Steelers Game Grades: Aftermath Of The Last Tune Up

 

Steelers Game Grades

The Carolina Panthers and Pittsburgh Steelers evaluated their teams for the last time before cuts are made before the 4 p.m. deadline on Saturday. The Pittsburgh Steelers impressed on defense but the offense is another story.

Coaching: Mike Tomlin did not show much in the way of a aggressive game strategy. Offensive Coordinator Todd Haley did not call plays that lead to the offense opening up. Defensive Coordinator Dick LeBeau held back on many of his blitz plays he usually calls.

Team Grade: C-

Offense:

The offense was lead by quarterback Landry Jones. This offense was stagnant all night long. Jones passed for 97 yards on 14 of 18 passes. No deep passes were completed and the tune-up game never got on track. None of the backup receivers separated themselves from the competition. Nor did any running backs or tight ends. Offensive linemen did an ok job, but failed to generate a consistent push in the run game. Backup quarterback Brendon Kay did little to move the offense when needed. The lone bright spot was rookie backup offensive lineman Wesley Johnson who started at center.

Offense Grade: D-

Defense:

Only allowed 10 points. Allowed a lengthy first drive. Secondary had some trouble dealing with rookie receiver Kevin Benjamin. Not a lot of pass rush was generated. Run defense held it’s own not allowing a 100-yard rusher. Backups did an admirable job containing mobile quarterback Joey Webb. The only negative was allowing a 53-yard completion deep.  Many backups made a strong case to make the team.

Defense Grade: B

Special Teams:

The punting situation is not in good shape with Brad Wing as the Steelers’ option heading into the regular season.  Once again the return game offered little. The defensive special teams did a great job in not allowing any big returns. No field goals were attempted which is always a negative and indicative of an ineffective offense. Overall more work is needed in this area.

Special Teams Grade: C-

 

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