The Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Cincinnati Bengals 27-17 Sunday night at Heinz Field and in the process they captured the AFC North title. Pro Football Focus has now released their initial player grades from the Sunday night game and tackle Kelvin Beachum (2.5) wound up capturing the highest offensive grade for his play.
Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (1.7) received the next highest grade on offense after finishing 24-of-38 passing for 317 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. Tight end Heath Miller (1.1) also graded out favorably as did wide receiver Antonio Brown (1.0) and tackle Marcus Gilbert (1.0).
In his first game back from injury, tight end Matt Spaeth (-1.6) graded out as the Steelers worst offensive player against the Bengals.
Defensively for the Steelers, linebacker Jason Worilds (4.6) graded out the best. Worilds registered one sack and four quarterback hurries against the Bengals. In addition, the former second-round draft pick was credited with four stops in the game.
Thanks to him picking off Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton twice Sunday night, Steelers cornerback Brice McCain (2.4) graded out as the team’s second-best defensive player in the game.
Linebacker Lawrence Timmons (2.1) and defensive end Camerion Heyward (1.9) both also received positive grades this week from PFF.
Rookie defensive end Stephon Tuiit, linebacker Sean Spence, linebacker James Harrison and linebacker Vince Williams were the only four Steelers defensive players to grade out in the red this week.
The Steelers will next host the Baltimore Ravens next Saturday night in one of the two AFC Wild Card games.
