Grading the Steelers:

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

Grading the Bengals:

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

Offense: A

The offense, under leadership of Tommy Maddox, utilized a balance attack that kept the Bengals guessing. Jerome Bettis spearheaded a rejuvenated ground game and Plaxico Burress was impressive. Antwaan Randle El is electrifying every time he touches the ball. Let's hope future games include more action from Randle El.

Offense: D

Even when given good field position, the Bengals' offense couldn't make a game of it. The three interceptions and the quarterback fumble put the Bengals in a hole even Cory Dillon couldn't run out of. Whoever nicknamed Cincinnati the Bungals was right on target.

Defense: A

The much-maligned Steelers defense battered the hapless Bengals. Four turnovers and five quarterback sacks smothered any chance that the Bengals could make a game of it. Lee Flowers' interceptions were big plays, but the biggest play came from Joey Porter's sack and Casey Hampton's sprint toward the goal line. It was a sight to behold.

Defense: D

Even though the Bengals picked off Tommy Maddox two times, they couldn't overcome the good field position the Steelers received from the four turnovers. The inability to stop Jerome Bettis' running and the pass-catching of Plaxico Burress made it a long game for the Bengals' defense. To sum it up, the defense was on the field too long and too often.

Special Teams: A -

Randle El's 99-yard kick return was as good as it gets. But Todd Peterson missed a 32-yard field goal and his kickoffs were short. Those are areas of concern. Consistency in the kicking game is needed, and that's Peterson's responsibility. In a blowout, field position takes a backseat.

Special Teams: D

The special teams in the first half gave the offense good field position at around the 40. That was great, but the kickoff return to Antwaan Randle El at the start of the second half put any hope of a comeback to rest. Finally, the onside kick the Bengals executed well and then ran past and failed to recover proves that when it rains it pours.

Coaching: A

What a difference a lopsided win makes? The defense was outstanding and the offense much more effective. Was it coaching or the caliber of the opponent? Maybe a little of both. Teams always play better on offense when they have a lead and always win when the defense collects turnovers and sacks. One suggestion, get the ball into Randle El's hands more on offense.

Coaching: D

Behind by three touchdowns and running the ball on first and second down shows the coaches didn't have any confidence in their team. Trying to run the ball and shorten the game and keep the score down shows the coaches gave up on the players and the players gave up on the coaches. The Bengals have talent but something's missing.

Team Score: 98

Team Score: 60

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