I don't think it really mattered whether is was Kent Graham, or Kordell Stewart. This Offense is so bad that Terry Bradshaw in his prime could not help them.

It is a frustrating position to be in as a fan. As much as we want to see the team win, we know it is an impossible undertaking. This Offensive unit is plain bad. They can't block. They can't run. They can't throw, and they can't catch. It doesn't appear they can do anything to give the fans any hope in this last season at Three Rivers Stadium.

It wouldn't be so bad if the Offense was the only problem the team had. That isn't the case. For some unknown reason, the Defense has forgotten how to tackle. They made Priest Holmes look like the second coming of Jim Brown. They seem to think if you touch somebody, they should fall down. These players have to learn how to wrap somebody up, and bring him down on the first contact.

Run stopping used to be the pride of the Steelers. Now it is a joke. The Steeler Defense was once the most feared unit in the NFL. Now it is a unit made up of has beens, and underachievers. Give me Earl Holmes, Joey Porter, Lee Flowers, and Levon Kirkland, then get rid of the rest. They might have been on the field for 40 minutes against Baltimore, but I don't blame that on the ineptitude of the Offense to sustain a drive. I blame it on the ineptitude of the Defense. If they could have forced a few three-and-outs, the Offense might have been able to get something going.

I doubt it though. Kent Graham may be an improvement over Kordell Stewart, but he is not the answer. This team has far too many problems to think that a change to Graham will make a difference.

They have a group of receivers that will probably be the strength of the team someday. But they are very young, and it will take awhile before they gel as a unit. Alan Faneca and Marvel Smith could turn into Pro-Bowlers on the Offensive line. But that won't happen for a couple of years. Opposing Defenses seem to know where Bettis is running before he does. Bettis gained 8 yards on 9 carries. Last year was bad, but this year could be worse.

Kevin Gilbride must be on his last legs as Offensive Coordinator. This is his second year teaching the system, and it doesn't seem to be working. This team does not need complicated play calling. They need something that is able to sustain a drive, and get their confidence back up.

The Steelers get an off week before resuming their schedule against the Cleveland Browns. If they want to have any hope of post-season action, this is a must win game. A loss in Cleveland would make them the front runners in the Drew Breese derby.

That might not be a bad thing.

by SteelerGil (September 3, 00)