Right now the defense is truly in high gear, and they are simply DOMINATING opposing offensive units. The Ravens, having not scored a touchdown in about five straight games coming into this contest, were held again for another four quarters without hitting the end zone. We thought we had an offensive problem in 1999, the Ravens are desperate for answers in 2000. They simply CANNOT score on offense, with the exception of a few field goals here and there. The Steel Curtain is back, in a sort of way. Only this time the names are Aaron Smith, Kimo von Oehlffen, and throw in some speedy Linebackers, and the Black and Gold defensive unit coached by new Defensive Coordinator Tim Lewis, is playing some of the best defensive football in the NFL right now. On offense, Kordell solidified his starting role by playing smart, aggressive, and most importantly, nearly an entire game of mistake-free football. He may not have had big numbers (9-18 for 133 yards, 0 INT, 1 TD), but he had the most IMPORTANT stat of the day; a "W" for victory. That is the number that counts the most in any head coach's book. He looks like the Kordell of  '97, and if he keeps this up, as well as the offensive line continuing to play well, and Bettis stays injury free, I believe the sky is the limit for this team. The defense is what most will be talking about tomorrow, but we simply cannot forget the job the offensive line is doing these days, and how hard these guys are playing. Both units are close to being on an even level, with the defense playing better and dominating more, but the offense keeping us from giving other offenses opportunities.

This was a game for Pittsburgh against one of the finer defensive units in the NFL, so no one can be disappointed by the score or lack of offense or big plays. There was one big play for Pittsburgh, and that is all they needed. Hines Ward made a spectacular catch of a well-thrown Kordell pass that he then made a good turn around for the end zone and made it there untouched. That gave Pittsburgh the momentum that they would not lose the remainder of the game. Then there was rookie Fullback Dan Kreider playing in place of the injured Jon Witman. Kordell Stewart made a great short throw to Kreider who caught the ball, then proceeded to bowl over one defender in picking up a crucial first down. That play brought a huge smile to my face. You have to like the underdogs making big plays.

Then there is the Linebacking combination of Joey Porter and Jason Gildon. Gildon has been on a Pro Bowl track, but when he has a sub par game, it seems that the speedy Joey Porter is there to pick up the slack.  Then of course there is the always steady Levon Kirkland and Earl Holmes. This linebacking unit is probably one of, if not the BEST unit in the NFL. And, with Kimo playing so very well (hasn't he been a pleasant surprise?), and Aaron Smith coming on stronger every week, along with the excellent play of Dewayne Washington (who had another pick today, making it five, and a new career high), as well as Chad Scott, this defensive unit is ON FIRE! Add to that the hard hitting, aggressive play of Lee Flowers and the new addition of Brent Alexander, and this defense is ready for ANYONE. And, at 5-3, and having reached the halfway point of the season (Editor's note: we will be posting the first half report card on Wednesday), who can complain about being 5-3 given the expectations thrown on the Steelers prior to the start of the season.

The final comment for the day comes from Kordell Stewart who had this to say about the game: "It wasn't the prettiest of them all. But to come in here to Baltimore, considering what's gone on with us, I'll take this win and run to Mexico and back three or four times."