Pro Football Focus has their initial grades up from the Pittsburgh Steelers Sunday night game against the Cincinnati Bengals and this time a defensive player has the top grade.
Safety Troy Polamalu, who was allowed to play more safety as opposed to linebacker against the Bengals, graded out as the top Steelers player (4.2). Polamalu not only forced a fumble in the game, but was credited by PFF as having there stops.
Linebackers Lawrence Timmons (3.1) and Vince Williams (2.3) also graded out well and it was mostly a result of their play against the run. Nose tackle Al Woods, who started the game in place of the injured Steve McLendon, also finished with a nice grade of (1.8).
At the bottom of the defensive grades was safety Will Allen (-2.0) as he was a liability in pass coverage and specifically on the touchdown pass to Bengals wide receiver Marvin Jones.
As far as the offensive grades go, guard David DeCastro (4.0) had the top grade and he was followed closely by tackle Marcus Gilbert (3.6).
Surprisingly, tight end Matt Spaeth graded out the worst on offense (-4.8), according to PFF, and that was predominantly because of his run blocking in the game. Also playing poorly in the run game was center Cody Wallace (-3.0).
We will have break downs of several players later on in the week per our usual schedule.
