Here is my final Report Card for the 2013 Season.
“Starting 0-4 and being 2-6 at the turn, it’s encouraging to know the type of men that you work with that are capable of getting singularly focused and tuning out the noise and staying together and continuing to work and improve in the midst of negativity, all of those things are encouraging,” – Steelers Coach, Mike Tomlin
GRADES:
Coaching: B, Mike Tomlin had to bounce back and do some of his best coaching and in the end after a 0-4 start, he had the Steelers one play from making the playoffs. Todd Haley year two, was a huge distraction. Soon as the offensive line stabilized the method to the madness began to show through and the Steelers started scoring points. The jury is still out on Haley, but the results are becoming hard to argue. Dick LeBeau, came under fire after a terrible year by the defense. The secondary began to show its age and it cost the Steelers. The linebackers and defensive line had flashes of brilliance but were inconsistent. That being said LeBeau is a GREAT coach and deserves a mulligan. They integrated several young players and the future looks bright. LeBeau should be back next year! Danny Smith gets an honorable mention for turning around the special teams which was a border line clown act at the beginning of the year.
QB: A, Big Ben had a great year and the number one reason the Steelers were still in contention week 17, was because of his efforts. The offensive line was AWFUL and Ben was nearly killed by the terrible protection. Then something magical happened, the line protected Ben, Haley’s offense clicked and the numbers skyrocketed. Ben literally played great all season.
RB: C, It was a horrendous start to the season at running back, Ike Redman washed out early. Jonathon Dwyer was brought back and did a good job, Felix Jones did a good job when called upon. Le’Veon Bell after a slow start exploded on the scene and looks to be the player the Steelers have been looking for. This will be a sure A next year. Will Johnson, did another great job at fullback!
WR: A, Jerricho Cotchery was the go to guy in the red zone, putting up 10 Touchdowns. Manny Sanders played sensational when he was healthy. Derek Moye and Markus Wheaton look like they have bright futures. But this grade clearly belongs to Antonio Brown. He was EVERYTHING the Steelers could have wanted and he played great all season. His history making year was one for the books. As of today he has the title of best player on the Steelers!
TE: B+, Heath Miller, was coming off a devastating injury and while he looked slowed, he played great when he returned. He blocks, he hits and he catches the ball. David Paulson was a bit of a disappointment, he never took the reins, when he had the chance. Matt Spaeth was terrific as the number two once he got healthy! Dave Johnson looked great at first and then like his last few seasons he went down with an injury.
OL: C-, It was an interesting story for the offensive line told in two parts. With less than three minutes into the Season, they lost their best Offensive Lineman in Maurkice Pouncey. That threw the line into disarray. The Steelers signed Fernando Velasco who played terrific in Pouncey’s absence…then he got hurt. The first eight weeks the Steelers were an absolute horror show up front and Big Ben nearly was killed. I am not talking injured, I am talking MORTA. He was getting whipped mercilessly. But then something magical happened, they started to gel and by the end they became a force to be reckoned with. It was an outstanding year for Dave DeCastro who rounded out to be a pro bowl type player. Cody Wallace who was the third string Center did well and he plays with a nasty streak. Mike Adams was awful but before we write him off keep in mind that he got shot in the gut in June, so I would like to see him at full strength. Marcus Gilbert got better and better. Ramon Foster was serviceable and he is a strong run blocker. Kelvin Beachum basically saved the day. I don’t think he will be the long term answer at Left Tackle but he certainly will start somewhere. Next to Ben and Antonio Brown he was probably the biggest key!
DL: C, The defensive line put together a pretty good season. “Steelhead: Heyward was awesome! There is no other way to put it. He played great and crushed the pocket. He made several big plays and he pressured the QB all season. Brett Keisel put together a solid workmanlike season until he was injured. Ziggy Hood played well when called upon and he is worth taking a second look at. Steve Mclendon got killed at the point of attack and struggled to fill the shoes of Casey Hampton. He is athletic and pretty fast but he got pushed around, look for a switch to Defensive End. Al Woods and Hebron Fangupo both took steps forward, both need work.
LB: C+, The strength of this team played at half strength almost all year. Lawrence Timmons continued to be the best linebacker on the Steelers and he had a terrific season. He was unstoppable at times and played well within his strengths. Larry Foote went down week one and left a gaping hole in his spot. Jason Worilds filled in and eventually pushed LaMarr Woodley to the weak side. Woodley was injury plagued again and looks like he might be headed for a pay cut or out of Pittsburgh. Jarvis Jones and Vince Williams played well for rookies and had some growing pains. Both look like they are poised for a big 2014 season. Stevenson Sylvester and Chris Carter did well when called upon.
DB: C-, The Steelers secondary had its worst season in years. Ike Taylor was a great contributor at the beginning but by mid-season he was a liability and the target of many opposing Quarterbacks. Ryan Clark had his worst season as a Steeler and he appears headed out of town. Troy Polamalu struggled at times in coverage but still was a monstrous presence on the field. He put together a Pro Bowl campaign. Cortez Allen and William Gay both look good at times and struggled at other times. Allen will be a starter as he continues to develop. Gay is a serviceable player and is a good nickel back. Will Allen was a nice midseason pickup. Shamarko Thomas showed promise and he will be counted on next season!
BEER WE GO STEELERS! BEER WE GO!