The Pittsburgh Steelers were successful on Sunday Night in a roller coaster affair against the Seattle Seahawks. A game that seemingly would go down without much of a fight from the visiting team at half time turned out to be a 60-minute-plus overtime thriller. There were heroes all over the field for the Pittsburgh Steelers as well as a couple scapegoats. But at the end of the day, the Pittsburgh Steelers were successful and have evened their record heading into the bye week. Below you will find the game grades for the Pittsburgh Steelers 23-20 OT victory over the Seattle Seahawks.

Offense

The offense was pretty consistent throughout the entire evening. Ben Roethlisberger was cautious with the football and, although he made a number of poor throws, was fairly dialed in throughout the game. The Steelers quarterback did everything that was needed from him to get the job done despite a pretty suspect fumble call late in the game. The veteran quarterback played the kind of game the Steelers will need from him throughout the remainder of the season if they want to be successful.

The running game was okay early on, but dialed in late in the game— especially in the fourth quarter and overtime. Najee Harris continues to prove he is one of the best rookies in all of the National Football League. He is a hard, physical runner who can make something out of nothing and, when he does have the appropriate blocking, can do something truly special with the football.

The receivers were nothing more than adequate on this day. Diontae Johnson looked pretty good except had his first drop of the season which was in a brutal spot late in the game. Chase Claypool had perhaps his worst game as a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers as he seemed off page with Ben Roethlisberger on a number of throws. Simply beat on 50-50 throws he should be winning, Claypool also made a very costly offensive pass interference penalty late in the game.

The tight ends were very good. Pat Freiermuth looks like a star in the making, catching seven of seven targets and running with a physical style behind him. Despite a lack of targets, Eric Ebron was noticeable both scoring a touchdown on the ground and a handful of receptions. Zach Gentry is carving out a nice spot for himself in the team as a physical blocker and really rounds out this group.

The offensive line was fine , Perhaps not as good as a week ago, but they continue to show signs of growth. This group has come a long way from the start of the season and are playing better football. Because of this the Steelers are a better team on offense.

Final Grade: B-

Defense

The defense started off the game unbelievably. Shutting out the Seattle Seahawks through 30 minutes and making it look very easy, the third quarter hit and the Steelers weren’t able to stop anything. Alex Collins and the Seahawks run game were running down the Steelers throats at will. Even Gino Smith looked pretty good for a stretch of the game while the Steelers defense looked like they couldn’t stop anything.

Then the middle of the fourth quarter hit and the Steelers defense once again dialed it back up and played great football. T.J. Watt was the star of overtime, and really the game, for the Steelers defense as he registered a pair of sacks including the game-winning sack/fumble. Surely, Watt will be the AFC’s Defensive Player of the Week.

Tre Norwood and Cam Heyward were also very noticeable in this game. The veteran D-lineman was pushing everyone back, getting tackles all over the field, and looked like a beast. The seventh-round pick rookie defensive back continues to make plays despite his minimal years in the NFL and his low pedigree entering the league. Both guys should be proud of what they put on the game tape and should be recognized for their efforts.

Final Grade: B

Special Teams

Chris Boswell needs his recognition as one of the best kickers in the NFL. If it wasn’t for Justin Tucker, he would easily be the best kicker in the game has he once again was perfect in the game where most of the NFL‘s kickers have been absolutely putrid this season. Boswell continues to be one of the most clutch and accurate kickers the Steelers have ever had.

Aside from one shanked punt, Pressley Harvin III was also excellent booming the ball all over the field and flipping field position for the Steelers throughout the entire night. If he can remove that bad play that seems to pop up once a game, he may grow into one of, if not the best, punters in football.

Final Grade: A

Overall

This was a roller coaster affair, especially in the fourth quarter. Despite the ups and downs, the Pittsburgh Steelers were victorious, evened up their record, and enter the bye week in a pretty good position. The offense was fine, the defense was great, then bad, then great again, and the special teams won the day for the Steelers.

Offensive coordinator Matt Canada also deserves some praise as he called a great game for the Steelers offense. All in all, the Steelers got the job done despite playing against some back ups and keep their lofty aspirations alive. It was a fun game as a fan watching the Steelers win on the very last play the game, and it doesn’t get much better than that before the bye week.

Final Grade: B+

But what do you think? Do you agree with these grades? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.