Steelers Vs Browns: Positional Grades

admin

You need 3 min read

·

Post on Nov 23, 2024

37 visitor like this post

Share

Steelers vs Browns: Positional Grades – A Week 1 Showdown

The Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers kicked off their 2023 seasons with a hard-fought battle, resulting in a nail-biting victory for the Steelers. But beyond the final score, how did each team's positional units perform? Let's dive into a detailed positional grading breakdown of this crucial AFC North matchup.

Offense

Pittsburgh Steelers Offense:

Quarterback (B+): Kenny Pickett showed improved decision-making and showcased his ability to extend plays with his legs. While not perfect, his performance was a significant step forward compared to previous seasons. He effectively managed the game and avoided critical turnovers.

Running Backs (A-): Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren provided a powerful one-two punch, consistently gaining yards between the tackles. Their ability to grind out tough yardage proved crucial in controlling the clock and wearing down the Browns' defense.

Wide Receivers (B): The Steelers' receiving corps showed flashes of brilliance but also struggled with consistency. While they made some big plays, drops and missed opportunities kept them from receiving a higher grade. Improved chemistry will be key as the season progresses.

Tight Ends (B+): The tight end position was a reliable target for Pickett, providing consistent chain-moving receptions. Their blocking also contributed significantly to the running game's success.

Offensive Line (B): The offensive line displayed a mixed bag. While providing solid run blocking, they struggled at times in pass protection, allowing some pressure on Pickett. Consistency will be crucial to unlock the full potential of the Steelers' offense.

Cleveland Browns Offense:

Quarterback (C+): Deshaun Watson's return wasn't as impactful as many hoped. While he showed glimpses of his talent, he also lacked precision and timing, resulting in several missed opportunities. Rust was clearly a factor.

Running Backs (B): Nick Chubb remained a dominant force, showcasing his exceptional running ability. However, the Browns' running game lacked the explosiveness needed to consistently break off big plays.

Wide Receivers (C): The Browns' receiving corps failed to consistently create separation, resulting in many unproductive plays. Improved route running and chemistry with Watson are needed.

Tight Ends (C-): The tight end position provided minimal impact on the offense, failing to establish itself as a consistent threat in both the passing and running games.

Offensive Line (B-): The Browns' offensive line showed moments of strength but also struggled with consistency, especially in pass protection. This hampered Watson's ability to make plays downfield.

Defense

Pittsburgh Steelers Defense:

Defensive Line (A): The Steelers' defensive line dominated the line of scrimmage, consistently applying pressure on Watson and disrupting the Browns' running game. Their performance was a significant factor in the Steelers' victory.

Linebackers (B+): The linebackers did an excellent job of reading the Browns' offense and making timely tackles. Their contributions to both run and pass defense were noteworthy.

Secondary (B): The Steelers' secondary had its moments, making some key plays, but also allowed some crucial completions. Consistency will be key to improving this area.

Cleveland Browns Defense:

Defensive Line (B-): The Browns' defensive line showed flashes of dominance but lacked consistency in pressuring Pickett. They struggled at times to control the line of scrimmage.

Linebackers (C+): The Browns' linebackers struggled to contain the Steelers' running game, missing several tackles and allowing crucial gains.

Secondary (C): The Browns' secondary struggled to contain the Steelers' passing game, allowing several big plays. Communication breakdowns and missed tackles contributed to their poor performance.

Special Teams

Steelers (B+): Solid performance across the board.

Browns (C): Room for improvement in all phases.

Conclusion

The Steelers' victory over the Browns highlighted their strengths in the trenches, particularly their dominant defensive line and effective running game. The Browns, on the other hand, need to improve their offensive consistency and defensive tackling. This was a closely contested game, and the positional grades reflect the fine margins that separated the two teams. The AFC North race is going to be a tough one this year.