Pro Football Focus has released their initial set of players grades for the Pittsburgh Steelers following their 35-32 loss Sunday to the New Orleans Saints and there really aren’t many surprises.
On offense, running back Le’Veon Bell (3.3) graded out the best with wide receiver Antonio Brown (0.8) and tight end Heath Miller (0.5) being the only other two players to finish with a positive grade. All three of these players made my post-game list of winners.
On the opposite end of the grading chart sits tackle Mike Adams (-5.3) and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (-4.7). PFF has Adams charged with one sack and seven hurries in the loss to the Saints and that’s not surprising at all. Both Roethlisberger and Adams made my post-game list of losers.
On defense for the Steelers, defensive end Cameron Heyward (5.1) was one of the few bright spots against the Saints, according to PFF. Linebacker Jason Worilds (3.0), who recorded the Steelers only sack in the game, also had a positive grade. Heyward made my post-game list of winners.
As far as the bad grades go on defense, cornerbacks Ike Taylor (-2.5) and William Gay (-4.5) both graded out poorly and that’s not surprising at all as both gave up several big plays in the game. Sandwiched between the two is linebacker Sean Spence (-2.9), who struggled against the run and pass on Sunday.
As usual, PFF will likely adjust some of these grades after the all-22 is released, but I would expect to see any huge shifts.
