The Pittsburgh Steelers 2024 preseason is now within the books. As we speak, I wished to recap the groups’ full preseason grades and whole snaps.
Listed here are the per sport articles:
Steelers Vs. Texans Preseason Sport 1
Steelers Vs. Payments Preseason Sport 2
Steelers Vs. Lions Preseason Sport 3
Included on this article are all Steelers that performed, whether or not or not they made the 53-man roster cutdown. I will even present knowledge from Professional Soccer Focus (PFF) and takeaways.
Offense:
Wonderful (90-Plus Grades):
NONE.
Nice (80-Plus Grades):
Three gamers right here. WR Dez Fitzpatrick (89.8 grade, 65 snaps) had the highest preseason grade on offense. Regardless of this, he was launched by Pittsburgh, significantly missing sufficient particular groups worth. He led the staff in yards (130), catching all 5 of his targets, and a 59-yard explosive play within the finale that was the offenses longest acquire of the preseason.
WR Jaray Jenkins (86.9, 24) was additionally unable to resist roster cuts. He caught 4 of his 5 targets for 44 yards, with the finale being his strongest graded sport.
TE MyCole Pruitt (80.0, 44) was the strongest graded participant nonetheless within the Black and Gold. Working beneath OC Arthur Smith tutelage with two former groups definitely helped Pruitt’s trigger, as he jockied for his spot on the extra emphasised place. Caught each of his targets, each weighty ones: an explosive over-the-middle to the pink zone, and a third-and-long conversion. Not unhealthy as a blocker both (77.5 PBLK, 63.6 RBLK).
Good (70-Plus Grades):
A whopping ten on this tier. Former four-string QB John Rhys Plumlee (79.9, 9) noticed motion to shut the finale. Since, reduce and signed by the Jaguars, he went 3/4 for 32 yards with some good passes and talent together with his legs.
WR George Pickens (76.7, 38) did Pickens issues, specifically his improved YAC since getting into the league. He caught 5/6 targets for 55 yards, together with an explosive 32-yarder within the finale that displayed good route-running to get open. Large season forward.
The main focus for TE Darnell Washington (76.5, 54) has been blocking, and led the complete staff with a 75.7 RBLK, together with a 71.4 PBLK. Nice to see wanted enchancment. The flipside was zero targets as a receiver, which might have been good to see.
WR Scotty Miller (73.8, 57) led the staff with ten targets and eight catches. They went for 74 yards, together with an explosive 38-yarder on a double-move with YAC within the opener. He received out on the finish of the place room, exhibiting good palms and reliability general.
QB Kyle Allen (72.6, 59) caught because the third-stringer as anticipated. He had essentially the most makes an attempt (28), completions (20), yards (261), and the one passer to throw a landing (red-zone flat to TE Connor Heyward). Additionally had the one interception, overthrown within the waning moments of the opener.
WR Tarik Black (72.2, 7) performed within the opener solely, with one catch for 11 yards, a third-and-one conversion on the finish of the sport. Pittsburgh reached an injury-settlement with him, ending his preseason in Pittsburgh.
WR Van Jefferson (72.0, 49) was second on the staff with eight targets and 6 catches. 57 yards on these alternatives, together with a pleasant corner-route for a 20-yard explosive within the opener. Good preseason, staking his declare for an vital position this season after no big-name outsiders have been introduced in.
RB Aaron Shampklin (71.3, 41) was the highest grade on the place, with 13 rush makes an attempt for 40 yards, and three/4 receiving (every led staff) however solely three-yards. Apply squad appeared attainable, however no cube, no less than for now.
Identical for RB Daijun Edwards (71.0, 25). Seven rushes for 37 yards, that includes an explosive 24 yarder, and a goal-line landing within the opener.
