The Pittsburgh Steelers did their best to honor Joe Greene on the night his jersey was retired, as they capped off a three game home stand with an impressive 43-23 blowout win over the Baltimore Ravens. The black and gold’s third consecutive win pushed the Steelers record to 6-3, and put them in sole possession of second place in the hotly contested AFC North.
Let’s grade them out.
Quarterback: Considering Ben Roethlisberger played one of the best games ever by a QB last week against the Indianapolis Colts, it might have been a bit much to expect another other-worldly performance. Leave it to Roethlisberger to keep up the unbelievable play. Roethlisberger completed 25 of 37 passes for 340 yards and had six TD passes, matching his total against the Colts. Twelve TD passes over a two-week span is an NFL record. I think he passed this week. Grade: A+
Running Back: The Ravens are one of the best teams in the NFL against the run, and they proved that once again last night against the Steelers. Le’Veon Bell and LeGarrette Blount combined for 43 yards on 20 carries and neither was able to find running room against the Ravens tough front seven. Bell did once again contribute in the passing game, snagging five passes, including a pretty catch for a five-yard touchdown. Grade: C+
Wide Receiver: Antonio Brown is the best wide receiver in the NFL. He simply makes plays, and his 11-catch, 144-yard performance last night was highlighted by his 54-yard catch and run for a touchdown. Martavis Bryant is becoming a reliable second option and complimentary piece to Brown, and his two TD catches last night gives him five in his last three games. His 19-yard TD catch in the second quarter was a perfect example of why he can be a major factor moving forward. Markus Wheaton catches another TD pass in this one. Grade: A+
Offensive Line: Three consecutive sacks given up were a concern, and tackle Marcus Gilbert had a so-so game, but the Steelers line was able to tighten things up after the sacks, and did not allow another for the remainder of the contest. Running game was non-existent, but the Ravens rush defense does that to a lot of teams. Grade: C+
Defensive Line: Who would have believed Brett Keisel would come back and help save this unit? The Steelers have suddenly become a stout rush defense again, and they proved it by limiting the Ravens to 63 yards on the ground. Cam Heyward has been doing yeoman’s work opposite Keisel, and getting Steve McClendon back was noticeable at NT. Stephon Tuitt is coming on in a limited role, and he was able to put pressure on Joe Flacco multiple times. Joe Greene certainly would approve of the group’s performance. Grade: A-
Linebackers: Felt like 2008 again. James Harrison was tremendous with two sacks and multiple pressures. One of those pressures helped force a Jason Worilds interception that set up a Steeler TD. Arthur Moats even got involved, forcing a fumble that helped the Steelers get on the scoreboard. Lawrence Timmons was outstanding as usual, with 11 tackles in the game. Ryan Shazier once again limped off the field with a leg injury, but initial reports are his sprained ankle might not be too serious. Grade: A+
Secondary: This much maligned group played fairly well. After Brice McCain was torched by Torrey Smith for a long TD pass, the Steelers were able to limit the damage of the Ravens passing attack. William Gay rarely gets the credit he deserves, but did a terrific job of holding down the rejuvenated Steve Smith. Losing Troy Polamalu to a sprained knee did not impact the game last night, but you have to imagine the Steelers are holding their breath hoping he will not be out an extended period of time. Grade: A
Special Teams: This group is becoming a real concern. The 108-yard kickoff return by Jacoby Jones is unacceptable, but so is Brad Wing‘s inability to hold on to snaps on kicks. Wing managed to bail himself out on the conversion, but it might be time to consider Bruce Gradkowski for holding placekicks. Punt coverage was weak again, and Jones set up a Ravens TD with his 25-yard punt return. Where is Dri Archer? Grade: F
Coaching: I have a feeling the “fire Todd Haley” movement is losing a little steam at the moment. Another top-flight performance through the air will help his cause. His play calling last night was very solid, he’s doing good work. Dick LeBeau was able to mix up his schemes and his linebackers came through in vintage fashion. He too looks to still have a few tricks up his sleeve. Kudos to Mike Tomlin, who once again proves that he knows what he is doing, and is one of the best head coaches in the NFL. Grade: A
