Quarterback:
Ben Roethlisberger didn’t do anything special. Roethlisberger threw for 191 yards, 1 touchdown, and an interception. Ben didn’t complete many passes that went of 10 yards or more. Not all of the Steelers’ passing problems were because of Roethlisberger. There was some questionable play-calling, and the Titans really locked down on the Steelers’ receivers.
Grade: C-
Running Backs:
I don’t think I even need to say anything but I will. This was an absolutely dismal performance by the Steelers running backs. The Steelers’ running backs ran for 28 of the team’s 32 total rushing yards. Isaac Redman totaled 9 yards on 8 carries and he fumbled twice. LaRod Stephens-Howling totaled 19 yards. The Titans completely shut the Steelers down in the running department.
Grade: F-
Receivers:
The Titans secondary probably deserves an A+ in this game. Verner and McCourty were very good against the Steelers receivers. Antonio Brown and Emmanuel made a few plays, but they were not spectacular. Jerricho Cotchery caught 2 passes for third down conversions, and he caught a touchdown on a fourth down. Cotchery was the Steelers’ best receiver today. And the Steelers sure do miss Heath Miller; the Steelers’ tight ends combined for one catch against the Titans.
Grade: D+
Offensive Line:
Ben Roethlisberger was sacked 5 times in this game, and the Steelers only gained 32 rushing yards. Mike Adams and Marcus Gilbert allowed a good amount of pressure all game long. Not one player on this line played well. The Steelers’ young line still needs time to gel.
Grade: F
Defensive Line:
Brett Keisel made a couple of stops in the run game, and he still looks good for his age. Ziggy Hood also made a couple of plays, but he played okay, overall. The defensive line was pretty stout, but the Titans did accumulate 112 yards on the ground.
Grade: C
Linebackers:
LaMarr Woodley looked pretty good in this game, but he needs to put more pressure on the QB. Jarvis Jones made one splash play, but other than that, he didn’t do much. Even Lawrence Timmons didn’t perform greatly.
Grade: C-
Secondary:
Troy Polamalu was pretty active in this game; the Steelers will need more of that in weeks to come. Ryan Clark was as reliable as ever; he made a good amount of plays in run support. The Steelers’ top 3 corners weren’t great but they weren’t bad either. In fact, William Gay played the best out of all cornerbacks.
Grade: B-
Special Teams:
Today’s game was further evidence that the addition of Zoltan Mesko was a head-scratcher. I don’t believe Drew Butler is better than Mesko, but Mesko is not an upgrade. The kick and punt coverage was also pretty poor.
Grade: D
Overall:
The defense didn’t play bad, in fact, they played good enough to win. The offensive problems continue on to the regular season from the preseason for the Steelers. It’s only one game, but that was an awful display, and the Steelers don’t look any better in 2013 than they did in 2012, thus far.
Grade: F
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