QB Russell Wilson (70.4, 26) is the ultimate man on this tier. Introduced because the starter, unsurprisingly, he went 10/12 for 73 yards with no TDs or INTs. Led the staff with an 83.3 completion fee, conservative in nature general being the preseason. Good reference to Pickens, the aforementioned explosive crosser on Third-and-11 being a spotlight that we hopefully see typically within the common season.
The Dangerous (Beneath 50 Grades):
Seven right here. TE Rodney Williams (49.7, 28) was an odd-man out, however Pittsburgh was in a position to stash him on the follow squad. Wasn’t focused within the go sport, and had decrease blocking marks than most TEs that made the staff (68.7 PBLK, 54.2 RBLK).
TE Matt Sokol (49.7, 30) was additionally reduce on the place. Unable to reel-in his lone goal (PBU), and had higher blocking grades (76.5 PBLK, 61.2 RBLK) than my impressions from watching the video games.
G Joey Fisher (49.1, 58) was a reduce casualty too. Main the staff with two penalties, an on-field meltdown on back-to-back performs within the finale was probably insurmountable. 67.8 PBLK grade together with a pair pressures, however no sacks allowed, in comparison with a decrease 58.7 RBLK.
G James Daniels (48.2, 39). Discouraging to see the starter right here, dinged closely as a run blocker (42.7). Sure, he was beat unhealthy on a pair events, however a harsher grade than I envisioned. Complicated to Daniels general grade was a a lot stronger 85.3 PBLK, that includes no pressures or sacks allowed all preseason.
G Tyler Seaside (41.4, 38) was reduce, and related splits on his block grades (73.8 PBLK, 42.1 RBLK). He wasn’t adequate, however an fascinating layer was 29 passing snaps versus simply 9 run blocking, and leaned in direction of the latter regardless of these pattern sizes. Additionally a penalty to his title.
Isaac Seumalo (41.4, 23) is the fourth guard in a row on this tier. 42.1 RBLK tied for final on the staff with Seaside. Whereas he wasn’t good, that grade was too low, with nice examples on movie together with key blocks on a number of speeding TDs. Since, Seumalo suffered a pec tear, with studies indicating “we dodged a bullet” being out round a month versus season-ending potential.
T Anderson Hardy (39.5, 41) was additionally moved on from, and the bottom grade on offense. He allowed 4 pressures (T-most on the staff), contributing to his decrease 31.5 PBLK (55.5 RBLK), and was additionally responsible of a penalty.
Protection:
Wonderful (90-Plus Grades):
The one wonderful grade, in all three-phases for Pittsburgh, was EDGE Nick Herbig (93.1, 33). Not solely did that lead the staff, however the NFL on the place, and third-best amongst all defenders. His 92.6 PRSH additionally led the complete NFL, that includes a tie for the sack lead, and a strip-sack turnover. Cashed in on his six pressures, and offered six stops on his tackles (led staff, T-sixth throughout the NFL), together with some plus run protection. WOW.
Nice (80-Plus Grades):
4 gamers. Beginning together with his former Wisconsin teammate: DL Keeanu Benton (87.3, 28). Displayed the best second-year leap, flashing typically with wins with a wider array of strikes. 87.9 PRSH was second on the staff, tenth throughout the complete NFL, and second-best among the many place within the league. Included 4 pressures and two sacks, in comparison with a 66.1 RDEF.
DL Larry Ogunjobi (84.4, 30) additionally performed effectively on equally sparse motion. All three of his pressures have been hurries (70.1 PRSH), and had a team-best 78.6 RDEF at inside DL (seventh league-wide). Did have a missed deal with although (28.5 MTACK), however nice to see an general stable exhibiting, hopefully reaching the excessive expectations which have but to happen but in Pittsburgh.
CB Cory Trice (81.3, 66) had a really good preseason, superior to see with depth on the place missing, together with final season being robbed on account of harm. Strong 80.3 COV permitting 3/3 on his targets, however simply 5 yards. Additionally had a run TFL within the finale, and offered three stops on his 4 tackles (78.6 TACK, 75.4 RDEF).
