Pittsburgh Steelers Grades Week 1: Offense
Running Backs:
Le’Veon Bell and LeGarrette Blount were smoking on Sunday. Mary Jane pun aside, these two backs did EXACTLY what Steeler Nation would hope they could do. Bell showed off his speed and agility and put on some nifty moves at times to get some big yards on carries and screen passes. His 38 yard scamper for a touchdown was a thing of beauty, and had the Browns on their heals. Blount showed off his power and why he will be very effective inside the 10 yard line with his power style of running. A punishment is warranted for their run in with the law. and they will get theirs in due time, but I’m glad they were able to shake off all of that (along with a bad preseason) and come out big against an AFC North divisional opponent.
Grade: A-
Wide Receivers:
Sep 7, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) runs the ball past Cleveland Browns linebacker Karlos Dansby (56) during the first half at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
Antonio Brown. Wow. Another solid game for this kid who, if this trend holds, is on pace for almost 1,500 yards and 16 TD’s. A little pipe dreamy but, one can dream right? He owned Browns corner Joe Haden all game. There were just no answers. Brown gained over 100 yards for the 9th time in his four year and one game career. He showed amazing explosiveness after making the catch – something he must have worked on during the offseason. Another impressive part to AB’s game on Sunday – maturity. I saw only one first down ball drop on Sunday. Still annoying but even after his score, he just seems to be carrying himself differently on the field – which is exactly what this Steelers offense needs. Markus Wheaton, went for 97 yards and picked up most of those yards in the 4th quarter and during the game winning drive. When the pressure was on, he made the catches, which is the antithesis of who he replaced in 2014 – former teammate Emmanuel Sanders. A great showing by Wheaton.
Grade: A-