Grading the Steelers:

Jack McCurry is in his 24nd 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 15th season as the head coach of the Penn Hills High School Indians. He has won one WPIAL title.

Offense: C +

The running game was outstanding. The offensive line opened huge holes for Jerome Bettis, Amos Zereoue and Kordell Stewart. And believe it or not, the passing game showed slight signs of improvement. The Steelers made mistakes that actually kept the Bengals in the game. If the passing game continues to improve, the Steelers have a chance to develop into a playoff contender. 

Offense: D

When Corey Dillon has nowhere to run, the Bengals have no chance to win. Even with the Steelers' defenders stacked to stop the run, the Bengals were unable to generate a passing game. The only offensive highlight was the touchdown drive late in the game, but that was too little too late. Bengals or Bungles, you make the call?

Defense: A

The defense played shutout football for 3 1/2 quarters and essentially dominated the game. Aaron Smith and Kendrell Bell led the front seven as Corey Dillon was totally contained. The secondary, highlighted by Chad Scott's interception, also was effective. The lone blemish was the phantom pass interference penalty late in the game, and that was a poor call.

Defense: B

The defense played well enough to win. The Bengals stopped the Steelers with a determined goal-line stand early and also came up with a fumble inside the 10 that stopped another drive. But the inability to stop the Steelers' ground game hurt the Bengals' chances. If you cant stop the run, you usually can't win, and that's the bottom line.

Special Teams: B

Hank Poteat continues to be an exciting returner. Kris Brown contributed three field goals and iced the game late in the fourth with a 49-yarder. In a tight game, the special teams need to play well, and the Steelers did just that. 

Special Teams: C-

Curtis Keaton, the Bengals' superb kick returner, never had an opportunity as he was contained the entire game. The punting of Nick Harris helped in the battle in field position game but wasn't enough for an offensive spark. Place-kicker Neil Rackers continued his subpar performance and the usually reliable Peter Warrick was a special teams no-show.

Coaching: A

The offensive game plan usually relies on the running game, and that was evident against the Bengals. A few new running plays for Stewart and Zereoue, and they were quite effective. Defensively, the Steelers crowded the line of scrimmage in order to contain Dillon and stop the short passing game. It worked. The game plan on both sides was impressive.

Coaching: B

Dick LeBeau has improved the overall Bengals situation. Defensively, the Bengals have a bend, but not break philosophy. The offense is trying to find continuity. Jon Kitna is erratic, and as a result, so is the offense. When Dillon has a chance to run, the Bengals have a good chance, but that didn't happen. Hey, coach, why punt late in game? It looked like you just gave up.

Team Score: 91

Team Score: 71

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