Pittsburgh Steelers Report Card after loss to Miami Dolphins
By Matt Shetler
Defensive Line: Cam Heyward was outstanding again as he had a team-high 10 tackles, a sack and a batted pass. But the Steelers gave up 181 rushing yards, the third highest total of the season. Miami had runs of 48 and 55 yards, but it was the 55-yard run from Daniel Thomas late in the game that proved to be the killer. Grade: D+
Dec 8, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin talks to a player during the game against the Miami Dolphins at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
Linebackers: Jason Worilds continued his outstanding run of good play with two sacks, eight tackles, three for losses, and having two quarterback hurries. However he was the only bright spot. Both LaMarr Woodley and Jarvis Jones got caught inside on big runs and Lawrence Timmons and Vince Williams combined for only eight tackles. Grade: C-
Secondary: Troy Polamalu had the biggest play from the defense when he returned an interception 19-yards for a touchdown. But other than that the secondary struggled all afternoon. Ryan Tannehill only threw for 200 yards, but the Steelers tackled poorly, especially on the go-ahead touchdown when Polamalu and cornerback Cortez Allen each missed tackles on tight end Charles Clay. That’s simply unacceptable. Grade: D+
Special Teams: The Steelers didn’t give up any big returns this week, but still had special teams’ problems. Punter Mat McBriar had a punt partially blocked late in the first half and Stevenson Sylvester’s holding penalty on the kickoff following the Dolphins’ last touchdown forced the Steelers to start from their 10. Grade: C-
Coaching: Really disappointed with the coaching staff in this one, especially the decision to go away from the run after a solid first quarter from Bell. With a 28-24 lead late in the game they had to take time off the clock, but didn’t even think about running the football. Then there were plenty of breakdowns on defense and special teams. These are things that have been going on all season and have not been corrected. As a result the Steelers will be watching the postseason from home. Grade: F