Winners and losers from the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 29-24 win in Week 16 in opposition to the Detroit Lions.
WINNERS
EDGE Alex Highsmith & EDGE Jack Sawyer
Even with T.J. Watt and Nick Herbig out, Pittsburgh’s EDGE rushers held up. Highsmith has been elite in opposition to the run for the final month, and he additionally left sort out Taylor Decker suits within the passing recreation. The sacks weren’t there however the stress certain was. Sawyer impressed in his first begin. He pressured a fumble on RB Jahmyr Gibbs and made a goal-line run stuff unblocked off the sting later within the half.
Pittsburgh has such a deep group of out of doors linebackers that it insulates in opposition to accidents to even a number of of them.
RB Kenneth Gainwell & RB Jaylen Warren
Gainwell continues to make his case for being the NFL’s greatest “worth” participant. He confirmed his imaginative and prescient and burst within the working recreation with a great run early. However his receiving affect continues to imply most. None higher than his 45-yard landing with seconds left within the first half. Unbelievable effort and among the best performs you’ll see.
Gainwell helps push Pittsburgh nearer to the playoffs along with his play the final a number of weeks. And nearer to a substantial offseason payday.
To not be outdone, Warren added equivalent 45-yard dashing scores within the second half. Nice blocking aided each, but it surely was good to see Warren pop after a few quiet weeks. A superb duo.
DL Cam Heyward
Heyward’s been overdue from making this listing for the final two weeks. Regardless of being 36 and requested to play tons of snaps, he’s taking part in a few of his greatest ball of the season. A sack in a second-straight recreation together with regular run protection that helped maintain Jahmyr Gibbs to nothing on the bottom. Heyward simply will get stronger and has proven no indicators of slowing down. No small feat and one which shouldn’t be taken as a right.
WR Scotty Miller & WR Adam Thielen
Pittsburgh counted on these two to maneuver the chains. Thielen was a preferred Aaron Rodgers goal at any time when Pittsburgh wanted a third-down pickup, displaying a really feel to get open by understanding leverages and smooth spots in zone protection. Miller made an enormous fourth-down catch over the center and got here again with a sideline toe-tap afterward the drive.
These two weren’t the anticipated clutch receivers late within the season however the NFL is a winding highway. Each workforce is simply on the lookout for somebody to make a play and these two did Sunday.
HC Mike Tomlin
Regardless of being counted out by most to win this recreation, the Steelers notched certainly one of their greatest victories of the 12 months and have themselves a three-game successful streak. Tomlin’s aggressiveness from Monday’s win in opposition to Miami carried over into Detroit. It wanted to. He was aggressive on fourth all the way down to push the envelope and never simply accept punts and discipline place.
He additionally had the protection prepared for Detroit’s No. 1-ranked offense. Taking away the run recreation, the star gamers, and the Lions’ personal fourth-down moments. Together with an important goal-line play-action cease the place each goal for QB Jared Goff was blanketed.
CB Joey Porter Jr.
Porter’s play hasn’t gotten sufficient love currently. However he’s been lockdown in man protection and was sticky in opposition to Lions prime WR Amon-Ra St. Brown. All whereas with out getting known as for penalties. Porter has elevated himself into a powerful cowl nook and could possibly be setting himself up for a hefty contract extension this offseason ought to he carry this play by means of the remainder of the common season and playoffs.
LOSERS
CB Asante Samuel Jr.
Two destructive performs that stick out right here. The primary on the punt-return unit, Samuel flagged for holding that bumped Pittsburgh again one other 10 yards. The second extra pricey, Samuel beat by Lions WR Khalif Raymond on a make-or-break 4th and a couple of.
If James Pierre will get wholesome for Week 17, he’ll seemingly retake his place within the beginning lineup.
WR DK Metcalf
Metcalf made performs within the second half as a receiver and blocker. But it surely’s unattainable to shake the primary half. Punching a fan within the stands. It doesn’t matter what the fan might have executed to antagonize the state of affairs. He clearly appeared rattled the remainder of the half, dropping a cross and committing offensive cross interference (although it appeared questionable).
Metcalf might face an NFL suspension in opposition to Cleveland. Whereas there’s an opportunity that recreation gained’t technically matter for the playoff race, it’s not the place you wish to put you or your teammates in for such a crucial portion of the season.
WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling & S Chuck Clark
Catch the ball. Each struggled with that Sunday. Valdes-Scantling might’ve had a pair large performs however did not make them. Clark dropped no less than two interceptions. Arguably a 3rd. Go end these performs on the sector.
LS Christian Kuntz
We’ve been warning of Kuntz’s bother with snaps this season. He had one other low one on Chris Boswell’s essential fourth-quarter miss.
Kuntz is battling a knee damage however there’s no margin for error at his place. Pittsburgh critically wants to contemplate making a change and turning to Cal Adomitis for the remainder of the season.
