clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Report Card: Grading the Steelers Week 17 finale against the Browns

BTSC uncaps the red pens and grades the Steelers Week 17 clash with a Cleveland.

NFL: Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

With the 12-3 Steelers home on NYE to close out the schedule against the Brownies, the faculty and staff at BTSC filled out report cards based on the team's performance. Join us and see just how well they graded out.

Offense: B -

Valedictorian: JuJu Smith-Schuster

Honor Roll: Landry Jones, Martavis Bryant, Rosie Nix, Stevan Ridley, Darius Heyward-Bey

Detention: Chris Hubbard's snapping abilities, Alejandro Villanueva

Jones had a good game. If it hadn't been for his having to chase snaps all over the field, the Steelers may have won comfortably. Ridley and Toussaint filled in well at running back and the receivers showed what they can do in an elevated role, especially JuJu.

Defense: C -

Valedictorian: Tyson Alualu

Honor Roll: T.J. Watt, Pass Rush

Detention: Mike Mitchell, defenders as receivers dropping picks, third down defense

The pass rush was swarming and their six sacks set a team record with 56 for 2017. The secondary left a lot to be desired. In fact, they remain a concern with the postseason here.

Overall: C+

The Steelers were minus starters galore on offense, but the biggest subtraction was B.J. Finney's departure. It became a meaningless game, but you still gotta play. Against an 0-16 team, you can't merely escape.