The Pittsburgh Steelers squeaked past the Baltimore Ravens on Wednesday in a mistake filled game. The Steelers managed to improve to 11-0 on the year, but if there was ever a game they probably should have lost it was this one.
Let’s evaluate the team and highlight some individual performances. You may think my grades are spot on, you might also think I’m an idiot. Regardless, express your thoughts in the comments below.
Let’s do this…
Offense
Grade: D
This game was a rough one of the offense. The receivers couldn’t seem to catch, and the offensive line couldn’t create any running lanes. By my count the offence totalled 10 dropped passes and left at least 16 points on the field. It wasn’t just one receiver either, they all took turns looking terrible. The problem was exacerbated in the redzone where the team continually dropped the ball.
If there was any positives its that the offensive line once again kept Ben Roethlisberger from being sacked once again. Roethlisberger also played a pretty good game himself aside from a brutal first quarter interception, the veteran pivot had himself a solid game which would have looked better on the stat sheet had the receivers actually hung onto the ball.
Poll
What grade would you give the Steelers’ offense for Week 12?
1%
A
(8 votes)
0%
B
(6 votes)
16%
C
(118 votes)
57%
D
(403 votes)
24%
F
(172 votes)
707 votes total
Vote Now
Defense
Grade: A-
Listen, the defense actually had a really good day. Sure they were gashed occasionally in the running game, but the only points they surrendered came following a muffed punt and a missed tackle on a 70 yard catch. They were as close to pitching a shutout as you can get. To top it off Joe Haden returned a interception for a touchdown and T.J. Watt took the NFL’s lead in sacks.
It won’t effect the grade but Losing Bud Dupree, presumably for the year, is the worst part of this game. His impact will be missed. It’s now time for Alex Highsmith to step up.
Poll
What grade would you give the Steelers’ defense for Week 12?
27%
A
(185 votes)
56%
B
(376 votes)
12%
C
(84 votes)
2%
D
(14 votes)
1%
F
(8 votes)
667 votes total
Vote Now
Special Teams
Grade: D
I don’t think there were any positives from the special teams units in Week 12. Ray Ray McCloud, muffed a punt which gave the Ravens life, Chris Boswell missed another extra point, and the Steelers never mustered anything in the return game.
The two things keeping this grade from being an F is the Jordan Berry having himself a decent day punting the ball, and the Ravens not mustering any game changing plays in their own return game.
The special teams nearly cost the Steelers this game.
Poll
What grade would you give the Steelers’ special teams for Week 12?
0%
A
(5 votes)
0%
B
(6 votes)
12%
C
(78 votes)
49%
D
(308 votes)
36%
F
(231 votes)
628 votes total
Vote Now
Coaching
Grade: C
This is a brutal grade to give. On one hand the Steelers struggled for late portions of this game. On the other, some of the worst plays weren’t on the coaches. Drops, Muffs, and missed tackles aren’t on the coaches.
What I do have a problem with was the teams inability to run any plays under center, but that was probably due to JC Hassanuer making his first career start and not having Maurkice Pouncey in the lineup.
The coaches get a grade that falls right in the middle. Hopefully they can get this team ready to the on the Washington Football team.
Poll
What grade would you give the Steelers’ coaching for Week 12?
2%
A
(12 votes)
15%
B
(93 votes)
38%
C
(230 votes)
38%
D
(227 votes)
5%
F
(35 votes)
597 votes total
Vote Now
Overall
Grade: C
In my books you are lucky to win a game when you grade out with a C and that’s exactly what the Steelers are. They need to clean up the mistakes and quickly shift focus to Washington.
I think the Steelers also suffered from some rust and distraction in this game. The game played six days after it was originally scheduled for with updates going on an hourly basis. I anticipate Mike Tomlin getting his guys back on track when they face the 4-7 Football Team next week but they only have four days to prepare for the contest.
On the bright side the Steelers still haven’t played a perfect game, but hopefully they don’t Conti are to trend in this downward direction.
Poll
What overall grade would you give the Steelers’ Week 12 performance?
1%
A
(6 votes)
3%
B
(20 votes)
39%
C
(231 votes)
52%
D
(305 votes)
3%
F
(18 votes)
580 votes total
Vote Now
The Steelers will now prepare themselves for their final NFC East opponent, the Washington Football Team. A win locks the Steelers into a playoff spot, and a win coupled with a Browns loss clinches the Steelers its first AFC North title since 2017. The Football team will look to keep pace with the 4-7 Giants for the division lead. A lot will be on the line Monday night! Keep your eyes locked on BTSC for the latest updates, breakdowns, and previews for the Steelers Week 13 match up with the Football Team.
