Just like we couldn't get too high over the Dallas victory, we shouldn't get too low over the poor offensive display against Miami.

Although the Steelers won the game, the post-game reports make it sound like they took a beating. OK, so Kordell was sacked twice, and threw an interception. He was 0-6 passing, and ran for his life after every snap. Is this a step back? Maybe, maybe not.

We have to remember that we were once again without all-world Dermontti Dawson. His back-up on this night was Hank Fraley, an undrafted free agent who hadn't played Center since High School. By all reports he played pretty good, and opened some holes for the running game. But, he is a far cry from a healthy Dawson.

Second round pick Marvel Smith started his first game ever at Right Tackle. Rich Tylski started his first game at Right Guard as a Steeler. It only stands to reason that these guys would not be on the same page. It takes time to develop cohesiveness.

Although all the blame can't fall on the OL, a good portion of it can. Here is how Kordell's night went according to the Post Gazette: "On the first play of the game from scrimmage, he threw to Troy Edwards, who had complained about not getting the ball enough in the team's previous exhibition game. Edwards dropped the ball.

Two plays later, Stewart was hit as he threw the ball, and the pass fell incomplete.

On the next possession, he was sacked on first down, ran for 8 yards on second and then had a pass go through Shaw's hands and be intercepted by Sam Madison.

On the third possession, he was sacked for a 3-yard loss on second down as the Steelers tried to set up a screen pass. On third down, he was hit by Taylor as he threw incomplete.

Stewart's final possession was more productive. He ran for 21 yards and, on a pass intended for Hines Ward, the Dolphins were called for interference, giving the Steelers a 30-yard gain. But with the ball on Miami's 12, he threw incomplete on second and third down before Kris Brown kicked a 30-yard field goal."

It sounds like Kordell didn't have much time in his short stint to throw the ball. Couple that with Jerome Bettis, and Richard Huntley sitting out to nurse injuries, and the recipe for disaster was inevitable.

It's pretty hard to judge Kordell, or any of the starting unit at this young juncture. They have three more preseason games to sort things out. Instead of looking at the negative, let's grab some more hope with the play of the Defense, and the outstanding running of Chris Fuamatu-Ma’afala. They were able to salvage victory from a game the Steelers had no business winning.

by SteelerGil (August 8, 00)