Steelers Vs. Chargers Week 3: PFF Grades And Complete Snaps

3-0 BABY! The Pittsburgh Steelers stayed within the winner’s circle with one other dominant defensive efficiency general. Historic, the truth is, permitting a mind-blowing -5 yards within the second half, which is the second least since 2001. The offense and particular groups additionally turned it up out of the locker room, and taking part in cleaner general aided within the 20-10 victory towards the Los Angeles Chargers.

On this article, I’ll present information from Professional Soccer Focus (PFF) and takeaways from watching the movie.

Offense:

Wonderful (90-Plus Grades):

G James Daniels (93.2 grade, 68 snaps) was the very best grade on offense for the second week in a row. One other glorious exhibiting as a run blocker (91.7), the very best G of Week 3. Extra full recreation, with higher go blocking this week (81.6) that included no pressures or sacks for the primary time in 2024. Famous some misplaced reps within the first half however was one of many dominant second-half contributors with just one detrimental. Cherished his efficiency.

Nice (80-Plus Grades):

Rookie C Zach Frazier (88.8, 68) continued to look the half, notably as a run blocker, with a superb 91.3 grade that ranked second greatest at C this week. Pancakes, combos, second degree, you identify it, and he delivered with solely a few blemishes in my notes. Specifically, go blocking, noting a handful of misplaced reps, together with a strain (QB hit) for a 57.8 PBLK. Good begin to his profession, and hopefully, the latter traits positively as nicely.

WR Calvin Austin (82.0, 37) received extra burn, stepping up impressively. Caught 4/5 targets, for 95 yards (led the group), and the lone receiving TD. That was a jump-out-of-your-seat play, a double-explosive 55-yarder, getting free on the post-route and displaying his burner pace. Additionally had one other explosive, a 3-and-14 slot slant for 25 yards. This contributed to the second most YAC from NFL WRs in Week 3. Incredible to see his talents schemed and utilized.

Good (70-Plus Grades):

QB Justin Fields (75.4, 68) had his greatest efficiency, probably claiming the beginning job transferring ahead. He went 25/32 for a 78.1 completion proportion, his greatest price on most makes an attempt in 2024. Would’ve been even higher if not for 2 drops. 244 passing yards was additionally a season-high (156 beforehand), as we noticed the passing recreation actually open up within the second half. He decisively received it to his playmakers for YAC and explosive performs, with Pittsburgh having eight complete that included some assist from LA by way of penalties. Encouraging.

WR Scotty Miller (71.3, 38) was a part of that membership. My favourite was a pace out caught at one air yard, breaking a deal with on the sideline and turning that right into a 20-yard explosive. He additionally compelled one other missed deal with on as many catches, 2/2 on his targets for 31 yards. The second missed deal with drew a facemask penalty, leading to explosive yardage. Austin and Miller stepped up and mentioned, we complement WR George Pickens simply nice!

The Unhealthy (Beneath 50 Grades):

NONE. What a uncommon and nice sight!

Protection:

Wonderful (90-Plus Grades):

Two had been stellar on this recreation. The very best grade on protection, and general, was EDGE Nick Herbig (95.5, 19). The very best-graded NFL defender of Week 3, together with a top-ranked 95.4 PRUSH. As soon as once more, spectacular high quality on his alternatives. Whereas that’s not new, he received a bit extra amount with Alex Highsmith exiting the sport (groin). Having Herbig within the wings left no drop-off. Three complete tackles (all stops), three pressures (led group), two sacks (one strip), together with stable run protection. My solely detrimental notice was a missed deal with on a 3rd sack alternative. Dominant.

DL Cameron Heyward (90.2, 34) continues to defy father time. 4 complete tackles, all stops, and two TFLs, together with a well timed 3-and-14 fourth-quarter sack. The latter locations Heyward as Pittsburgh’s second all-time sack chief. Staff-high 85.7 RDEF factors to his calling card, the place three of his stops got here, and impacted many others for teammates to make performs. Incomes that contract extension, little question.

Nice (80-Plus Grades):

NONE, stunning with how sturdy the protection performed.

