Steelers Offensive Line Breakdown Play By Play Versus Browns Week 17

Below is the play by play break down of the offensive line from the Sunday week 17 game versus the Cleveland Browns. It is merely a pass or fail grade on if I think the lineman did his job or not. It also should be noted that we go under assumptions that we know what the assignment on each play was and sometimes it is not obvious. We have to grade on what we see and go from there. We added small notes to each play as well. As always if you disagree with any play, do so respectfully in the comments and give your reason so I can go back through and re-watch your disagreement.

Outside of the play of Jonathan Scott and Chris Kemoeatu on Sunday, I thought the line played just alright. As the game wore on and was in hand, the effort seemed to drop. The run blocking is not where in needs to be coming out of this game and needs to get better pretty quick. The pass blocking is acceptable for the most part as Ben Roethlisberger was not sacked on the day for one thing. Outside of Scott, the line has it in them to be pretty good in the playoffs. You take what you can get from Scott, but Foster has shown improvement. Kemoeatu is capable of more complete games, while Maurkice Pouncey and Flozell Adams should benefit greatly from the bye week. Keep your fingers crossed this unit stays healthy. Regardless, tit will be a bumpy ride for them in the playoffs.

Overall Rating

Run Blocking Rating

Pass Blocking Rating

First Half Rating

Maurkice Pouncey – Despite finishing at 85%, Pouncey was just above average against the Browns on Sunday. His first half numbers were much better than his finishing numbers and being as the game was pretty much in hand at the half, perhaps he decided to coast a bit. There is definitely a trend in Pouncey having a bit of time with bigger nose tackle, defensive tackle types. We have seen this against the Ravens, Bills and Browns now. Although not as bad this past Sunday, Pouncey had his hands full a few times with Ahtyba Rubin, especially in the running game. Pouncey will need to get a little stronger in the offseason to perhaps combat the big men type. Pouncey also was dinged a few times on Sunday and was able to get some rest late in the game as Doug Legursky took over for him. I think the bye week will indeed do him some good as he has logged the most snaps on the line this year and the toll of a long season might be wearing on him now. Make no mistake though that he is easily still the top lineman the Steelers have heading into the playoffs.

Flozell Adams – Just another day at the office for the big fellow. Flozell is fun to watch and I say this every week. He really has taken to the right tackle spot and can indeed be dominate at times. There were a few plays where he threw Brian Schaefering around like a chew toy. The drop off between Flozell and Trai Essex is a big one and the Steelers will be in a world of hurt going forward in Flozell were to go down. He too was spelled later in the game Sunday and the rest will do him good. He is good for a couple a pressures allowed a game and is not the most mobile creature out in space, but you know exactly what to expect weekly from him. As long as he does not allow hands inside of him and stays square in pass protection, he is tough to get inside or around. He will have problems with the athletic, strong type of pass rushers going forward, but so would every other right tackle in the league. He is very consistent every week.

Ramon Foster – Most of the demerits Ramon got on Sunday was in the run game and most of them I thought was just poor effort. He was very good I thought in the first half and seemed to get complacent as the game wore on. I thought his pass blocking was pretty spot on and he is also helping well on 3 and 4 man rushes. He has improved quite a bit as the year has progressed and will need to keep that same level of play up moving forward.

Jonathan Scott – Scott seemed noticeably better in pass protection on Sunday, but he also was not faced with daunting competition on the other side from him as well. His run blocking just is not good as he struggles in space and in tight quarters. I do not know how else to describe his play. His effort is there, but he just lacks the tools and ability. If he can at least hold his own moderately in pass protection, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger can do the rest. He is without a doubt the weakest link on the offensive line headed into the playoffs.

Chris Kemoeatu – Kemoeatu was off again against the Browns and I actually had him grading out even lower than Jonathan Scott on the day. He was missing several times on Sunday and on a few passing downs he allowed hands to get inside of him and push him back. He almost seemed to not have his mind or heart in it on Sunday and as the day wore on, he seemed to lose focus. He needs to get back to his normal form as the Steelers like to use him quite a bit in pulling plays to the right and he can not afford to miss a block going forward. There are times when he can be nasty and he plays better when he has that mean streak in him. I expect much better from him in the playoffs as I have seen it from him plenty this year.

Doug Legursky – Legursky got some snaps at center in relief of Pouncey and also got a few fullback snaps as well. His pass protection was spot on I thought and his gaffs came in the run blocking department where he was not in control all the time and slipped off another. He did have the upper hand of being fresher than his competition as well as being on the right side of a game well in hand in week 17 of the season. He is, what he is and that is a backup center and utility inside swing man. He embraces the fullback role and is quick to the hole. He almost always connects as a lead blocker.

Trai Essex – Trai took over for Flozell late and all I have to say is God help us if Flozell goes down. It should be no surprise though. Above average defensive ends and outside pass rushing linebackers will eat his lunch in pass protection. His run blocking was above the line on Sunday for whatever that is worth late in a blowout.