Report Card: Rating of the Steelers Week 17 loss to the Browns

The Pittsburgh Steelers limited the Cleveland Browns to the extreme on Sunday. Mason Rudolph and a cast nearly pulled off the comeback, but got a two-point conversion. Overall, could not have gone better today. The Steelers pushed the Browns to the edge of the road while sustaining no injuries. My marks will reflect the difference in talent and how well the backup played.

Let us evaluate the team and highlight some individual performances. You might think my grades are good, and you also think I’m an idiot. Regardless, express your thoughts in the comments below.

Let’s do it …

Offense

Grade: B +

The offense scored FIVE points, five. They also did it without Ben Roethlisberger or Maurkice Pouncey. Say what you will, but I was definitely impressed by this group. If Rudolph had not thrown the choice or missed the two-point conversion, I think this grade is increased to an A.

If we are talking about Mason Rudolph, look at these statistics:
22/29
315 passing erven
2 Touchdowns
1 Interceptions
89.2 rating

It was so close to the best game Rudolph played in the NFL. Especially when the Steelers still had about five drops left, he threw away two passes, and the miss the passer missed called on his interception. Rudolph was called Sunday and appears to have disguised himself as an NFL career regulator, who will one day get another opportunity to start elsewhere.

Speaking of monster games, Chase Claypool was dynamic. To crack the 100 plateau and give a ridiculous touch. I would definitely expect Claypool to be a big factor in the playoffs. James Conner also looked good with the ball in his hands and he pulled out again as the popular runner.

All negative were both offensive attacks, especially Alejandro Villanueva seemed to have tried to kill Rudolph at times. I would expect the Steelers to find his replacement in the 2021 NFL draft …

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Defense

Grade: B

The defense played pretty well for what they had. No TJ Watt, Cameron Heyward, Joe Haden or Terrell Edmunds, but the group still managed to put up four bags. Since Robert Spillane is close to his return, you can see the potential of units as the playoffs approach.

The defense’s inability to generate a turnover is probably why they could not win the game in Cleveland, but without so many playmakers, it’s hard to blame them. The defense was good and stopped a few times. You also can’t put all the points on their shoulders because Rudolph’s interception gave the Browns excellent field position.

The good side of this unit will only get better, but the reserves can build on this performance.

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Special teams

Grade: A

It was another match where nothing really special happened. But Matthew Wright was 3/3 on field goals and 1/1 on extra points. He earned himself another job in the NFL. On top of that, Jordan Berry had a very good day.

Ray-Ray McCloud was good kickbacks and Kevin Rader was a special spanas. Wright and Berry deserve the A for their efforts alone.

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Coaching

Grade: B

It was also not exactly a notable day for big games. The two-point play call was a touch uninspired. However, Randy Fitchner and Keith Butler put the Steelers in a position to win the game.

Using Josh Dobbs as a gadget quarterback was ingenious and gave the Steelers another dimension. One they have to keep using in the playoffs. Again, this was the perfect result for the Steelers, they almost won and are healthy. Couldn’t ask for much more.

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Overall

Grade: B +

I could not be more proud of this group. The Steelers reserves gave the Browns everything they could handle and made them successful against them next week. Was it a perfect game? No. But the Steelers need to have the fullest confidence in the world that they can beat them again next week.

It was also a great day for Mason Rudolph, who would have to give him at least one other case to be an NFL quarterback.

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The Steelers are now turning to the playoffs for the first time since 2017. Their opponent will again be the Cleveland Browns. With many of the leading players returning, we should expect a more complete game, and hopefully the start of a long, memorable playoff game.