Report Card: Rank Steelers’ Week 17 loss to Brown

The Pittsburgh Steelers Pay Cleveland Browns To the absolute limit on Sunday. Mason Rudolph and a cast of misfit actors almost made a comeback, but they were two points off the transfer. All in all, today couldn’t be better. The Steelers pushed Brown over the edge of a cliff on the road without taking any injuries. My scores will reflect the contrast in talent and how well these backups perform.

Let’s evaluate the team and highlight some individual performances. You might think my scores are straight away, you might also think I’m an idiot. Regardless, do share your thoughts in the comments below.

Let’s do it …

a crime

Grade: B +

Crime had five goals to score, five. They did without Ben Rothlesberger or Morikis Bounce, too. Say what you want but definitely like this set. Had Rudolph not thrown that choice or mistook a two-point conversion, I think this score would be further enhanced to A.

Speaking of Mason Rudolph check out these stats:
22/29
315 passing yards
2 fall
1 Objections
89.2 ratings

It was the closest thing to the best game Rudolph had played in the NFL. Especially when you still have about five drops in the Steelers, he threw two passes away, missing calling passersby when intercepted. Rudolph was contacted on Sunday and it looks like he’s cemented himself as a backup NFL that one day may get another chance to start somewhere else.

Speaking of monster games, Chase Claypool was dynamic. Cracking a 100-yard plateau and adding a silly landing catch. I definitely expect Claypool to be a big factor in the qualifiers. James Conner also looked good with the ball in his hands and has stepped forward as the distinguished sprinter again.

The only negative was the offensive tackle, and Alejandro Villanueva in particular looked like he was trying to kill Rudolph at times. I expect Steelers to find a replacement for him in 2021 NFL Project…

defense

Degree B.

The defense played fairly well for what they had. No TJ Watt, Cameron Heyward, Joe Haden, or Terrell Edmunds but the group manages to put in four bags. As Robert Spielan nears a comeback, you can see these potential units as the playoffs approach.

The defenders’ inability to force a spin is likely the reason why they couldn’t win the match at Cleveland but without so many playmakers, it’s hard to blame them. The defense was good and was off a bit. You also can’t put all of the points on their shoulders because Rudolph’s interception gave Brown an excellent field position.

The brighter side of this unit will only improve but reserves can build on this performance.

Special teams

Grade: a

This was another game where nothing really special happened. But Matthew Wright was 3/3 in field goals and 1/1 in bonus points landing another job in the NFL. Furthermore, Jordan Berry had a good day hitting the ball.

Ray Ray McCloud was just fine at striking back and Kevin Rader was an outstanding player. Both Wright and Perry deserve an A grade for their efforts alone.

Training

Degree B.

This wasn’t a totally special day for the big play calls either. The two-point play call was an uninspiring touch. But Randy Fitchener and Keith Butler put the Steelers in a position to win the match.

Josh Dobbs’ use as a quarterback device was genius and gave the Steelers another dimension. One they should continue to use in qualifying. Again, this was the perfect result for the Stylists, they almost won and are healthy. Couldn’t ask for much more.

Inclusive

Grade: B +

I couldn’t be more proud of this group. Reserves gave the Brown Steelers everything they could handle and set themselves up for success against them next week. Was it a perfect game? No. But the Steelers must have all the confidence in the world that they can beat them again next week.

This was also a great day for Mason Rudolph who should at least give him another deal to be the NFL midfielder.

The Steelers are now heading towards the playoffs for the first time since 2017. Their opponent will once again be the Cleveland Browns. With so many high-profile players returning, we should expect a more complete match and hopefully the start of a long and unforgettable playoff tour.