REPORT CARD / T.J. SIMERS : A New Grade for a Real Gone Guy

D: QUARTERBACKS

Air controllers take note: We’re not being invaded. Those misdirected missiles were just a few more high passes from quarterback Billy Joe Tolliver.

A: RUNNING BACKS

Rod Bernstine (six yards per carry Sunday) hasn’t been playing because he can’t block. That’s like saying Christie Brinkley can’t sing. Who cares?

C-: RECEIVERS

That’s four catches for Anthony Miller in two weeks, and that’s a waste. Quinn Early arises from dead, but no sign of life from Walter Wilson.

A-: OFFENSIVE LINE

Tolliver has time to eat a Texas-size lunch, and he’s still off target. Line lets rushers gain 6.2 yards per run against AFC’s No. 2-ranked defense.

D: DEFENSIVE LINE

Burt Grossman plays hurt, while others appear sick. Magazine salesmen might do well to call on gullible Lee Williams who was drawn offsides.

C+: LINEBACKERS

Henry Rolling again packs punch as Billy Ray Smith stand-in, but Junior Seau looks as if he’s out to lunch. Run and shoot keeps Gary Plummer sidelined.

D+: DEFENSIVE BACKS

Get well--fast--Vencie Glenn. Martin Bayless has two sacks. Replay saves Donald Frank from surrendering TD, but no such luck for Lester Lyles.

G : SPECIAL TEAMS

“G” as in Going, Going and Goodby, Fuad Reveiz. Miss from 45 yards puts Reveiz back on death row, and miss from 27 forces team to pull switch.

D: COACHING

How bad is it? The Steelers haven’t scored a touchdown on offense this season, but who do you think will be favored in this week’s game?