; the critical battle for field position was dominated by aggressive special teams play. Kudos to all for a job well done.

Coaching: C

Defensively, the Steelers had to prepare to stop the Giants' running game. It was the Giants' passing game that hurt. But the coaches don't play, it's the players -- missed tackles, dropped passes and mental errors are not the coaches' fault. When the Steelers don't run, they can't win. It's as simple at that.

Coaching: A

Jim Fassel continues to take the heat -- the Giants just continue to execute and win. Well-devised game plans were executed to perfection -- no weaknesses were apparent in yesterday's masterpiece. Continue to take the heat coach -- you might just find yourself in Tampa in January.

Team Score: 67

Team Score: 97