3 best and 3 worst rated Steelers from week 1 loss to Patriots

The Steelers had a rough outing against the New England Patriots in week one. Here are Pittsburgh’s best and worst rated players from the game.

At this point, we just want to forget about Sunday night’s massacre of the Steelers. The New England Patriots humiliated Pittsburgh on national television – blowing them out by 30 points.

Though there were very little positives to note from the game, a few players earned very respectable grades from Pro Football Focus in week one. Here are the three best and three worst-rated Steelers from their loss to the Patriots:

Best rated players:

T.J. Watt

T.J. Watt earned the highest grade by a player in a Steelers uniform during the blowout contest. Though Pittsburgh’s defense surrendered 33 points to New England, Watt was one of the few defenders who didn’t embarrass themselves.

The Pro Bowl pass rusher had a quiet night on the stat sheet – finishing with just 2 tackles and 1 tackle for a loss. However, the Patriots were constantly sending extra blockers his way in an effort to take him out of the game.

PFF grade: 87.9

Cameron Heyward

Heyward’s name showed up more significant on the box score, as he compiled 7 tackles against the Patriots, but much like Watt, Cameron Heward failed to make any splash plays.

However, the former All-Pro was stout against the run. He helped hold New England’s rushing attack to under 100 yards on the night.

PFF grade: 86.0

Stephon Tuitt

Ironically enough, all three of the Steelers best-rated players against the Patriots came along the defensive line. Most other positional groups struggled to execute in this contest.

Tuitt flashed early on, as he exploded into the backfield more than once on the first two drives. However, he quickly came back down to earth and didn’t do a lot in quarters 2-4. He finished the night with 2 tackles – both for losses.

PFF grade: 80.6

Worst rated players:

Kameron Kelly

Kam Kelly was the worst rated player on the Steelers by a long shot in week one. Though he was impressive during training camp and the preseason, the former AAF safety was manipulated all over the field by Tom Brady and was responsible for giving up several big plays.

Kelly couldn’t have asked for a harder matchup in his first NFL start, but his poor play could give the Steelers some doubt. Fortunately, Sean Davis is trending in the right direction and should be set to return to the field soon.

PFF grade: 29.0

Donte Moncrief

If you were able to suffer through the game on Sunday night, this shouldn’t come as a surprise to you. Moncrief had one of the worst games I have ever seen from a wide receiver. He caught just 3 of 10 targets for a mere 7 yards.

James Washington and Diontae Johnson are waiting in the wings. Moncrief will be on a very short leash after such a dismal showing in week one.

PFF grade: 42.3

Ben Roethlisberger

We have become accustomed to slow starts with Ben Roethlisberger as of late. Last year, he opened the season with a 5-turnover game against the Browns that ultimately resulted in a tie.

Ben isn’t getting any younger, and it’s beginning to show. He needs to turn things around quickly if the Steelers are to stand any chance of making a playoff run in 2019.

PFF grade: 45.3

The Steelers have a lot of work to do, and another performance like we saw in week one would leave us very disheartened. With only a few players who stood in a positive light last week, Pittsburgh desperately needs a confidence-building performance this Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks.