Bulletin: Steelers’ Week 17 loss to Browns rating

The Pittsburgh Steelers pushed the Cleveland Browns to the absolute limit on Sunday. Mason Rudolph and a team of dropouts almost pulled it off, but managed a two-point conversion. Overall today could not have been better. The Steelers pushed the Browns over the brink on the road without sustaining injuries. My grades will reflect the gap between talent and the quality of those backups.

Let’s assess the team and highlight some individual performances. You might think my grades are perfect, you might also think I’m an idiot. Either way, express your opinions in the comments below.

Let’s do this …

Offense

Quality: B +

The offense had FIVE score readers, FIVE. They did it without Ben Roethlisberger or Maurkice Pouncey as well. Say what you want but I was really impressed with this group. If Rudolph hadn’t cast that pick or missed the two-point conversion, I think that score is increased to A.

Speaking of Mason Rudolph, check out these stats:
22/29
315 passing yards
2 touchdowns
1 Interceptions
89.2 Evaluation

It was also close to the best game Rudolph has played in the NFL. Especially when you factor in the Steelers still had about five drops left, he threw two assists and the passer’s missed knockout called on his interception. Rudolph was called up on Sunday and appears to have established himself as a career NFL replacement who may one day have another opportunity to start elsewhere.

Speaking of monster games, Chase Claypool was dynamic. Break the 100 yard plateau and add a ridiculous touchdown hold. I would definitely expect Claypool to be a big factor in the playoffs. James Conner also looked good with the ball in his hands and he took the lead as a star runner once again.

The only negative was the two offensive tackles, Alejandro Villanueva mostly looked like he was trying to get Rudolph killed at times. I would expect the Steelers to find their replacement in the 2021 NFL Draft …

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Defense

Category B

The defense played well enough for what they had. No TJ Watt, Cameron Heyward, Joe Haden or Terrell Edmunds but the group still managed to put together four sacks. With Robert Spillane set to return, you can see the potential of these units heading into the playoffs.

The defense’s inability to force a roll is likely the reason they couldn’t win the game in Cleveland, but without so many playmakers it’s hard to fault them. The defense was fine and made a few saves. You also can’t put all the points on their shoulders as Rudolph’s interception gave the Browns a great position on the pitch.

The good side of this unit will only get better, but reserves can build on this performance.

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Special teams

Grade: A

It was another game where nothing really special happened. But Matthew Wright was 3/3 on field goals and 1/1 on extra points, he earned another job in the NFL. On top of that, Jordan Berry had a great day in the boat.

Ray-Ray McCloud was great on the comebacks and Kevin Rader was a special teams ace. Wright and Berry deserve the A for their efforts alone.

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framing

Category B

It wasn’t a big day for big calls either. The two-point play appeal was a bit uninspired. However, Randy Fitchner and Keith Butler put the Steelers in a position to win the game.

Using Josh Dobbs as a gadget quarterback was a genius and gave the Steelers another dimension. One they should continue to use in the playoffs. Again that was the perfect result for the Steelers, they almost won and are in good health. I couldn’t ask for much more.

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Global

Quality: B +

I couldn’t be more proud of this group. The Steelers reservists gave the Browns all they could manage and braced for success against them next week. Was it a perfect game? No. But the Steelers should have full confidence in the world so that they can beat them again next week.

It was also a big day for Mason Rudolph who should at least land him another deal to become an NFL quarterback.

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The Steelers now face the playoffs for the first time since 2017. Their opponent, once again, will be the Cleveland Browns. With the return of many top players, we should expect a more complete game and hopefully the start of a long and memorable playoff run.