In a game with massive divisional implications, the Steelers were unable to take advantage of a tremendous effort by their defense in a 16-10 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. The loss moves the Steelers to 4-4 on the season and will have them fighting for a Wild Card berth in the crowded AFC playoff race.
Let’s give out some grades after yesterday’s tough loss.
Quarterback- Ben Roethlisberger charged out of the gate, leading the Steelers on a 80-yard touchdown drive that took more than seven minutes off the clock. It looked like Big Ben was primed for a huge game but that was not the case, as Roethlisberger threw three interceptions and struggled to get the offense rolling in key spots. It was a tough spot to shake off the rust, but Roethlisberger’s poor performance crushed the Steelers chances. Grade: D
Running backs- Le’Veon Bell started off hot, rushing for 45 yards until his season was abruptly halted with a season-ending knee injury in the first half. The spotlight now shifts to DeAngelo Williams, who had a 55-yard dash in the game, but not much otherwise. Considering Roethlisberger threw the ball 45 times and Bell was injured early, it’s hard to be too tough. Grade: B-
Receivers- Heath Miller had a fantastic game with 10 catches for 101 yards and was a different player with Ben back. Antonio Brown was the recipient of Roethlisberger’s lone TD pass, but was off much of the game. Martavis Bryant dropped what should have been a touchdown, and I am really starting to wonder if Markus Wheaton is a better option than Darrius Heyward-Bey. Grade: D
Offensive line- Not good, not good at all. Three sacks given up, tons of pressure on Roethlisberger throughout the game and crucial holding penalties, including one on Ramon Foster that likely cost the Steelers a TD. This group really struggled against a strong front seven. Grade: D
Defensive line- Playing a second straight week without Stephon Tuitt, the Steelers defensive line was solid all day. Steve McClendon was active, added a sack and wisely utilized at end to replace Tuitt. Cameron Heyward was his usual outstanding self and is playing at an All-Pro level. Grade: B+
Linebackers- This unit is clearly not as good as some of it’s predecessors, but Bud Dupree is showing flashes as a rookie and had a sack, pushing his team leading total to four. Group deserves some credit for limiting Tyler Eifert to four relatively benign catches. James Harrison put forth another solid effort, and Ryan Shazier finished his second game without an injury. Grade: B-
Secondary- Yes, A.J. Green had a relatively big day from a statistical standpoint, but overall the Steelers secondary played outstanding, intercepting Andy Dalton twice and limiting Tyler Eifert to four catches. Antwon Blake had a big day, and his interception in the end zone to thwart a Bengals drive looked to be game changing. Outside of stupid unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, Mike Mitchell was solid. Grade: A
Special teams- Flat out awful. Dri Archer was worthless in the kick return game, and the Steelers return coverage was putrid. I’m still wondering out loud how Jordan Berry kicks an 18-yard punt from his own 45? Chris Boswell has to kick the ball for touchbacks, period. I would not want to be in the special teams meetings this week at Steelers headquarters. Grade: F
Coaching- A lot has been made about the decision by Mike Tomlin not to use a timeout with 2:38 left. His clock management skills are not always great, but the case could easily be made that keeping a timeout in your pocket for the final drive made tons of sense. Just don’t try to reason that out to the Tomlin haters, despite of his 86-49 regular season record. Otherwise kudos to Keith Butler for implementing a strong game plan against a top offense. Grade: C
