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 Ravens:

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: B

Kordell Stewart played with exceptional poise and had the offense moving against the vaunted Ravens defense. Hines Ward was impressive throughout the game but where was Plaxico Burress in the second half. The Steelers were in scoring position many times and came up empty. You can't do that against the defending Super Bowl champions.

Offense: D

Although Qadry Ismail and Shannon Sharpe were gamers as usual, this unit established absolutely no consistency and never posed a serious threat. However, with a backup quarterback, a battered offensive line and a third-team rookie tailback, the Ravens did not commit the critical turnovers and did score the points needed for the big win.

Defense: B +

The defense, except for two critical catches by Shannon Sharpe, played an outstanding game. The Ravens' ground game was contained and Qadry Ismail was held in check. So what happened? The Ravens defense played just as well. Defense wins championships and this was a game the Steelers could have won and should have won.

Defense: A

Yet a another stellar performance by this heralded defensive group. Led by the up-front beef of Tony Siragusa and Sam Adams, and the unmatched quickness of Ray Lewis and the linebacking corps, this unit bent often but never broke. The bottom line -- the Steelers were denied touchdowns time after time.

Special Teams: F

It's too bad all of the special teams are in one category. Josh Miller punted well, Hank Poteat had good punt returns and Troy Edward's kickoff return set up the final drive, but that was it. Missing four of five field goals is inexcusable. Was that Kris Brown or Charlie Brown? Uuuuugh.

Special Teams: A

Phenomenal special teams play propelled the Ravens to victory in this critical midseason matchup. Kyle Richardson's great punting, Chris McAlister's blocked field goal, the typical return work of Jermaine Lewis and ferocious kickoff and punt coverage highlighted this banner day. Matt Stover was money in the bank when the call came.

Coaching: B

The defensive game plan designed to control the Ravens ground game and Ismail worked well. Against the Ravens, the offense used the passing game to set up the run. Statistically, it worked. The Steelers had multiple scoring opportunities but were unable to generate points.

Coaching: B +

Brian Billick deserves kudos for the gutsy performance turned in by the Ravens.

The strategy to shut down Jerome Bettis and force Kordell Stewart to win the game was extremely sound. Despite the injuries, the staff had the players mentally prepared for the upset -- and enormous win on the road.

Team Score: 88

Team Score: 90

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