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Home >  Sports >  Steelers >  Steelers Report Card Printer-friendly versionE-mail this story
Steelers Report Card
Steelers Report Card: Game 4

Sunday, October 14, 2001

Steelers vs. Kansas City Chiefs

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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.

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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.

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Offense: B+

Mike Mularkey's game plan was impressive and imaginative and Kordell Stewart was textbook sharp in his ballhandling and execution. The slip screens, misdirection, quick pitches and bootlegs kept the Chiefs on their heels the entire day -- it was rather exciting to watch. Kudos to the offensive line for making it all happen.

 

Offense: C-

For three quarters, the Chiefs' offense sputtered. Trent Green's inconsistency and his poorly thrown interception caused the Chiefs to lose a game they could have won. Priest Holmes, who rushed for 150 yards and two touchdowns, led a valiant comeback effort that came up short. Tight ends Tony Gonzalez and Mikhael Ricks played well, but the wide receivers did not.

Defense: B

Despite yielding big yardage to the shifty Priest Holmes, the overall effort was quite impressive. Kendrell Bell and Aaron Smith were unblockable and extremely physical and the secondary had a great day across the board. If this young group continues to improve, great things are in store down the road.

Defense: B-

The defense, led by linebacker Marvcus Patton, played an inspired game. It surrendered 13 points to the Steelers and that could have been enough. The defense wore down in the fourth quarter and couldn't get the ball back. Kansas City needed a big play late in the game, but the defense couldn't deliver.

Special Teams: B

The kickoff and punt teams continue to have a positive influence on the field-position battle with aggressive hard-hitting coverage and no major breakdowns. A special teams game ball must go to Kris Brown. In only his third year, he has established himself as one of the strongest and most accurate legs in the business.

Special Teams: B

The punt block for a safety late in the second quarter provided a much-needed emotional lift. The kick coverage units kept the Steelers in check and provided the Chiefs with good field position in the second half. Reliable kick returner Gary Hall didn't have the opportunity to show his skill. The safety could have been a touchdown and that would have made a difference.

Coaching: B

Bill Cowher's troops again were well-prepared and ready to play physical blue-collar football. The game plans on both sides were well-devised and very well executed. No major mistakes and no back-breaking penalties indicate this team was well focused for the task at hand..

Coaching: C+

The Chiefs are trying to develop an offense similar to the Rams. The only problem is the Chiefs don't have comparable wide receivers. Kansas City needs to feature Holmes and their tight ends. That is an offensive philosophy they can win with -- at least until the wide receivers improve.

Team Score: 91

Team Score: 83

 

 

 

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

 

 

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