Steelers stock rising/falling after home opening loss

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PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 30: Vance McDonald #89 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after a catch in the second quarter during the game against the Baltimore Ravens at Heinz Field on September 30, 2018, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

Vance McDonald: stock – up

The old saying is that tight ends are a quarterback’s security blanket. That proved true today with McDonald and Mason Rudolph after Roethlisberger’s injury.

He caught all seven of his targets for only 38 yards but two touchdowns. He came up big when it mattered despite the low yardage.

For whatever reason last week, McDonald did not get many looks in the passing game. The team changed that this week as he was second on the team in targets behind JuJu Smith-Schuster.

If the Steelers want to have any type of offensive momentum, they will need players like McDonald to step up. Moncrief obviously isn’t going to so they need the others to.

Steven Nelson: stock – up

Nelson was one of the three big free agent signings for the Steelers, and he showed why today. He had the tough task of covering D.K. Metcalf and shined all day.

Metcalf was held to two catches for 33 yards when Nelson was on him. The second Nelson was not on him, Russell Wilson threw a pretty ball and placed it perfectly to Metcalf on a play that was covered pretty well by Terrell Edmunds.

Nelson being here is a big boost to a secondary who watched a revolving door of corners in 2018. Nelson provides more stability on the outside opposite Haden and his job today was well done.

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