Pittsburgh Steelers report card after win vs. Jets
By Matt Shetler
Defensive Line: The Jets averaged over four yards per carry, but considering the fact that the Steelers’ defense had been allowing 1125 yards on the ground per game, you can be satisfied with allowing only 83 on Sunday. One bright spot was Cam Heyward, who continues to impress, while making his first start of the season. Grade: B-
Oct 13, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers free safety Ryan Clark (25) celebrates an interception with teammates during the second half against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. The Steelers won the game 19-6. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Linebackers: I thought all of the linebackers played well. Jason Worilds and LaMarr Woodley each had a sack, as the Steelers three sacks on the afternoon nearly matched their season total of four. In addition, Lawrence Timmons had a big interception late in the game as the Jets were going in for a potential score. Rookie Vince Williams is looking better by the week as well, as the linebacking core turned in their best performance of the season. Is there any coincidence the Steelers got their first win? Grade: A
Secondary: Jets quarterback Geno Smith came in tied for first in the league with completions of 40 yards or longer (five) and this Steelers secondary has given up plenty of big plays on the season. But they did a great job of not getting beat deep as Smith didn’t complete a pass over 29 yards on the afternoon. It took over 14 quarters of football, but safety Ryan Clark got the team’s first turnover of the season when he picked off Smith at the Steelers one-yard line in the third quarter. Troy Polamalu’s big hit on Jets’ wide receiver Stephen Hill set the tone for the rest of the second half as the Steelers’ defense started to resemble their old selves. Grade: A
Special Teams: Shaun Suisham was 4-for-4 on field goal attempts and punter Zoltan Mesko had his best day of the season, averaging 45.5 yards per punt. There was still no improvement in the return games though. Grade: B
Coaching: The gameplan on offense worked and the defense looked like it patched up its gaping holes. It was a simple gameplan, but it worked. Time to take some heat off the Steelers’ coaching staff. At least for one week. Grade: A