LB Tyler Matakevich (81.1, 16) returned to the Metal Metropolis, making the 53-man roster primarily for particular groups. Greatest grades on protection have been a 78.6 RDEF and 74.9 TACK, together with a cease.
Good (70-Plus Grades):
Eight defenders. CB Kalon Barnes (77.1, 33) suffered an harm, showing within the opener solely. Obtained a 77.6 COV and 76.9 TACK, in comparison with 63.0 RDEF. Two stops on three tackles, with matching numbers on catches allowed and targets for ten yards.
S Miles Killebrew (75.5, 41) had one of many groups two interceptions, albeit a simple one. Good to see playmaking on that aspect of the ball, but additionally stays on the 53 on account of his particular groups prowess (Professional-Bowler).
LB Luquay Washington (72.2, 47) was reduce, and thought his grades have been beneficiant. Protection was his lowest mark (41.9), permitting one catch on two targets for 12 yards the place he struggled to deal with. That’s amid the next 79.4 TACK than I anticipated, and an 84.1 RDEF that led the staff (eleventh league-wide at LB) regardless of solely one among his seven tackles being a cease.
EDGE Kyron Johnson (71.1, 129) was one of many extra shocking releases, and had essentially the most whole snaps on the staff. He tied Herbig with a Steelers excessive six pressures, and as many tackles. Highs and lows for positive, together with not becoming Pittsburgh’s best EDGE mildew or lighting the particular groups world on hearth is smart in hindsight.
DL/EDGE DeMarvin Leal (71.0, 59) wanted a superb offseason, answering the bell as he secured a roster spot. 5 whole pressures and two sacks led to his strongest 74.4 PRSH, together with a 70.4 RDEF was encouraging, however did have a missed deal with (49.9 TACK).
CB Thomas Graham (70.9, 56) went to the follow squad, a bit shocking with a scarcity of depth within the slot. An outdoor addition is probably going coming. 78.6 TACK was his strongest grade, which I believed was too excessive given missed alternatives in my notes. Different marks have been within the 60s, together with a 69.1 COV. Allowed two catches for 25 yards, with a pleasant PBU in Sport Two. Down-trended within the finale although.
CB Zyon Gilbert (70.8, 70) was signed to the follow squad. Led Steelers corners with a 77.1 RDEF with 4 whole tackles there. Had a pleasant TFL on a display screen recognition, however was typically cleansing up chunk-gains (11 whole tackles, 4 stops) and had one missed deal with. Allowed catches on all six targets for 50 yards (66.4 COV).
DL Dean Lowry (70.1, 49) is the ultimate participant. Had three whole pressures, a bat, together with a FR (Herbig strip-sack) within the finale. Is smart that Lowry’s 77.9 PRSH was his strongest mark. No tackles and a 56.8 RDEF stand out negatively although.
The Dangerous (Beneath 50 Grades):
9 right here, beginning with DL Montravius Adams (49.9, 51). His lowest grade was a 37.8 RDEF (second-worst on staff), with three whole run tackles and one cease. Thought that was a bit low. Stronger 68.1 PRSH together with three pressures and a sack, together with a 3rd down bat within the finale. 73.0 TACK was his strongest mark, with 4 whole and no misses.
CB Joey Porter (49.7, 26) was dinged in protection (45.0) specifically for a DPI penalty within the opener, coming with the territory of his bodily nature. Allowed only one catch this preseason (12 yards) although, and offered good RDEF (67.2) and tackling (75.1).
DL Marquiss Spencer (48.6, 25) was reduce. 70.7 TACK was his finest mark, with two whole and one cease. Lacked general affect although, with a 55.7 PRSH and 50.4 RDEF. The staff saved a whopping eight on the preliminary 53, however no actual shot of constructing it.
