Steelers Report Card: Grading the offense after the first quarter of the 2016 season

The Pittsburgh Steelers 2016 season is already at the quarter pole, and it is time to take a retrospective look at the team after four games. Breaking down the offense, there are a lot of factors which need to be kept in the back of your mind when you think about your own grades for these units. Although it hasn't always been pretty, the Steelers offense remains one of the best units in the league, and they just got their star running back off of suspension.

Nonetheless, time to get out the red marker and evaluate these by position. Don't forget to place your vote in the poll below for your first quarter overall grade of Todd Haley's unit.

Quarterback

When you have a quarterback like Ben Roethlisberger, it is hard to be critical, but there have been moments where Roethlisberger's game has lacked. Inconsistent against both the Bengals and Eagles in back-to-back weeks, he was impressive against the Chiefs in Week 4. Roethlisberger seems to be settling in with his new cast of characters, and that is a good thing.

Grade: A-

Running backs

DeAngelo Williams did everything that was asked of him in Weeks 1-3, and then some. Don't hate on him for his Week 3 performance against Philadelphia. The Steelers abandoned the run way too early in that game. Nonetheless, Le'Veon Bell's return seems to have been a shot in the arm for not just the running game, but also the offense overall. Bell's return, and the Steelers' willingness to use both Bell and Williams will be a great addition to an already lethal offense.

Grade: A

Offensive Line

The offensive line has a lot of household names along it, and some high draft picks too. Some were suggesting the Steelers front would be among the league's best, and their inconsistencies have been evident throughout the first quarter of the season. Injuries have plagued the line, especially the right tackle position, but they have still played winning football in the first 4 games. Keeping Roethlisberger healthy is the biggest challenge for the unit, and they have done that to date.

Grade: B

Tight Ends

At a time when everyone was fretting about Heath Miller's retirement and Ladarius Green being M.I.A. from the lineup, the Steelers trio of tight ends, Jesse James, Xavier Grimble and David Johnson, have done their jobs. There are deficiencies among the group, but overall they have exceeded expectations ten-fold.

Grade: B+

Wide Receivers

Outside of Antonio Brown, many wondered who would be the No. 2 receiver. Eli Rogers is the pure slot receiver, and was injured in the Week 3 Philadelphia game, Darrius Heyward-Bey has been inconsistent, but Sammie Coates has been the bright spot outside of No. 84. Markus Wheaton has struggled in his return to the lineup, but I would bet he regains his form in the coming weeks. This might be the deepest position on the team, and they will need contributions from everyone to make this season a championship campaign.

Grade: A-

Overall Offensive Grade: A