Good (70-Plus Grades):

Two gamers. CB Joey Porter (74.8, 46) was stable. 4 complete tackles, together with a TFL towards the run the place he identified, shot the hole, stayed clear, and made the positive deal with. That has been a problem previously, his rookie 12 months and two missed tackles within the first two video games. Hopefully, he’ll construct on this exhibiting transferring ahead, incomes a 77.6 TACK in Week 3. Allowed only one catch on his lone goal for seven yards (team-leading 71.2 COV), and a pleasant 76.5 RDEF (second) the place he confirmed refreshing tenacity.

EDGE T.J. Watt (72.6, 44) was impactful as regular. Three complete tackles (all stops), two QB hits, and a sack. We’ve seen gaudier stat-lines from him, however the timeliness of his manufacturing stands out. Third downs, second half, impacting performs for teammates, and effectiveness regardless of being held greater than a handful of instances in my notes with out calls. Guess the refs simply need to give OTs an opportunity.

The Unhealthy (Beneath 50 Grades):

4 right here, greater than anticipated. DL Dean Lowry (48.3, 6) made his Steelers debut with an assisted no-gain run deal with. I additionally famous three different positives: two go rush pushes, one that includes good consciousness on the bat try, and a shed in run protection. He was walled towards the run on a 13-yard acquire (53.6 RDEF), and graded 57.0 as a go rusher. Each had been larger than his 48.3 OVR, which is a bit complicated. PFF didn’t credit score him for the run cease, which might’ve boosted his grade as nicely. It’s not egregious, however a greater grade was warranted, IMO.

DL Larry Ogunjobi (47.4, 32). Whereas it wasn’t his greatest recreation, didn’t anticipate to see him on this tier. A 52.9 PRSH specifically, with PFF having no pressures to his identify. He created a push a handful of instances in my notes, one resulting in a dump-off. Three complete tackles: no stops per PFF. However, had two assisted run tackles of simply two yards, and a powerful one towards a double as nicely. Sure, he had losses (pushed again, sealed, and one on the bottom). However incorrect stat tallies are irritating.

DL Isaiahh Loudermilk (46.3, 9) two assisted tackles, each for stops. I notably loved the primary, stonewalling the block for only one yard. 69.0 TACK was his greatest particular person grade, with 55.3 PRSH and 51.2 RDEF, with the latter extra stunning. Once more, these particular person grades had been all above his complete grade, hmm.

CB Donte Jackson (44.0, 41) was impactful early, darting up the sector for an assisted two-yard run deal with on the primary play and a stable open-field catch deal with that saved an enormous play. In any other case, left extra to be desired. 5 complete tackles (third on the group), with just one cease and a missed run deal with. 4/5 catches/targets for 37 yards, 16 in YAC, and an extended of 17 for a team-worst 42.2 COV. Beat on in-breakers twice, which can be fascinating to watch, and paradoxically Pittsburgh’s offense had success with as nicely.

Particular Groups:

Wonderful (90-Plus Grades):

NONE.

Nice (80-Plus Grades):

NONE.

Good (70-Plus Grades):

Three right here. LS Christian Kuntz (78.0, 8) was the very best grade on particular groups. Together with seemingly clear snapping, offered good punt protection, stopping the returner in his tracks for simply 5 yards on the assisted deal with.

DeMarvin Leal (72.7, 5) performed solely on kickoffs, noting two constructive protection performs, one together with a pleasant assisted deal with. Connor Heyward (72.5, 19) performed on 4 groups and was additionally in for the assisted deal with with Kuntz (5 yards), together with high quality protection.

The Unhealthy (Beneath 50 Grades):

NONE. I can’t keep in mind a recreation the place a unit had no unhealthy grades, and the Steelers did that on each offense and particular groups.

Surprises:

A number of defensive grades exterior the highest performers.
James Pierre was signed this week, offering the anticipated influence as a high quality gunner that was missing. Included two truthful catches compelled, one contained in the eight-yard line. But, a 60.7 grade. Glad he’s again on particular groups.
Rodney Williams, additionally offering an enormous and well timed 12-yard kickoff deal with on particular groups. That alone deserved greater than a 67.7 grade, with no apparent negatives that I seen.

Who had been yours?

STEELERS WEEK 3 VS. CHARGERS & TOTAL REGULAR SEASON SNAPS: