Grading the Steelers:

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

Grading the Ravens:

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

Offense: A -

With The Bus a pregame scratch, who to lead the Steelers? Kordell Stewart, that's who. Hines Ward, Amos Zereoue, Plaxico Burress and the entire offensive line battled the Ravens with a ball-control offense. The Super Bowl banner has now been passed.

Offense: F

Jason Brookins and Terry Allen couldn't run the ball, the offensive line was miserably beaten in the trenches, and Elvis Grbac was hideous from beginning to end. The results were obvious and predictable -- the champions were totally manhandled and dethroned by the better team.

Defense: A +

What an awesome defensive performance. The Steelers shut down every phase of the Ravens' offense. The Steelers came up with four turnovers, including two interceptions in the end zone that certainly clipped the Ravens' wings. This might have been the Steelers' best overall defensive performance.

Defense: C

The Ravens' offensive woes forced Marvin Lewis' unit to defend a short field the entire game. Even the heroics of Ray Lewis, et al, couldn't overcome poor field position, outrageous time of possession and backbreaking offensive turnovers. Baltimore's day in the sun has passed; the league's best defense is now wearing black.

Special Teams: C +

The special teams were good at times and poor at others. Inconsistent to say the least. On the positive side, Kris Brown made two field goals and Troy Edwards had an outstanding day returning kicks. On the flip side, Brown missed another chip-shot field goal, and the punt team surrendered a touchdown to Jermaine Lewis. I'm sure Josh Miller was instructed to kick the ball out of bounds and away from Lewis. He just didn't do it.

Special Teams: C

Kyle Richardson had a miserable punting day, and the punt and kickoff coverage unit seemed to lack enthusiasm and intensity. Although Jermaine Lewis did his share, the Ravens' special teams did little to enhance field position and couldn't provide the spark to ignite a struggling offense.

Coaching: A +

The game plans were superb. Offensively, the Steelers relied on a ball-control offense that utilized Zereoue's speed to complement Burress and Ward. Defensively the Steelers pressured Elvis Grbac and forced numerous errors. The Steelers are playing with poise and confidence.

Coaching: B

Ah! The best-laid plans ... the insurmountable first-half hole was dug with numerous turnovers and ill-timed penalties. Obviously lacking a "come-from-behind" offensive package, Brian Billick and his staff were left groping for straws against the more-balanced Steelers. More offensive weapons must be acquired to put this crew back into the Super Bowl hunt.

Team Score: 98

Team Score: 82

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