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Bet you never thought you'd read that headline.
Cornerback Ike Taylor received a +2.3 grade from football evaluation web site Pro Football Focus for his performance in Pittsburgh's 38-31 win over the Green Bay Packers in Week 16. The Packers were hindered at times with a few poor throws by quarterback Matt Flynn, but by and large, they stayed away from Taylor.
On the other side of the ball, after two poor games in his first two starts, center Cody Wallace took a huge step forward, earning a +2.5 grade, and was a big part of running back Le'Veon Bell's first 100 yard game, and the first Steelers running back to eclipse the 100-yard barrier since Isaac Redman in Week 10 of 2012.
That grade for Wallace seems a bit high, and although he did perform well, it may come down a little bit upon their review of the game. Still, he deserves some credit, as does David DeCastro (+1.6) and Ramon Foster (+1.6).
Defensive end Cameron Heyward was given a -3.2, the lowest among the Steelers in Week 16. Outside linebacker Chris Carter had a -2.8 in his spot start for Jarvis Jones (illness). Those scores are reflective of a Steelers defense that didn't get solid pressure on Flynn until late in the game, when Troy Polamalu and Brett Keisel both came up with big plays.
The Steelers take on the Cleveland Browns in Week 17. A win, and losses by Baltimore (at Cincinnati), Miami (vs. Jets) and San Diego (vs. Kansas City) will put them in the playoffs.
