Here is the Beer We Go Steelers 2016 Report Card. Coach Tomlin always says, “The Standard is the Standard!” So no Super Bowl trophy is always a disappointment. This season while not winning the ultimate goal had several aspects that can be deemed successful. It was a very good year for the Steelers and they seemed to be getting closer and closer.
GRADES:
Coaching: A-, There were several whispers that Mike Tomlin had lost the team, then the Steelers came roaring back and put up nine straight wins! In the end, the Steelers won their fifth division title, vanquishing the Ravens on Christmas Day and avenging the embarrassing loss in Miami in the playoffs. They also were 3-0 on holidays.
Keith Butler’s, defense continued to develop and by the end of the season became a strength, the pass rush improved as the season went on and the secondary was much better. Todd Haley’s offense was solid this season although sometimes it was unspectacular as it has been in the past few seasons. They eventually realized the weapon they had in Le’Veon Bell and rode him into and threw most of the playoffs. Mike Munchack, year three will get a mention for his excellent work with the O-Line, they are now one of the best in football.
QB: A-, Big Ben had a great year again and played well in all three playoff games, he continues to be one of the best players in the NFL. He gives the Steelers a chance to win every week and continues to mature as both a person and a player. Landry Jones, did a nice job when called upon and seemed to fair pretty well against the Patriots, despite the loss.
RB: A+, Le’Veon Bell, came roaring back, he was the key to the second half turn around. Despite missing the first three games to suspension, he nearly led the league in rushing. DeAngelo Williams had a very nice season filling in during Bell’s suspension and was leading the league in rushing when he headed to the bench. He was a non-factor after that. Roosevelt Nix played a key role when called upon.
WR: B+, Antonio Brown is an outstanding talent but needs to do some growing up. He is a world class talent but was a distraction at times. Eli Rogers was a great find and will press to start next season. Sammy Coates, Colby Hamilton, Demarcus Ayers all showed signs of stardom and all showed that they need more work. Darrius Heyward-Bey did well when called upon. It was a lost season for Markus Wheaton, who never seemed to click and was struck with injuries.
TE: B, Jesse James showed great development and was a key contributor. Xavier Grimble did a very nice job when called upon and David Johnson played more of the H-Back roll then tight end but again played well. Ladarius Green looks like he can be a big play threat, but was injured for most of the season. He is a huge asset if he could stay on the field.
OL: A-, The Offensive Line is now one of the strengths of the Steelers. The protection was excellent and the running lanes were solid. Maurkice Pouncey and David DeCastro are two of the best at their position. Alejandro Villanueva and Marcus Gilbert played terrific. Ramon Foster is the anchor and held down his position well. The O-Line is one of the best in football!
DL: B, Stephon Tuitt developed into a great player and will be an anchor on the line. “Steelhead” Heyward continues to be a monster but was lost to injury. Javon Hargrave developed into a terrific starter and looks like the heir apparent to the NT position. Mt. McCullers continues to develop and his skillset is starting to catch up to his physical prowess. The Steelers used several players and all contributed.
LB: B-, It was a tale of two seasons for the Steelers linebackers. The first half was a C- and until the Dallas game, they were kind of stuck in mediocrity. Then Bud Dupree came back and they teamed him up with James Harrison and the defense went in a different gear. The front seven once again became a strength and watched the sack total nearly quadruple. Ryan Shazier, has now emerged as an absolute star and he earned a Pro Bowl berth. He is a tremendous force and his only downside is he needs to stay on the field. Lawrence Timmons, turned it on in the second half, with Shazier they formed a great nucleus. He was also deadly on pass rushing downs and was a solid foundation in the middle. Jarvis Jones, unfortunately played his way out of the starting lineup and looks like he is going to be a bust in Pittsburgh. Arthur Moats and Vince Williams played well when called upon. James Harrison was the best of the bunch AGAIN and he really helped turn the defense down. He made several big plays in the playoffs and led the linebackers in sacks despite only starting half the season.
DB: C, The Steelers secondary was much improved in 2016. Ross Cockrell and Artie Burns are both developing nicely as the starting cornerbacks. Sean Davis was defensive rookie of the year and he replaced a game but under skilled Robert Golden. Mike Mitchell, played well for the most part. Willie Gay contributed but slowed down. Justin Gilbert was not a big contributor, but should get a long look next season. Senquez Golson, never dressed and was IRed again.
Special Teams: C, Chris Boswell, AKA “Little Bos” was terrific and did a nice job, including setting a playoff record. Greg Warren was a non factor…again that is a good thing! Jordan Berry, punted well and did a solid job. The coverage teams were pretty mediocre all season, until the playoffs. The kick return game was atrocious again. They generated nothing on kickoffs and did very little on punts. I stick with that, Antonio Brown was solid but honestly, he should not be returning punts.
BEER WE GO STEELERS! BEER WE GO!
COMING SOON, Final BWG Report and Final Roster Analysis