Sadly, it’s unhappy tidings for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Losers of three-straight (10-6), this one to the now 15-1 Kansas Metropolis Chiefs, in an terrible 29-10 Christmas Day exhibiting for the as soon as promising playoff workforce.
On this article I’ll present information from Professional Soccer Focus (PFF) and takeaways from watching the movie.
Offense:
Wonderful (90-Plus Grades):
NONE.
Nice (80-Plus Grades):
The very best grade on offense was T Broderick Jones (83.6 grade, 75 snaps). This was primarily as a result of an elite 91.4 run block grade that led the workforce. He did a number of good issues there for certain, together with a number of situationally, however did notice sufficient losses that I anticipated the grade to be decrease. Cross blocking was a shock.
PFF had him for 2 pressures, a rush, and a QB hit on Russell Wilson (throwaway). Wilson did invite a variety of strain, however that doesn’t negate a number of losses for Jones in my view. Beat (some badly) across the edge, inside spin, and pushed again to call some situations, on a extra acceptable however nonetheless higher than anticipated 68.8 PBLK grade. Finest general and RBLK of 2024 is good to see although.
Good (70-Plus Grades):
Three gamers. C Zach Frazier (74.6, 75) did some good issues, together with an 81.3 RBLK that was second on the workforce, however actually not his finest day. Key blocks on chunk run performs, noting good ones within the crimson zone, enjoyably strolling a man again on one. Cross blocking was extra hit/miss (70.0), together with situational and crimson space, however to not the extent of Jones.
Max Scharping (74.3, 7) got here in at LT for Dan Moore Jr. in rubbish time, given the 29-10 loss already at hand. That asterisk is necessary, however good to see him grade properly on the chance.
TE Darnell Washington (72.0, 26) had a very nice day as a blocker general. His few blemishes have been expensive although, most notably a crimson zone holding penalty that negated a would-be landing for RB Jaylen Warren, and was beat simply across the edge for a sack allowed. 64.0 RBLK, 59.0 PBLK. Additionally had a brief catch and churn for eight yards on his lone goal early (72.1 REC).
The Dangerous (Beneath 50 Grades):
Only one, surprisingly. TE Connor Heyward (47.7, 21) was dinged for an offsides, arguably, negating an superior catch by WR George Pickens (nice to have you ever again). Additionally famous a failed run block pull. Had an eight-yard catch in rubbish time. Finest particular person grade was 69.7 PBLK, on only one snap although. 56.5 RBLK, 54.7 REC.
Protection:
Wonderful (90-Plus Grades):
DL Cam Heyward was the very best grade on protection (90.1, 50). 4 mixed tackles included a TFL, however that got here in rubbish time. Extra encouraging was a primary drive third and 1 no acquire assisted run deal with, however KC proceeded to transform on 4th and 1. Carried out properly early general, however waned via the sport. Three pressures and two hurries led the workforce, with a crimson zone QB hit on the second drive. Workforce finest 81.8 PRSH and 78.9 RDEF. 71.0 TACK.
Nice (80-Plus Grades):
CB Cory Trice Jr. (83.9, 47) performed properly general in Joey Porter Jr.’s absence. A number of good protection reps, together with an intercepted two-point conversion try, cross breakup, and on a number of third downs. Two catches allowed for 12 yards, with one in every of his three tackles an ideal click on and shut deal with for a cease. 90.1 protection led the workforce, 76.4 TACK, however 38.8 run protection.
Good (70-Plus Grades):
Two right here. EDGE Alex Highsmith (78.7, 52) was a brilliant spot too. 4 mixed tackles, all run stops principally within the first half, two for no acquire together with a wow block shed. Enormous crimson zone cross breakup in protection, with TE Travis Kelce extensive open as he was many of the sport in the long run zone, whew. PFF solely charted two pressures. Misplaced a number of reps, however his affect was far better than that in my notes. 80.3 RDEF (team-high), 78.6 COV, 76.0 TACK, 54.7 PRUSH.
DL Isaiah Loudermilk (71.7, 6) was a constructive in restricted motion. Pushed the pocket properly for a cross rush strain/hurry, and famous a strong run protection rep. Had an assisted run deal with in rubbish time, but it surely was a profitable play. 69.8 PRUSH, 68.1 TACK, 62.0 RDEF.
The Dangerous (Beneath 50 Grades):
Three gamers. LB Payton Wilson (49.8, 29) made some performs, however was merely out of place on way more. Robust man protection ask on speedster WR Xavier Worthy, giving only a step, however led to a missed path deal with and 21-yard acquire. 4 mixed tackles, two stops together with a no acquire run deal with round a block. Ineffective on six cross rushes. 61.6 RDEF, 52.3 COV, 50.2 PRSH, 40.7 TACK.
DL Montravius Adams (48.9, 13) struggled each as a cross rusher (no pressures), and run defender together with the crimson zone. A uncommon constructive notice was within the remaining seconds in crimson zone run protection. 67.3 TACK, 54.0 PRUSH, 53.8 RDEF.
CB Donte Jackson was the bottom grade of protection (38.5, 58), expectedly. Allowed a 49-yard double explosive catch on a go-ball to a TE not named Kelce, slowing up confusingly in protection. Shoe-string restoration deal with although. This crimson zone journey led to a TD (by the identical receiver), equaling an early 13-0 deficit it one other gradual begin for Pittsburgh. Hit and miss in protection in any other case too. 77.9 TACK, 64.1 RDEF, 35.1 COV (team-worst).
Particular Groups:
Wonderful (90-Plus Grades):
The very best grade on particular groups and general was Mark Robinson (91.3, 18). One other compelled fumble, his second the final three video games. Bounced KC’s manner although, and proceeded on a TD drive to go up 13-0 early. Examples of Pittsburgh not capitalizing as soon as once more. Was additionally very strong general on each kickoff and punt protection groups.
Nice (80-Plus Grades):
Miles Killebrew (85.3, 18) had an ideal punt return deal with on a miniscule two-yard return, because the returner unwisely didn’t truthful catch. Was additionally very strong on protection items all through the sport.
Good (70-Plus Grades):
Tyler Matakevich (70.2, 18). I famous a weaker day, with a number of points on protection groups. On the bottom on a pair, a poor angle on an extended 31-yard kick return, however did notice an excellent kick return block.
The Dangerous (Beneath 50 Grades):
Three right here. Connor Heyward additionally makes this naughty checklist (48.6, 18). Particularly for a missed deal with on that 31-yard kickoff return, however did have a deal with on a 25-yard return, and famous an excellent kick return block.
Trice (48.1, 15) was merely dangerous, in contrast to his defensive efficiency. Bought extra time and was poor at gunner with Ben Skowronek unavailable (get properly quickly). Additionally had a foul kick return block.
The bottom grade on particular groups and general was Nick Herbig (29.9, 6). A poor kick return block allowed a deal with, and struggled on protection items, together with poor block shedding and being on the bottom.
Surprises:
- – RB Jaylen Warren 68.1 run grade decrease than anticipated.
- – Jones’ increased than anticipated general grade.
- – Matakevich increased than anticipated.
Loads extra, who have been yours?
STEELERS WEEK 17 VS. CHIEFS & TOTAL REGULAR SEASON SNAPS:
WEEK 17 SNAP LEADERS:
OFF- B. Jones, M. McCormick, R. Wilson, Z. Frazier.
DEF- M. Fitzpatrick, P. Queen.
ST- J. Moon.
The Grinch actually stole Christmas. Thanks for studying and let me know your ideas within the feedback.
