Steelers vs. Jets - REPORT CARD

See How Ben & the OLine Grade Out vs the Jets

QUARTERBACK - Ben Roethlisberger was more than efficient with the football.  The most important statistic on this line is NO TURNOVERS.  Big Ben tallies 264yds passing with 1 TD to Emmanuel Sanders. Unlike in the past few games, Roethlisberger didn't look like he was missing on many throws.  Again, Ben made enough plays to win the game, and didn't make the plays that will lose the game for the Steelers.
GRADE - A-

RUNNING BACKS - This group on the surface should get a poor grade, but they did just enough to legitimize the Steelers running attack.  The team failed to reach the 100yd mark collectively (Again), but the threat to run was evident on 3rd and 2 when the play action left Emmanuel Sanders wide open down the middle of the field for the longest offensive play of the season.  Backs also did a good job out of the backfield and in blitz pickup.  I actually like where this group is headed at this point in the season.
GRADE - B

WIDE RECEIVERS - The receiving corps (which includes tight ends) took what was given to them and they made them pay.  Heath Miller had another showing that proves he is well on his way back from knee surgery and looks nearing "normal" again.  I tweeted this yesterday, but if you look at Antonio Brown, he is becoming a faster, more versatile version of Hines Ward.  He can catch the underneath routes, can throw if needed, and runs good routes.  All with the speed and agility of a punt returner.  AB is slowly filling into that #1 role that was left when Mike Wallace took his "talents" to South Beach.
GRADE - A-

OFFENSIVE LINE - This much maligned group got off to a very slow start.  Allowing sacks, called for penalties, and missing assignments had the Steelers sputtering after the 1st quarter.  Kelvin Beachum slowly settled in with the rest of the group, and they began to make plays.  Roethlisberger had time to throw, and there were some running lanes for the backs.  Lets not go anointing this group "the next great line in the NFL".  They are far from it, but Sunday was a step in the right direction if you ask me...still way too many penalties for my liking.
GRADE - C

DEFENSIVE LINE - The defensive line had a change when Cam Heyward stepped in for Ziggy Hood, but this change really wasn't that dramatic as the DLine rotates anyways.  In the 2nd half, Brett Keisel left with a rib injury and the DLine was forced to stay in and play.  Ziggy Hood had a sack and a couple pressures, and Cam Heyward did a good job in run support.  The one player who I expected alot more from has been Steve McLendon.  McLendon hasn't gotten the pressure we've seen in the past, and hasn't had his name called very often.  All in all, the DLine put together a nice performance yesterday forcing the Jets to abandon the run and have Geno Smith throw the football.
GRADE - B

LINEBACKERS - For the first time this season, the linebacking corps looked exactly like Steelers Linebackers should look like.  Flying from side to side making big hits and big plays.  Rookie ILB Vince Williams made several big plays in run support, and Lawrence Timmons played his best game this season.  There was also a Lamaar Woodley and Jarvis Jones sighting in New Jersey.  This unit needed a game like this, and it could be just what the doctor ordered heading into "Ravens Week".
GRADE - A-

DEFENSIVE BACKS - I almost had a heart attack when Steelers safety, Ryan Clark, made a red zone interception.  Why?  Well the Steelers hadn't caused a turnover this entire season.  I actually thought I was dreaming, but it was just the first of 2 turnovers the Steelers had on Sunday and it was a huge reason for the victory.  At the same time as praise is due, the Steelers secondary allowed Geno Smith to drive 60+ yards down the field to kick a FG before the end of the half.  There were also opportunities that were missed in the passing game because of a rookie QB that helped bail out the Steelers secondary.  Similar to the DLine, this group is getting better and starting to "gel", but there is still room for improvement.
GRADE - B

SPECIAL TEAMS - Zoltan Mesko still frustrates me as a punter, but he isn't losing the games for the Steelers, and Shaun "Sushi" Suisham is money in the bank as a place kicker (4-4 yesterday), but this group has had its struggles.  There were penalties in the return game and there was also a kick off out of bounds that resulted in giving the Jets great field position at the 40yd line.  Special teams was once considered the worst part of the Steelers team, but it has become a strength this season.
GRADE - A-

COACHES - I give the coaches credit for getting this team ready to roll after being 0-4 and coming off a bye.  You can tell what the message was to the players after the games by listening to player comments.  I was baffled by the game plan offensively in the first quarter, but after that the scheme settled in and the trick play again helped keep the opponent's defense off balance.  The defense seemed to dial up blitzes that confused Geno Smith and help create turnovers.  The Steelers are a team that will only go as far as the players will take them, but the coaching staff deserves a good grade after this week.
GRADE - A