Grading the Steelers:

Neil Gordon, who completed his 15th season as the head coach of the Penn Hills High School Indians. He has won one WPIAL title.

Grading the Jets:

Jack McCurry, who completed his 24th season as the head coach of the North Hills High School Indians. He has won four WPIAL titles.

Offense: B +

Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala and Amos Zereoue filled in well and provided the balance Mike Mularkey needed, but today's kudos certainly go to a very diversified and successful passing attack. Kordell Stewart was strong and confident, the offensive line protected extremely well, and Hines Ward led yet another impressive performance by the receiving corps.

Offense: C -

The Jets' offense consisted mostly of Curtis Martin. It was Martin running, receiving or passing, but whatever, it wasn't enough. Vinny Testaverde was vintage Vinny -- inept to the very end. The Jets had limited opportunities and when they did get the ball, Testaverde couldn't deliver. Hey Vinny, thanks for coming to town.

Defense: A

Aside from the one breakdown on Curtis Martin's halfback pass, Tim Lewis' unit pitched a very impressive shutout. The speed, quickness and aggressive secondary run support nullified the ever-dangerous Martin and shut down Vinny Testaverde's ball-control passing game.

Defense: B

Although the defense surrendered a number of long drives, the Steelers could only muster one touchdown. John Anderson and company contained the Steelers' running game and put a lot of pressure on Kordell Stewart. The bend-but-don't-break defensive philosophy could have worked except someone forgot that the offense was led by Testaverde.

Special Teams: D

The return work of Bobby Shaw and Troy Edwards consistently provided the offense with excellent field position the entire game, while the coverage units did an outstanding job of corralling the ever-dangerous James Yeast. However, Kris Brown's lack of confidence and inconsistency is scary and needs to be addressed for the stretch run.

Special Teams: C -

James Yeast is a dynamic kick returner but couldn't get loose. In a tight, low-scoring game, the punters become quite important. Tom Tupa lived up to his last-place position in the AFC punting stats. Tupa's punting was poor and the Jets' coverage just as bad.

Coaching: C

Bill Cowher, Mularkey, Lewis, et al are exhibiting great confidence in the entire squad -- backups are stepping in to play key roles in key situations. The players are exhibiting great confidence in the game plans and likewise are executing with near perfection. What an impressive combination, huh?

Coaching: B -

Herman Edwards and his staff have developed an offense that requires Curtis Martin to carry the load and he usually does. But against the Steelers and other top defensive teams, Martin isn't enough. Herman, either alter the offense or can Vinny. On the defensive side, let's give credit for the halftime adjustments. They played much better defense in the second half.

Team Score: 95

Team Score: 79

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