I broke down the team into the following categories; quarterbacks, running backs, receivers/tight ends, offensive line, defensive line, linebackers, defensive backs, special teams, and coaching. Yeah, I know, I copycatted the guy from the Gazette.
Ms. Davis says grades are forthcoming
QUARTERBACKS:
This has been the Ben we expected last year, prior to the Evil Knievel shit. I'm very impressed with his improvisations and game management. Only 3 ints through his first 100+ passes is a stark contrast to last year. It would be very nice to see Ben develop his game into Pro Bowl form. I can't give him perfect marks, as he has missed some plays and has made a few forced decisions as he tried to do too much.
GRADE: A-
RUNNING BACKS:
Fast Willie has been huge through the first three weeks. Week 4 was a let down,
although it didn't appear that anyone could run on the Cards. If his health holds up, I expect Parker to wind up with some huge numbers. Of course there are still those out who want to compare him Barry Sanders and tell you that he's not our style of runner. (Tony, does Nanna read this blog?)
although it didn't appear that anyone could run on the Cards. If his health holds up, I expect Parker to wind up with some huge numbers. Of course there are still those out who want to compare him Barry Sanders and tell you that he's not our style of runner. (Tony, does Nanna read this blog?)GRADE: A-
RECEIVERS/TIGHT ENDS:
This group is improved, but they could be better. The absence of Ward last week showed us that we are short in possession guys. San Holmes continues to develop into a big game breaker,
and has the upside of a potential Isaac Bruce or Terrel Owens type guy. Nate Washington is still a middle of the road guy to me. Sometimes he makes a play, sometimes he drops the ball. He's been hit or miss since last season. Ced Wilson has vanished after a great exhibition. The tight ends are an emerging bunch, and appear to be poised to play a significant role in the Arians offense, especially when the cold air starts blowing in off the Allegheny.
GRADE: B-
OFFENSIVE LINE:
This group seems troublesome. The Steelers success over the last 30+ years has been predicated on dominance at the O line. This isn't science, great teams generally control the trench warfare, on both sides of the ball. The line seems to run block quite well, but the pass protection has been shoddy and sporadic. Frankly, a less mobile QB is probably looking at 15 sacks through the first four games. That's not going to cut it when we start playing teams like the Ravens and the Pats. Expect changes here.
GRADE: C
DEFENSIVE LINE:
A good bunch. Quietly underrated. Aaron Smith continues to play the unheralded workman on the end. Just so we are all straight here, Aaron Smith is one of the most solid, well rounded, and team oriented football players to ever grace the North Shore. Outside of Pittsburgh, he's one of those 'best players you never heard of' type guys. Casey Hampton continues to devour runners and pizzas (in Pro Bowl fashion with both), and Brett Keisel is emerging into one of those Cowher-esque defenders that just wreaks havoc on the field.
GRADE: A
LINEBACKERS:
Every sports writer in America took shots at Steeltown's lack of linebacker depth during the summer. The Joey Porter exodus was doomsday for us. Timmons and Woodley were overvalued. Well, I think someone deserves an apology. James Harrison has blossomed into the ruthless baby killing stud that sickens your opponent with fear. I think you need to go the whole way back to Greg Lloyd to find a guy that plays angrier. The inside guys (Foote, Farrior) are just as solid as ever, and the rooks like ok.
GRADE: A-
DEFENSIVE BACKS:
These guys have really stepped up their game thus far. Well, really, the step up is really the recovery of Ike Taylor. Troy Polamalu is the diffference maker when healthy. Townsend is steady as always.
GRADE: B+
SPECIAL TEAMS:
Clearly the most improved area on the team. Coverages are better (excluding the gaffe last week) and returns have been solid with few mistakes. The rookie punter looks like he may be a Northshore staple for years to come, and Jeff Reed is 100% in field goals, and more noticeably, his kickoffs have gotten deeper.
GRADE: B+
COACHING:
Now that the media is done telling you how Whiz beat us last week, we can take a reality check. We have a new coach with a handful of new assistants, and we are 3-1 while playing some exciting football. The playbook is wider now, and the team has a re-newed focus. The coach seems poised and very much in charge of his team. The nuances still need tinkering,...challenges, etc. On a whole, I like this guy and his staff.
GRADE: A-
TEAM OVERALL: A-
Ms. Smallbush says 'keep it up'
