Sep 18, 2002 By John Mehno For The 5 min read

PITTSBURGH – Selected observations from another prime-time bomb launched by the Steelers: -Bill Cowher’s scowl is justified. Two weeks ago, the Steelers were the team to beat in the AFC. Now they’ve been beaten twice, at New England last Monday night and 30-17 by the Oakland Raiders in Sunday night’s home opener.

The Steelers have measured themselves against two of last year’s playoff teams and came up well short of where they thought they were.

Initially Cowher didn’t like the idea of having a bye week so early in the season. It might turn out to be the best thing for the Steelers.

They’ve had two troubling weeks. Both opponents, New England and Oakland, came out throwing the ball. Often.

The plans seemed to confuse the Steelers and leave them unable to adjust on the fly. Understand that both the Patriots and Raiders are quality teams. But the idea that they can come out and pass so effectively should be a major concern. The defense gets worn down defending against a passing attack, especially when that offense is as effective in staying on the field for long drives.

-At least Kordell Stewart reversed the pattern of his inconsistency.

He came out smoking, then fell apart, which was the opposite of what happened in New England last Monday night.

Yes, the Steelers offensive opportunities were limited but Stewart was erratic, too. And doesn’t it seem like the Steelers are paying Jerome Bettis a lot of money to do very little?

The Steelers are intent on changing their predictable run-first approach. But there’s something to be said for staying with what works, too.

Traditionally the Steelers have opened up things in the passing game by establishing the run. They’ve yet to show they’re efficient enough passing the ball to come out with that approach.

-Home field advantage?

Forget about it.

Doesn’t exist if the home team doesn’t play well. After Joey Porter’s interception and near-touchdown led to a real score that got the Steelers back in the game, the place was rocking.

Terry Kirby returned the ensuing kickoff 96 yards for a touchdown and it was as if someone pressed a giant “mute” button.

-Offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey needs to find more ways to get the ball into Antwaan Randle El’s hands.

Randle El is explosive, the kind of player who can break a long play with the slightest opening. The fact that he can be used in so many different roles makes him that much more of a weapon. The play where he lined up in the shotgun and took off on a quarterback draw was a perfect example of how he can be used to help a sagging offense.

Even more impressive was a more conventional play. Randle El caught a pass from Stewart, accelerated quickly and gained 18 yards after the catch.

His speed and quick-burst ability put pressure on a defense.

-Was the Steelers defense unable to adjust?

Raiders quarterback Rich Gannon is a wise old head with plenty of experience. Every time he stepped up to the line in the first half, it seemed as though he was changing the play. In fact, he was walking back and forth and talking so much he resembled an energetic evangelist.

Whatever he was changing worked. The Raiders seemed to have a receiver consistently open and Gannon seemed to be able to find the open man just as regularly.

And how is it that none of Gannon’s low-flying sidearm specials ever got knocked down?

-More missed tackles.

They’re going to happen. Sometimes the ball carrier is just inches out of the grasp of the would-be tackler. But they sure are frustrating.

Kirby took an ugly-looking shovel pass from Gannon for a 24-yard gain when the Raiders were trapped deep in their own territory.

The key to the play was linebacker Jason Gildon missed a tackle that could have stuffed Kirby for no gain.

-When these teams meet again, please remind everyone in the media to stuff the historical references.

Raiders vs. Steelers hasn’t meant anything for a generation. Most of the current players weren’t even born when Franco Harris caught the deflected pass in 1972.

That nostalgia stuff may be relevant for gray-haired media types, but it doesn’t have any bearing on the game.

-Where’s Plax?

Just when it seemed time to file a missing persons report on receiver Plaxico Burress, he turned up making the last backbreaking play of the game.

He inexplicably coughed up the ball, which was recovered and returned by Rod Woodson to seal the game.

Speaking of players who are being a paid a lot and doing little, add Burress’ name to the list.

-Was Gannon on a pitch count?

If this had been baseball, the Raiders would have been forced to use a couple of relievers.

John Mehno can be reached online at: johnmehno@lycos.com.