The Pittsburgh Steelers dropped a crucial AFC North game Sunday to the Cincinnati Bengals and now their hopes of making the playoffs more than likely revolve around them battling for one of two Wild Card spots.
Pro Football Focus has their initial set of grades out for the game and as far as the Steelers offensive players go, guard David DeCastro (3.0) and tackle Alejandro Villanueva (3.4) graded out the best
While DeCastro did give up a sack, a hit, and a hurry in the game, PFF has his run blocking more than making up for it. As for Villanueva, who made his second career start on Sunday, PFF does not have him allowing any sacks or pressures in the game (we’ll have to double check that one for sure).
At the bottom on offense are wide receiver Martavis Bryant (-2.6) and tackle Marcus Gilbert (-2.6). PFF has Gilbert down for 4 hurries allowed in the game. As for Bryant, he had a key drop on Sunday and finished the game with 4 catches for 49 yards.
In case you’re curious, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (-0.9) had his worst game of the season, according to PFF, and that’s not surprising being as he threw three interceptions in the game. I’m surprised his grade isn’t lower, to be honest.
Defensively for the Steelers, cornerback Antwon Blake (1.9) and linebacker Jarvis Jones (1.7) received the top grades from PFF for their play against the Bengals. Blake, who had a key red zone interception in the game, recorded 8 official tackles on Sunday. PFF has him down for 9, however. Jones, on the other hand, who only had a half a sack in the game, played well against the run, according to PFF.
Nose tackle Steve McLendon (-1.9) and linebacker Arthur Moats (-1.3) received the Steelers defensive lowest grades for the game against the Bengals. That’s surpsing being as McLendon had a sack and a hurry in the game to go along with one other tackle.
As always, you should know that PFF normally updates their player grades later in the week when the all-22 tapes is released. While I normally I agree with a lot of their initial grades immediately following games, I do admit that I differ on quite a few players this week.
As usual, we will be breaking down quite a few of these players in out weekly Steelers Film Room segments.
