Steelers Vs. Chiefs Week 17: PFF Grades And Total Snaps

Sadly, it’s unhappy tidings for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Losers of three-straight (10-6), this one to the now 15-1 Kansas Metropolis Chiefs, in an terrible 29-10 Christmas Day exhibiting for the as soon as promising playoff workforce.

On this article I’ll present knowledge from Professional Soccer Focus (PFF) and takeaways from watching the movie.

Offense:

Glorious (90-Plus Grades):

NONE.

Nice (80-Plus Grades):

The best grade on offense was T Broderick Jones (83.6 grade, 75 snaps). This was primarily as a consequence of an elite 91.4 run block grade that led the workforce. He did a number of good issues there for positive, together with a number of situationally, however did be aware sufficient losses that I anticipated the grade to be decrease. Move blocking was a shock.

PFF had him for 2 pressures, a rush, and a QB hit on Russell Wilson (throwaway). Wilson did invite numerous strain, however that doesn’t negate a number of losses for Jones for my part. Beat (some badly) across the edge, inside spin, and pushed again to call some cases, on a extra applicable however nonetheless higher than anticipated 68.8 PBLK grade. Finest total and RBLK of 2024 is sweet to see although.

Good (70-Plus Grades):

Three gamers. C Zach Frazier (74.6, 75) did some good issues, together with an 81.3 RBLK that was second on the workforce, however actually not his greatest day. Key blocks on chunk run performs, noting good ones within the crimson zone, enjoyably strolling a man again on one. Move blocking was extra hit/miss (70.0), together with situational and crimson space, however to not the extent of Jones.

Max Scharping (74.3, 7) got here in at LT for Dan Moore Jr. in rubbish time, given the 29-10 loss already at hand. That asterisk is vital, however good to see him grade effectively on the chance.

TE Darnell Washington (72.0, 26) had a very nice day as a blocker total. His few blemishes have been pricey although, most notably a crimson zone holding penalty that negated a would-be landing for RB Jaylen Warren, and was beat simply across the edge for a sack allowed. 64.0 RBLK, 59.0 PBLK. Additionally had a brief catch and churn for eight yards on his lone goal early (72.1 REC).

The Dangerous (Beneath 50 Grades):

Only one, surprisingly. TE Connor Heyward (47.7, 21) was dinged for an offsides, arguably, negating an superior catch by WR George Pickens (nice to have you ever again). Additionally famous a failed run block pull. Had an eight-yard catch in rubbish time. Finest particular person grade was 69.7 PBLK, on only one snap although. 56.5 RBLK, 54.7 REC.

Protection:

Glorious (90-Plus Grades):

DL Cam Heyward was the best grade on protection (90.1, 50). 4 mixed tackles included a TFL, however that got here in rubbish time. Extra encouraging was a primary drive third and 1 no acquire assisted run sort out, however KC proceeded to transform on 4th and 1. Carried out effectively early total, however waned via the sport. Three pressures and two hurries led the workforce, with a crimson zone QB hit on the second drive. Group greatest 81.8 PRSH and 78.9 RDEF. 71.0 TACK.

Nice (80-Plus Grades):

CB Cory Trice Jr. (83.9, 47) performed effectively total in Joey Porter Jr.’s absence. A number of good protection reps, together with an intercepted two-point conversion try, go breakup, and on a number of third downs. Two catches allowed for 12 yards, with one in every of his three tackles a terrific click on and shut sort out for a cease. 90.1 protection led the workforce, 76.4 TACK, however 38.8 run protection.

Good (70-Plus Grades):

Two right here. EDGE Alex Highsmith (78.7, 52) was a shiny spot too. 4 mixed tackles, all run stops largely within the first half, two for no acquire together with a wow block shed. Enormous crimson zone go breakup in protection, with TE Travis Kelce large open as he was a lot of the sport in the long run zone, whew. PFF solely charted two pressures. Misplaced a number of reps, however his influence was far better than that in my notes. 80.3 RDEF (team-high), 78.6 COV, 76.0 TACK, 54.7 PRUSH.

DL Isaiah Loudermilk (71.7, 6) was a optimistic in restricted motion. Pushed the pocket effectively for a go rush strain/hurry, and famous a stable run protection rep. Had an assisted run sort out in rubbish time, however it was a profitable play. 69.8 PRUSH, 68.1 TACK, 62.0 RDEF.

The Dangerous (Beneath 50 Grades):

Three gamers. LB Payton Wilson (49.8, 29) made some performs, however was merely out of place on way more. Powerful man protection ask on speedster WR Xavier Worthy, giving only a step, however led to a missed path sort out and 21-yard acquire. 4 mixed tackles, two stops together with a no acquire run sort out round a block. Ineffective on six go rushes. 61.6 RDEF, 52.3 COV, 50.2 PRSH, 40.7 TACK.

DL Montravius Adams (48.9, 13) struggled each as a go rusher (no pressures), and run defender together with the crimson zone. A uncommon optimistic be aware was within the ultimate seconds in crimson zone run protection. 67.3 TACK, 54.0 PRUSH, 53.8 RDEF.

CB Donte Jackson was the bottom grade of protection (38.5, 58), expectedly. Allowed a 49-yard double explosive catch on a go-ball to a TE not named Kelce, slowing up confusingly in protection. Shoe-string restoration sort out although. This crimson zone journey resulted in a TD (by the identical receiver), equaling an early 13-0 deficit it one other sluggish begin for Pittsburgh. Hit and miss in protection in any other case too. 77.9 TACK, 64.1 RDEF, 35.1 COV (team-worst).

Particular Groups:

Glorious (90-Plus Grades):

The best grade on particular groups and total was Mark Robinson (91.3, 18). One other compelled fumble, his second the final three video games. Bounced KC’s approach although, and proceeded on a TD drive to go up 13-0 early. Examples of Pittsburgh not capitalizing as soon as once more. Was additionally very stable total on each kickoff and punt protection groups.

Nice (80-Plus Grades):

Miles Killebrew (85.3, 18) had a terrific punt return sort out on a miniscule two-yard return, because the returner unwisely didn’t truthful catch. Was additionally very stable on protection models all through the sport.

Good (70-Plus Grades):

Tyler Matakevich (70.2, 18). I famous a weaker day, with a number of points on protection groups. On the bottom on a pair, a poor angle on a protracted 31-yard kick return, however did be aware a superb kick return block.

The Dangerous (Beneath 50 Grades):

Three right here. Connor Heyward additionally makes this naughty record (48.6, 18). Specifically for a missed sort out on that 31-yard kickoff return, however did have a sort out on a 25-yard return, and famous a superb kick return block.

Trice (48.1, 15) was merely unhealthy, in contrast to his defensive efficiency. Bought extra time and was poor at gunner with Ben Skowronek unavailable (get effectively quickly). Additionally had a foul kick return block.

The bottom grade on particular groups and total was Nick Herbig (29.9, 6). A poor kick return block allowed a sort out, and struggled on protection models, together with poor block shedding and being on the bottom.