CB Beanie Bishop (48.3, 40) was the final man standing at slot nook, the clear possibility as of right now. A 31.4 RDEF was his lowest grade, worst amongst all Steelers. Confirmed some positives as a tackler (80.6), second-best on the staff, however zero pressures on 9 go rushes (48.5) and 58.6 COV level to him not exhibiting sufficient for consolation (but).
LB Payton Wilson (46.0, 70) confirmed encouraging flashes, significantly in run protection within the opener (70.5), and protection chops in Sport Two (68.4). Up-and-down although, together with two missed tackles this preseason, for his lowest general preseason grade (32.7 TACK). 9 whole tackles, 4 for stops, together with his athletic playmaking on show that’s extra encouraging that these marks shifting ahead.
EDGE Marcus Haynes (45.5, 42) landed on the follow squad, enjoying within the finale with Pittsburgh after restricted motion with Inexperienced Bay within the opener. 70.5 RDEF was his finest by far, however was torched in protection (28.1) on a 29-yard catch, together with poor tackling (43.3) and 43.1 PRSH (one strain, 21 go rushes).
DL Isaiahh Loudermilk (40.1, 83) made the 53, with go rush the constructive of his preseason: 5 whole pressures, 4 hurries, and a QB hit. His different grades are removed from inspiring (37.9 RDEF, 24.8 TACK). The latter was on account of 4 missed tackles (T-team excessive), two in opposition to the run. Familiarity as a depth piece, however hoping for well being in entrance of him, and fewer enjoying time than final season.
The bottom grades have been two linebackers that have been reduce expectedly: Kiondre Thomas (37.7, 49) and Kyahva Tezino (26.0, 14).
Particular Groups:
Wonderful (90-Plus Grades):
NONE.
Nice (80-Plus Grades):
Two right here. Nick Herbig (83.9, 13) tops this record for Pittsburgh. 4-teamer, and had a deal with. Bishop (82.2, 6) performed on three groups, largely punt protection. Room for progress, however his efficiency there in comparison with others probably affected Pittsburgh’s roster selections at CB.
Good (70-Plus Grades):
On this tier, 4. Mark Robinson (78.4, 17) continues to stake his roster declare right here. Core teamer, and had a spotlight massive hit deal with.
Jalen Elliott (76.6, 32) was not anticipated by many to make the 53. He led the staff with 4 mixed particular groups tackles, separating himself with worth right here. Did miss a deal with although, and actually need to monitor his play within the common season.
Matakevich (75.9, 19) performed on 5 models, with a deal with, but additionally missed one. We all know he’s a core man although. Plumlee (74.5, 16) makes one other record, and was the one particular teamer thus far to not make the roster. Three groups, specifically kick return, doing effectively for somebody with a QB label.
The Dangerous (Beneath 50 Grades):
A large ten gamers. Dez Fitzpatrick (48.8, 34) touchdown right here re-emphasizes the groups’ willingness to half methods. 4 groups, two tackles, however a missed one and a penalty.
Darius Rush (48.5, 30) made the 53, enjoying 5 models with an assisted deal with, and FG block main the best way. Had an offside penalty there although. Miller (46.6, 6) was on punt return and protection models, with the previous going much better. Seaside (41.7, 6) additionally lands within the unhealthy group right here (FG), now not with Pittsburgh.
Ryan Watts (40.6, 35) performed 4 groups, with a deal with, however a penalty as effectively. The scary long-term harm on the finish of the finale is the primary story, sadly. Christian Kuntz (37.7, 22) retained his long-snapper spot, although PFF graded him poorly, and offered an assisted deal with.
Graham (37.2, 14) actually struggled, contributing to touchdown on the follow squad. The remainder have been reduce: Deuce Watts (35.5, 4), Luquay Washington (30.8, 19), RB La’Mical Perine (30.6, 20). Sure, particular groups matter.
STEELERS 2024 FULL PRESEASON TOTAL SNAPS:
Thanks for studying and let me know your ideas within the feedback.
