For those of you who are interested, and there is rightfully a sizeable group, Pro Football Focus sung high praises for two Pittsburgh Steelers yesterday. Maurkice Pouncey and James Harrison finished in the top ten of individual performance, per the website’s grades.
Pouncey came in fourth with Harrison in sixth place.
On Pouncey, PFF said in part.
“That this was by far the best game of Maurkice Pouncey’s season is one thing, but to do it against the formidable defensive front of the New York Giants is another thing entirely.”
They also wrote Pouncey did not allow a pressure while the Steelers were able to get their run game going late, letting Le’Veon Bell have another 100+ yard rushing day. The Steelers’ offensive line has given up just two sacks over the past three weeks. That’s only the third time that’s happened over the past three seasons.
PFF on Harrison’s high marks.
“What Harrison is doing at his age is scarcely believable…he generated some kind of pressure on a ridiculous 41.2 percent of his pass-rushing snaps in the game.”
He officially finished with three tackles, one for loss, a sack, and a QB hit. He now has a sack in three straight games and five in his last five to lead the Steelers. He’s already tied the number he had a year ago and is just one sack away from equaling the mark he had in 2012 when he was a spry 34 years old.
The Steelers’ defense has shaped up with him, allowing 14 or fewer points in three straight games for the first time since 2011, a year in which they finished with the leagues top defense. Pretty good, and surprising, company.
If you’re curious, Andy Dalton finished as PFF’s top player of the week. Again, you can check out their entire list here.
