After a surprising Week 1 upset win over the Bills, the Steelers have lost each of their past two games. With poor play from all units, it is impossible to place all of the blame on one player or position. Evaluating the Pittsburgh Steelers players after three games allows for a deeper understanding into their struggles; it also helps them plan for the rest of the long season.
Evaluating the Pittsburgh Steelers Players After Three Games
Although things have been rough for the Steelers, there is still some hope for their players. The offense has been pretty slow, but a few rising stars like Najee Harris and Diontae Johnson help keep it in check. As for the defense, play hasn’t been bad, but there are still some things to work on, particularly in the secondary. Here are the grades for each group and some insight into their successes or failures:
Skill Positions: QB, RB, WR, TE
Ben Roethlisberger, QB: D
A quick summary of Big Ben’s season would be one word: rough. While Roethlisberger is thirteenth in the league in passing yards (801), he is twenty-eighth in QBR and thirtieth in passer rating. In addition to his low passing stats, Roethlisberger has thrown three interceptions in three games, two of which were very ugly. Big Ben just isn’t very mobile anymore and his skills have obviously decreased. Roethlisberger has struggled in the past few seasons, and it isn’t looking any better. He will try to be better, but with a poor offensive line, there isn’t much hope.
Najee Harris, RB: A-
Najee Harris has been playing his heart out for the Steelers this year. With a line of 40 carries and only 123 yards this season, many would view Harris as a struggling tailback. But the good things that he brings in the passing game and the effort he puts into every run has not gone unnoticed. Harris is playing his heart out, even with lower statistics. When the offensive line gets better, Harris will get better and he will succeed. An A- is an appropriate grade for Harris; he has been playing very well, and the only shortcoming has been his inability to use his physicality often. Harris had plenty of stiff arms, jukes, and hurdles at Alabama last year; once he gets comfortable, he will begin to break off some long runs.
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Wide Receivers (Johnson, Smith-Schuster, Claypool): A
The Steelers receivers have played exceptionally well over the first three games. The supposed WR1, Diontae Johnson, struggled with drops last season, but does not have one yet. Despite poor quarterback play, Johnson, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and Chase Claypool, have created some good situations for Pittsburgh. There is no reason to shame the group at all, and the only way that they could be better is with an improved quarterback/offensive line situation.
Pat Freiermuth, TE: B+
With Eric Ebron’s role declining and Ebron’s crucial dropped passes, the Steelers are now looking to Pat Freiermuth to be their starting tight end. Freiermuth was drafted in the second round of last year’s draft and has already made an impact this season. He has eight catches for 82 yards and a touchdown, which he got in last week’s game against the Bengals. Although he could have an increased presence in the run-blocking game, Freiermuth has performed fairly well to start the ’21 season.
Battle in the Trenches: OL, DL
Offensive Line: F
The offensive line has been completely non-existent this season. The Steelers have just 159 rushing yards in the first three games, which is an average of 53 yards per game (32nd, or last, in the league). In addition to poor run-blocking, the line has also allowed eight sacks through the first three games. The line has played well below expectations, is constantly drawing penalties, and is not opening any holes for the dynamic skills players. This unit deserves a grade worse than F but that is not possible; that shows just how bad they’ve played this season.
Defensive Line: B
The defensive line has done fairly well but there are still things to work on. Opponents are averaging about 88.3 rushing yards per game, which isn’t bad for the defensive line. They also have several pass deflections and quarterback pressures and hits that keeps opponents off-balance. Unfortunately, the D-Line will have to work harder, as the Steelers lost their consecutive sack streak after 75 straight games recording a sack. While Pittsburgh does have five this year, this number is much lower than anticipation and increased pressure is something to look for in the next few games.
Defensive Backs: LB, CB, S
Linebackers: B+
The linebacker position has been so-so all year, but two names that have stuck out are all-star T.J. Watt and newly signed Melvin Ingram. Both Watt and Ingram have placed increased pressure on opposing quarterbacks, and each has multiple hits and tackles for losses. Watt has three sacks, including two resulting in fumbles. The other linebackers (Joe Schobert, Alex Highsmith, Devin Bush, Robert Spillane) have held their ground in the passing game this season. Schobert, traded from the Jaguars a few months ago, has done a fantastic job in coverage. This linebackers group has done pretty well but just aren’t producing as many sacks and turnovers as expected.
Cornerbacks: C-
The secondary has made a few good plays, but a key word in that sentence is ‘few’. Pittsburgh’s secondary has been burnt several times this year, letting up several 30+ yard scores. The group just isn’t playing with the fire they once had. Although the yardage for opposing quarterbacks is pretty moderate (266 yards per game), many big plays have broken off and the guys in the secondary have been the ones to blame.
Safeties: B-
The safeties haven’t necessarily been bad, but they just don’t have the same presence they had last year. Minkah Fitzpatrick and Terrell Edmunds are the two starting safeties, and they aren’t having bad years at all. While Fitzpatrick is rated relatively low in PFF, he and Edmunds haven’t been bad; they have just been sort of disappointing. Edmunds did have a pick off of Joe Burrow this past week; but it’s been the only one for the Steelers this season. Fitzpatrick forced five turnovers last year (four interceptions, one fumble) and Edmunds had two interceptions, and was also strong in the passes-defensed category. An increase in forced turnovers will improve these two’s stocks and there is no reason to panic yet even with their low turnover numbers.
Special Teams
Chris Boswell, K: A
Boswell has been a consistent option for the Steelers this year, and is currently five for six on field goals this season. Boswell also made a 56-yard field goal in Week 2, which marked the longest field goal made in Heinz Field history. Boswell is also five for five on extra points. Aside from one missed 42-yarder in Week 3 (which didn’t matter), Boswell has kicked well and is showing people why he deserved his new contract.
Pressley Harvin III, P: A-
Harvin and his booming leg have been a nice addition to the Steelers. Excluding a few shanked punts here and there, Harvin has been a pretty consistent punter this year. His numbers are good, and he has multiple punts inside the opposing 20.
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