| Quarterback | Grade: A | — 22/30 for 244 yards & 4 TD’s — Aaron Rodgers was worth the wait, albeit for one week. He looked like the Aaron Rodgers of his Green Bay days in complete control of the offense from the inside on out. A tremendous sign for the Steelers upside in 2025. |
| Running Backs | C- | Whether the Steelers can run the ball effective this season is among the burning questions with the offense. They have no true lead back that strikes any fear into an opposing defense. Jaylen Warren (11-37 yards) was pedestrian and out snapped by Kenneth Gainwell (29 to 25). 3rd Round Pick Kaleb Johnson has a limited role etched in thus far as Warren/Gainwell are the clear #1-2 running backs. |
| Wide Receivers | B+ | DK Metcalf (4rec-83yards) ability after the catch showed why the Steelers brought the brinks truck this offseason. Big gains of 31 and 23 yards that highlighted his YAC element Pittsburgh did not have last season. He could have had much bigger numbers in this one if not for some easy drops….Calvin Austin is the clear #2 moving forward. 4 receptions for 70 yards, Austin can create separation 1-on-1 and has gained an early trust level with Aaron Rodgers. Ben Skowronek (1rec-22yards-TD) made the most of his 10 snaps, hauling in a 22 yard TD. Coaches like his ability on crossing routes. Roman Wilson limited to 10 snaps has a ways to go…… |
| Tight Ends | B+ | Jonnu Smith (5rec-15yards-TD) had a nice Steelers debut in two tight end sets. He was used on a lot of short routes, though, you can’t discount his ability in the intermediate game, he just wasn’t used that way. Pat Freiermuth (3rec-28yards) ran some great routes through the middle of the field and was stout in the blocking department. Two of his three catches went for first downs….. |
| Offensive Line | D- | If Steelers have Super Bowl Aspirations, there has to be internal discussions of potentially bringing in left tackle depth by the trade deadline. Each day brings more growing concerns for first round pick Broderick Jones |
| Defensive Line | F | Gashed for 182 yards on the ground, Cam Heyward, Yahya Black & Isaiahh Loudermilk were head and shoulders the worst Steelers on the field Sunday afternoon. Heyward looked everything of a 36-year-old defensive lineman who half did everything in the leadup to week 1. At his age does all this come back to haunt his play this season? Week 1 showed why the Steelers went DL in Round 1. |
| Linebackers | B- | TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith carry the curve on this one. Both were very good in week 1, while Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson were a step behind all afternoon. |
| Defensive Backs | C | Game-Ending hit, Jalen Ramsey brings an aggressiveness and nastiness to the table. He showed everything why Mike Tomlin has been ecstatic about the addition in changing the element of the defense….Darius Slay had a Steelers debut you hope is not a sign of things to come. Was a very poor outing for Slay who was beat deep and decision making as a tackler was extremely poor. He looked like a 34-year-old corner. Joey Porter Jr prior to injuring his hamstring struggled mightily matched up against Garrett Wilson….. |
| Special Teams | B | Chris Boswell hitting from 60 and 56 yards carries a ton of weight, along with Kenneth Gainwells forced fumble on special teams. Others had a lot to be desired. Corliss Waitman was up and down, Kaleb Johnson fumbled on a return that was recovered, while Connor Heyward’s bad penalty is something that can get you pushed out of the lineup for someone in his position. |
Steelers/NFL
Week 2 What We Learned: Familiar scene where scheme issues on both sides of the ball loom large