Grading the Steelers:
Ron Wabby is in his 21st season as the head coach at Brashear High School. His teams have won five City League championships.

Grading the Raiders:
Jack McCurry is in his 25th season as the head coach of the North Hills High School Indians. He has won four WPIAL titles.

Offense: C -

The Steelers were unable to hold on to the football and that was a big problem. Kordell Stewart's fumble on the 10 set the tone for the game. Three more fumbles by Hines Ward, Amos Zereoue and Plaxico Burress made it impossible for the Steelers to make any kind of a comeback.

Offense: A -

It didn't take the Raiders long to unleash the Rich Gannon aerial show. Gannon connected early and often with Jerry Rice and Tim Brown, and anyone else in a silver-and-gray uniform. The secret is out. If you want to beat the Steelers, all you have to do is spread them out and throw the ball. The Patriots did and so did the Raiders.

Defense: C

Even with the outstanding effort by Joey Porter, who had three sacks and two interceptions, it was a long game for the defense. For the second game in a row, an opponent's short passing game kept the defense on the field. Raiders quarterback Rich Gannon threw 64 times and completed 43 for 403 yards. Bill Cowher should now realize teams are going to pass, pass and pass to set up the run.

Defense: A -

Although Oakland's revamped defense has nine new starters, Raiders dominated the Steelers. The Raiders contained Jerome Bettis (again) and continually pressured Stewart. What a homecoming for Rod Woodson with three fumble recoveries? I still think Woodson would look good in black and gold.

Special Teams: C

The high spot was the blocked punt by Chris Fuamatu Ma'afala. The low spot was allowing the Raiders to run back the kickoff after the Steelers had cut the margin to three points. Antwaan Randle El has to be considered one of the few strong spots.

Special Teams: B

Sebastian Janikowski doesn't look like a typical kicker, and that's a nice change of pace. But Janikowski contributed three field goals and that's always a good night. Terry Kirby's kick return quieted the Steelers fans and ended any hope of a comeback. The only blemish was the blocked punt.

Coaching: D

Bill Cowher and his staff have to find a way to stop the spread offense.The Steelers went into the game with the same defensive plan as last week and it didn't work. They couldn't stop the Raiders on third-and-long plays, which was the same problem they had against the Patriots.

Coaching: A

If you want to beat the Steelers, copy the Patriots' game plan. The Raiders duplicated the Patriots' effort, and the result was the same. The Raiders have recovered from the departure of Jon Gruden. Under Coach Bill Callahan's poise and discipline, it looks like another playoff run for Al Davis and the Raiders.

Team Score: 65

Team Score: 95

Key

100-95

Super Bowl performance

94-90

Division title contenders

89-80

Wild Card possibility

79-70

Shooting for high draft picks in 2003

69-less

Check waiver wire