Steelers report card: Grading each position in win against Eagles
By Tommy Jaggi
Offensive line: B-
David DeCastro was forced to leave the game with an injury in the first half against the Eagles. Fortunately, losing an offensive guard isn’t going to be the end of the world – even with an All-Pro player like DeCastro.
In his stead, rookie Kevin Dotson did a fine job. Though Pittsburgh’s running backs failed to get much of anything going on the ground, he was a big part of James Conner’s 25-yard run, as Dotson pancaked All-Pro defensive tackle, Fletcher Cox, into the ground to spring the running back free.
In addition, Chukwuma Okorafor did an excellent job getting down the field on Pittsburgh’s longest run of the day by Ray-Ray McCloud. Okorafor sprung a block more than 20 yards past the line of scrimmage that allowed McCloud to continue up the field on a 58-yard run.
Most important, however, was Pittsburgh’s ability to pass protect. Though Ben was under pressure at times and was forced to get the ball out quickly, this unit allowed just one sack on the day, and Roethlisberger was rarely touched. Against one of the best defensive lines the league has to offer, they held their own quite well.