| Advertisement |
Injuries have definitely been an issue for the Steelers, but head coach Mike Tomlin has to figure out two things if the Steelers are going to make the playoffs: why can't they beat sub-.500 teams and why are they such a different team when playing on the road. The Steelers are 3-1 at home and 1-2 on the road. They haven't won on the road since beating Washington in Week 1. They lost to the Eagles 34-3 and fell to the Dolphins, 30-15.
Advertisement
The Miami setback is exactly the type of loss that might prevent the Steelers from earning a top seed and a bye in the first round of the playoffs, if they make it at all.
PASSING OFFENSE: B -- Ben Roethlisberger hasn't exactly had his full complement of skill players for the first seven games, and as a result there has been a lack of continuity. Running back Le'Veon Bell sat out the first three games; receiver Markus Wheaton has missed four with a shoulder injury; receiver Eli Rogers was sidelined for three due to injury and a discipline issue; and receiver Sammie Coates has been limited in two games due to a finger injury. Even with players in and out of the lineup, the Steelers are averaging 267 passing yards per game. Opponents are double-teaming Antonio Brown more than in previous seasons, which makes the aforementioned players and their health all the more important in the second half of the season. Roethlisberger might return from an injury of his own this week.
RUSHING OFFENSE: C -- Running back Le'Veon Bell and center Maurkice Pouncey were All-Pros in 2014 and likely would have been again last season if they hadn't been injured. Guard David DeCastro was an All-Pro last season. That's why it's so hard to figure out why the Steelers are 20th in the league in rushing. They are averaging just 104 yards on the ground. This is one area where the Steelers have to improve upon greatly in the second half of the season. An improved running game will take some pressure off the passing game, which is a must with so many of the skill players dealing with injuries.
PASS DEFENSE: D -- There hasn't been a lot to like about the pass coverage this season. The defensive backs don't have an interception in the first seven games and opponents are passing for an average of 283 yards per game. General manager Kevin Colbert used his first two draft picks on secondary players, but they haven't helped out very much. First-round corner Artie Burns has been inconsistent as a nickel back and second-round safety Sean Davis has been benched.
RUSH DEFENSE: C -- The Dolphins and Patriots ran all over the Steelers, but much of that had to do with defensive end Cam Heyward missing those games with a hamstring injury. Once he returns, likely this week against Baltimore, the run defense will be better. But Heyward's injury did shed light on the lack of depth along the defensive line. It will be up to Heyward and fellow defensive end Stephon Tuitt to get the run defense back on better ground.
SPECIAL TEAMS: C -- Chris Boswell was 29-for-32 on field-goal attempts in his first NFL season last year, but he's already missed three this season, including two last week in a 27-16 loss to the Patriots. Punter Jordan Berry has been very good at pinning opponents inside their own 20 and the coverage has been solid for the most part. The return game leaves something to be desired, though. The kick returners and punt returners haven't been dangerous and that has resulted in average field position.
--OVERALL: B
Most Valuable Player: Running back Le'Veon Bell. Bell leads the NFL in average scrimmage yards per game with 147.2. He's averaging 86 rushing yards and 61.2 receiving yards per game. After missing the first three games of the season due to suspension, Bell has been a Mr. do-it-all for the Steelers, and he'll have to continue to be that during the playoff push because so many other important offensive players are injured.
Most Disappointing Player: Wide receiver Markus Wheaton. Wheaton was supposed to be the No. 2 receiver with Martavis Bryant serving a year-long suspension, but injuries and ineffective play have limited him to only four receptions for 51 yards. He's played in just three games due to a nagging shoulder injury, but the Steelers need much more from him when he does get healthy.
Most Surprising Rookie: Cornerback Artie Burns. The Steelers drafted Burns with the No. 25 overall pick in hopes he could help fix a secondary that has leaked major passing yards the past few seasons. But a hamstring injury in training camp slowed his development and he only recently ascended to a role in the nickel package. And quarterbacks are having success throwing his way. According to Pro Football Focus, opposing passers have a 108.0 passer rating when Burns is targeted.
