The Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Kansas City Chiefs 20-12 Sunday at Heinz Field and the initial set of grades from the game that Pro Football Focus has released includes two familiar names at the head of the class on offense.
Quarterback Ben Roethlisbnerger (3.6) was given the best grade on offense after completing 18 passes for 220 yards and a touchdown Sunday. While Roethlisberger didn’t tear up the stat sheet against the Chiefs, he was effective during the team’s seven meaningful possessions. Roethlisberger was only sacked once in the game and more importantly, he didn’t turn the football over.
Wide receiver Antonio Brown (1.5) received the second-highest offensive grade from PFF after catching seven passes for 72 yards and a touchdown against the Chiefs. Brown set a new franchise record Sunday for most receiving yards in a single-season and he’ll more than likely end the regular season as the league’s top wide receiver in not only yardage, but receptions as well.
At the bottom of the grading chart this week are guard Ramon Foster (-2.0) and running back Le’Veon Bell (-1.3). Foster gave up three hurries Sunday in the win while Bell only managed 72 yards from scrimmage on 21 touches.
Defensively for the Steelers, as expected, linebacker James Harrison was the highest graded player. Harrison was credited with 1.5 sacks in the game and PFF also logged him as having four hurries and four stops.
Defensive end Cameron Heyward (4.9) also graded out well against the Chiefs as did linebacker Jason Worilds (2.4). Heyward had 1.5 sacks Sunday while Worilds was officially credited with two.
Safety Will Allen (-2.2) and linebacker Ryan Shazier (-1.6) were the two lowest graded Steelers players on defense. Shazier played 20 snaps against the Chiefs and failed to make any significant plays.
