NOTEBOOK Steelers vs. Raiders

Replay: The Steelers overcame at least one questionable ruling. In the third quarter, Chris Gardocki's punt bounced inside the Oakland 10 and appeared to bounce off punt returner David Terrell's leg at the 2 where Steelers defender Ainsley Battles recovered. "The explanation was ... that there wasn't enough [visual evidence] to overturn the call," said Pittsburgh coach Bill Cowher of his lost challenge. "[The referee didn't] see it clearly hit the foot, as we all did. You can't argue that -- all I can ask for is to have him go back there and look at the shots. That is why I'm a proponent of the [replay] system."
Notable scratches: Among the players scratched by the Steelers were linebacker Kendrell Bell, rookie offensive tackle Max Starks, wide receiver Chris Doering and cornerback Ike Taylor. Larry Foote replaced Bell and led the Steelers with seven tackles. Not dressed for the Raiders were former Steelers running back Amos Zereoue, linebacker Napoleon Harris and tight end Teyo Johnson. Zereoue expressed disappointment when he found out Sunday morning he was not going to play in his return to Pittsburgh. "They could have [given] me a head's up at least last night."
Former Penguin starts: Linebacker Tim Johnson made his sixth career as an inside linebacker in the Raiders' new 3-4 scheme by defensive coordinator Rob Ryan. Johnson made two tackles on special teams, was penalized for holding on the Raiders' first kickoff return and was the 12th player on the field on a first-quarter play.
Injuries: Steelers safety Ainsley Battles left the game with a leg injury in the fourth quarter.
Openers: Steelers coach Bill Cowher is 7-6 in season openers.
Tom Williams