The Pittsburgh Steelers secured a hard-fought victory against the Atlanta Falcons with an 18-10 score, thanks to six field goals by Chris Boswell. Despite not finding the end zone, Pittsburgh's defensive line and specialist teams ensured the win. Here's a detailed breakdown of each position's performance:
Quarterback: C+ With Russell Wilson out, Justin Fields took the helm. While Fields managed the game and avoided interceptions, he struggled with fumbled exchanges and missed some reads. His performance kept the Steelers steady, but there's room for improvement. Running Back: B Najee Harris led the rushing attack with 20 carries for 70 yards, contributing significantly to the Steelers' fourth-quarter dominance. Though Jaylen Warren was limited by a hamstring injury, Harris' hard running kept the offense moving.
Wide Receiver: B+ George Pickens was the standout, elevating the unit's grade. Special teams contributions from Scotty Miller and Ben Skowronek also boosted this mark. However, the receiving corps, apart from Pickens, lacked separation and impact. Tight Ends: A- A well-rounded game from the tight ends, with key contributions from MyCole Pruitt, Pat Freiermuth, Connor Heyward, and Darnell Washington. Their blocking and receiving efforts were crucial. Offensive Line: B- The offensive line had a mixed performance, marred by fumbled exchanges and short-yardage struggles. Spencer Anderson's solid spot start was a highlight, but the unit needs to address inconsistencies.
Defensive Line and Outside Linebackers: A+ T.J. Watt dominated, as did Larry Ogunjobi and Keeanu Benton. Cam Heyward and Montravius Adams provided valuable support, making this group the game's standout. Inside Linebackers: A- While there were some missed tackles, the inside linebackers, including Payton Wilson and Patrick Queen, performed well. Elandon Roberts was consistent, rounding out a solid showing. Secondary: A+ Apart from a touchdown allowed by Beanie Bishop, the secondary neutralized key threats like Kyle Pitts and Drake London. Donte Jackson and DeShon Elliott grabbed interceptions, and Minkah Fitzpatrick continued to impress.
Specialists: A+ Chris Boswell's perfect six-for-six field goal performance, along with his substitute punting, made him the game's MVP. The specialists were instrumental in securing the win. Overall, the Pittsburgh Steelers' defense and special teams were the highlights of a tough battle against the Atlanta Falcons, leading to a satisfying victory.