| Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger had no trouble finding holes in Washington’s defense on Sunday. (US Presswire) |
Forget the outfits, whether they looked like bumblebees or cinematic team in a “Longest Yard” remake or a throwback to a forgettable 1934 team that went 2-10.
Touchdowns and defense are the currency of the modern NFL realm.
They are how teams dress for success.
The Steelers on Sunday conjured three TDs and two field goals in the opening 40 minutes, and their beleaguered defense put the clamps on rookie phenom Robert Griffin III by allowing him and the Redskins just one touchdown.
The mix was just right for Pittsburgh (4-3), which felt right at home in Heinz Field: cool temperatures, mist and dampness, a 100-yard rusher and some punishing defense.
It marked their first back-to-back victories of 2012 and their first back-to-back games of such a sturdy, tested Steelers' recipe.
Next comes a trip to play the defending Super Bowl champion New York Giants.
Offense: B
Jonathan Dwyer, replacing an injured Rashard Mendenhall (Achilles) and Isaac Redman (ankle) for a second week, rushed for 107 yards on 17 carries just one game after a career-high 122 yards. It was the first time the Steelers boasted back-to-back 100-yard rushers since Willie Parker opened 2008, 68 games ago. Redman probably holds the better chance to play Sunday at the Giants, but will he dislodge Dwyer from the starting lineup? Kudos go to the retooled offensive line, with center Maurkice Pouncey returning from injury but rookie right offensive tackle Mike Adams filling in admirably again for the ailing Marcus Gilbert (foot). Their zone blocking freed Dwyer through decent-sized holes, and their pass protection kept Ben Roethlisberger sack-free, though Emanuel Sanders on a flanker-reverse pass was sacked. And Roethlisberger was pinpoint, though Mike Wallace had a drop or two --depending upon your accounting -- a week after botching three catches. Previous game’s grade: B
Defense: B-
Griffin passed for 177 yards and rushed for 8, his second-lowest totals so far this season. Nine or 10 drops, again depending upon your accounting, didn't help him. But part of that was a result of the Steelers’ defensive backs pounding the Redskins receivers early, setting a tone. Cornerbacks Keenan Lewis and Ike Taylor continue to surge. The defensive line appears more active and involved, too. Maybe Dick LeBeau has his charges back on track after marking “that big 3” on their 4-3 record, as inside linebacker Larry Foote put it. “Fourth quarter leads [blown and turned into losses.]” Here’s a different number: LeBeau’s record against rookie quarterbacks increased to 15-1. He knows how to disguise coverages and more. But how much of it will work against the polished Eli Manning with the Giants? Moreover, safety Ryan Clark -- the team’s leading tackler -- sustained a concussion and may not return to play against New York this weekend. That leaves Will Allen subbing for Troy Polamalu (calf) and Ryan Mundy moving from second-string safeties to the first team. Previous game’s grade: A-
Special teams: C
Mike Tomlin, the head coach who dabbles as the special teams co-coach, delivered on his promise to sit “egregious, repeat offenders.” DeMarcus Van Dyke had both his helmet and his throwback stripes removed as he was made inactive Sunday. The special teams were puttering along Sunday until. . . a block-in-the-back penalty erased 76 of Antonio Brown’s 78-yard return for a touchdown. That meant 161 yards of return yardage have been scrubbed the past two weeks due to such costly penalties. Shaun Suisham continues to kick field goals with consistency, and rookie Drew Butler averaged 50 yards per punt. Previous game’s grade: F
Coaching: B
LeBeau’s gameplan didn’t completely suffocate Grffin and the Redskins’ offense, but the scheme starting from the base defense helped to put the players in position. He will get tested against the Giants, especially if backup safeties start against the likes of Victor Cruz, Eli Manning and Co. The offensive plan continues to grow as the Steelers got rare, back-to-back 100-yard rushing games from no less than their third-string tailback as well as touchdown receptions from players scoring for their first Steelers time, tight end Leonard Pope and fullback Will Johnson. The last time a fullback scored a Steelers TD? That was 2004. Previous game’s grade: C
Follow Steelers reporter Chuck Finder on Twitter @CBSSteelers and @cfinder.