Though few will look at the Pittsburgh Steelers win yesterday against the winless Jacksonville Jaguars as a game to remember, the Steelers got a much needed road victory, pushing their season record to 3-2. Can this win be a catalyst as they head to Cleveland to face a much improved Browns squad? If the performance is any indication, there is certainly a good bit of work still left to do.
Let’s take a look at the Week 5 report card.
Quarterback:
Another steady performance by Ben Roethlisberger, as he completed 26 of 36 attempts for 273 yards and a touchdown. Roethlisberger completed passes to 11 different receivers and once again looked to Antonio Brown when he needed a big completion. Some were not happy with Roethlisberger’s decision to pass to Brown late in the game when it would have made sense to simply run out the clock, but let’s give him a pass.
One criticism is only one touchdown drive against a putrid defense who was ranked near or at the bottom of every defensive category against the pass? Not good, not good at all, and that hurts the final grade. So does his careless fumble that killed a scoring drive. Grade: C+
Running Backs:
Le’Veon Bell continues to display the skills that have him on track for the Pro Bowl. Bell rushed for 82 yards on 15 carries, and added five catches for another 36 yards. LaGarrette Blount was effective when given opportunities, using his powerful, downhill style to rush for 29 yards on eight carries. Third-round pick Dri Archer also got some limited reps, and might get additional time now that he is healthy.
Big question here is you have two horses in Bell and Blount, yet you only give them a combined 23 carries? This is a concern, especially when you are having success running the ball. Grade: B-
Wide Receivers:
Week in, week out, Brown continues to prove he is an elite NFL receiver, and his 30-yard catch was another one for the highlight reel. Justin Brown had three catches on three targets and Heath Miller made a key catch that was the catalyst to the Steelers lone TD drive, culminated by Michael Palmer’s one-yard TD catch. Markus Wheaton had a disappointing day, registering only one catch and dropping another in the first half.
So much for playing the worst secondary in the NFL. Grade: C
Offensive Line:
Not a great day for the Steelers offensive line. Though you could argue that Roethlisberger did the OL few favors in pass protection, it still was not a stellar performance. The Jaguars were able to get pressure on Roethlisberger, and ended the game with four sacks along with forced fumble.
What’s even more disconcerting is much of the pressure was produced with the Jaguars only rushing four defenders. Maurkice Pouncey was a big plus in this one, and had some impressive pulling blocks in the running game. Grade: C
Defensive Line:
So much for the rushing defense falling apart. For the third game in a row, the Steelers completely shut down the opponent’s rushing attack, allowing 57 yards on the ground. Much of this might have to do with the fact that teams are going to attack the Steelers through the air, but still a good sign. Brett Keisel continues to play well and looks healthy for the first time in two years. Grade: B
Linebackers:
Where is the pressure? Jason Worilds had a sack and was credited with three pressures, but still disappeared for stretches. James Harrison has played well so far, and his tackle for loss was key play in the fourth quarter. Sean Spence continues to do yeoman’s work inside, and Lawrence Timmons tied with Cortez Allen as the top tackler with seven total. This group has a long ways to go. Grade: C
Secondary:
This was a nice bounce back game for the much maligned secondary. Cortez Allen was targeted throughout, and responded with an interception and three passes defensed. William Gay continues to do a solid job opposite Allen, and had two passes defensed. Former Texans starter Brice McCain had the play of the game, with a 23-yard interception return that extended the Steelers lead to eight in the fourth quarter.
Nice to see McCain make a play, and though the Jaguars had a number of drops, and were without top receiver Cecil Shorts, it was a positive step forward for a group that needed a boost after last weekends debacle versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Grade: B+
Special Teams:
Three consecutive kickoffs due to penalties? Come on guys. Brad Wing, who was likely playing for his job, had a solid game, as he averaged over 45 yards on five punts. Shaun Suisham converted both field goal attempts on the day. Still can’t get over the sloppy plays on the kickoff coverage though, and when does Archer start showing fans why a valuable third-round pick was used for his services in the return game? Grade: C+
Coaching:
Still very perplexed by the lack of rushing attempts in this one, but at some point, it’s about more than play calling, it’s about the players making plays. Facing a horrid defense, the offense managed three scoring drives, and only one TD. As for the penalties, it might be time for fans to face the reality that this is the league now, penalties are way up throughout the league.
Mike Tomlin got his team out of Jacksonville with a win, and Dick LeBeau seems to have found a way to get the rush defense back on track. A much bigger test awaits next week in Cleveland, and it will looks to be a statement game in the AFC North. Grade: B-
