Grading the Steelers:

Neil Gordon is in his 15th 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 24nd season as the head coach of the North Hills High School Indians. He has won four WPIAL titles.

Offense: C -

Despite the very impressive efforts of Jerome Bettis and Hines Ward, Mike Mularkey's unit continues to be very inconsistent and inefficient. The passing game, if there is such a thing, was nonexistent; Kordell Stewart never posed a serious deep threat and the underneath "dink" game struggled as well. One dimension will not win in this league.

Offense: D

The Bills' new West Coast offense was totally manhandled by the Steelers. The patchwork offensive line couldn't protect Rob Johnson. And when you don't protect the quarterback, you can't win. The Bills' offensive decline has hit rock bottom, and with 19 rookies on the roster, it will stay there for a while.

Defense: A

A hapless opponent or a stellar performance? Whatever the case, the aggressive, hard-hitting front seven battered Rob Johnson and destroyed any feeble attempts at a running game. Hats off to an opportunistic Brent Alexander, Dewayne Washington and Chad Scott for the big turnovers that put this one away.

Defense: B

The defense, led by Pat Williams, battled the Steelers on even terms for three quarters. But the defense was on the field too long and it showed in the fourth quarter. Although the Steelers' running game wore them down, the defensive unit showed great improvement from the previous week and, at least, it's a slight glimmer of hope. It's going to be a long, long season in Buffalo

Special Teams: B+

Although Kris Brown was wide right with an early "chip-shot" attempt, he finished strongly and accurately. The coverage teams were aggressive and provided good field position, but the thrills and excitement were provided by the young Hank Poteat -- a can't miss return superstar of the future. 

Special Teams: C

Jake Arians provided Buffalo's only points and that was the highlight. Brian Moorman punted well but the coverage units were subpar. The Bills had a difficult time containing Hank Poteat. When the offensive is not playing well, the special teams can sometimes pick up the slack. But it didn't happen against the Steelers.

Coaching: C

I guess the optimist would blame this one on the rust that comes with a 21-day layoff. But, there is no excuse for a dozen-plus penalties and a nonexistent passing game. Back to drawing board to clean up this offensive mess and somehow establish balance to a "looking for identity" offensive game.

Coaching: C

Buffalo's new regime of GM Tom Donahoe and Coach Gregg Williams have begun to rebuild and revamp the team. It's going to take a long time. Right now, the Bills are a team in trouble. The offensive line is so porous that Johnson gets hit on every play, and that's always a formula for failure. The Bills chances of winning this year are remote, and winning is always the bottom line.

Team Score: 86

Team Score: 70

Key

100-95

Super Bowl performance

94-90

Division title contenders

89-80

Wild Card possibility

79-70

Shooting for high draft picks in 2002

69-less

Check waiver wire