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I’m not a football coach, or a teacher, but I play one in blogs and podcasts. The Steelers 30-10 lead vs. Tampa was very encouraging, but seeing it dwindle down to a lead of only three in the belt-tightening tale of two halves was disconcerting.
Once again, grading games is an extremely difficult and somewhat thankless task. While the coaches’ grades, of course, are what count the most, the media and fans can’t help but evaluate as well.
So let’s take a look at BTSC’s early perceptions:
Offense
Ben started off with a pick, but was pretty sharp the rest of the way going 30 for 38 with three touchdown passes. Ben evenly distributed the ball and Antonio Brown, Ryan Switzer and Vance McDonald all had big scores. McDonald’s was aided by his huge stiff arm, while AB turned on the jets for his. The line was missing its’ entire right side and Ben got harassed for three sacks. James Conner added 95 total yards on the ground and in the air. The offense did less in the second half, but they were in cruise mode at that point. When it came time to step up and close out Tampa, they did.
Overall Offense Grade: B+
Poll
What grade would you give the Pittsburgh Steelers offense in their win over Tampa?
This poll is closed
-
20%
A
(290 votes) -
63%
B
(882 votes) -
14%
C
(198 votes) -
0%
D
(7 votes) -
0%
F
(6 votes)
Defense
They almost blew it, but you can’t deny four turnovers, a pick-six by Bud Dupree, increased pressure on Fitzpatrick, the fact that they tackled better and the brilliance of Joe Haden. Mike Evans decimated Coty Sensabaugh and Artie Burns though. They improved, but big concerns remain.
Overall Defense Grade: B-
Poll
What grade would you give the Pittsburgh Steelers defense in their 30-27 win over Tampa?
This poll is closed
-
1%
A
(16 votes) -
16%
B
(236 votes) -
58%
C
(852 votes) -
21%
D
(311 votes) -
3%
F
(48 votes)
Special Teams
Berry’s average was slightly better, but still below par. Boswell is struggling and that is costing them games and could have cost this one. Coverage team got lucky on DeSean Jackson’s TD that was called back. This unit is a liability.
Overall Special Teams Grade: C-
Poll
What grade would you give the Pittsburgh Steelers special teams in their 30-27 win over Tampa?
This poll is closed
-
0%
A
(3 votes) -
3%
B
(45 votes) -
16%
C
(232 votes) -
58%
D
(808 votes) -
21%
F
(295 votes)
Overall Team Grade: B-
Everybody knew this would be a shootout. The offense was solid, while the defense had some flashes of brilliance mixed with blunders. A better overall performance and most importantly...a win.
Poll
What overall grade would you give the Pittsburgh Steelers in their 30-27 win over Tampa?
This poll is closed
-
1%
A
(16 votes) -
39%
B
(536 votes) -
55%
C
(754 votes) -
4%
D
(55 votes) -
0%
F
(8 votes)
Valedictorian: Ben Roethlisberger
Honor Roll: JuJu Smith-Schuster, Vance McDonald, Ryan Switzer, Terrell Edmunds, Antonio Brown, Mike Hilton, Joe Haden, Jon Bostic,
Detention: Artie Burns, Coty Sensabaugh, Chris Boswell, Jordan Berry