:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65253299/1168565343.jpg.0.jpg)
The Steelers had a chance for redemption after a horrid start to 2019. But injuries piled up, some egregious calls were made and the defense wilted in the end. Now the Steelers find themselves wounded and wary at 0-2.
For some reason, I’ve been given the responsibility to rate the performance of the squad. It’s not easy, but I’ll give it a whirl. Despite my less than prestigious BTSC teaching certificate, I have to issue the necessary disclaimer. You know the story; of course, I’m not a football coach, or a teacher, but I play one in blogs and podcasts. All week, I found myself noticing just how equal in talent the two teams actually are and that will show. Then the game happened and judgments abound.
Grading games is an extremely difficult and somewhat thankless task. While the coaches’ grades, of course, are what counts the most, the media and fans can’t help but evaluate as well. All letter grades are simply based on the eye test of somebody watching at home. In this case, it’s my doofus opinion.
So let’s take a look at BTSC’s early perceptions:
Offense: C
Ben Roethlisberger may have been nursing a bad elbow all week, but he was rusty and out of sync and the offense suffered for it. It’s also obvious that Roethlisberger has been acting as his own Offensive Coordinator, for when Mason Rudolph came in...the play calling was more inspired. Maybe Randy Fichtner can game plan after all. I did not want to see Ben go out, but Rudolph played well in his stead going 12/19 for 112 yards, 2 TDs and a pick. But he did have an opportunity late in the game, but the Steelers were forced to punt. The interception was unfortunate. Donte Moncrief was the sole reason for that. His play is dreadful. The receivers aren’t bad (except No. 11), but they still need to get open more. The running game isn’t getting going whatsoever and now James Conner’s in danger of missing games. McDonald was perfect on seven targets and two scores. They can get it together, but are definitely in a hole.
Poll
What grade do you think the offense deserves after the 28-26 loss to Seattle.
This poll is closed
-
0%
A
(12 votes) -
13%
B
(212 votes) -
48%
C
(735 votes) -
30%
D
(462 votes) -
7%
F
(110 votes)
Defense: D+
First the good news, Stephon Tuitt (2.5 sacks) and T.J. Watt (6 tackles and a sack) were phenomenal. Also, Steven Nelson (great in coverage) and Cam Sutton (two key stops late) played well in the secondary. The defense almost scored twice and did force turnovers, but a case of the rookie growing pains (Devin Bush), huge missed tackles (Anthony Chickillo and Terrell Edmunds), dumb penalties (Edmunds and Dan McCullers) and blown coverage (Edmunds) were extremely costly. Improved from Week One? Yes, but not enough.
Poll
What grade do you think the defense earned after the Seahawks finished them in Week 2?
This poll is closed
-
1%
A
(16 votes) -
4%
B
(72 votes) -
26%
C
(408 votes) -
40%
D
(621 votes) -
26%
F
(403 votes)
Special Teams: C+
They didn’t do anything too horrible, but didn’t make much happen either. Dan McCullers’ gaffe on the FG penalty was egregious though. Chris Boswell was reliable again with two field goals and two bonuses and Jordan Berry averaged 44.8 yards-per-punt on five of them. Yay. But the return game invisible and nonexistent.
Poll
How do you grade the Steelers’ Special Teams after their loss to the Seahawks?
This poll is closed
-
2%
A
(28 votes) -
22%
B
(290 votes) -
47%
C
(597 votes) -
19%
D
(252 votes) -
8%
F
(102 votes)
Overall: D+
The Steelers did so many things to win in this contest, but dumb mistakes kept them out of the end zone on defense and the offense was way too stagnant with Ben Roethlisberger in the game. The defense looked good early, but could not cover a tight end and could not stop Russell Wilson on the ground in the end. Officiating did not help them, but they very well could have overcome those two rough calls. If they don’t step up in next week, the season is going to end soon.
Poll
What overall grade would you give to the Steelers after the 28-26 debacle against Seattle.
This poll is closed
-
1%
A
(14 votes) -
1%
B
(15 votes) -
22%
C
(313 votes) -
49%
D
(672 votes) -
25%
F
(347 votes)
Valedictorian: Stephon Tuitt
Honor Roll: Mason Rudolph, Vance McDonald, Steven Nelson, TJ Watt, Cam Sutton, Chris Boswell
Detention: Donte Moncrief, Dan McCullers, Terrell Edmunds, Ben Roethlisberger, James Conner, Anthony Chickillo
Now it is your turn to play teacher. Use the polls and the comments section below. We can compare notes in the teachers lounge.