The Doc gives out grades for the Steelers, Week 12 edition

The Pittsburgh Steelers headed up to Buffalo to ‘circle the wagons’ with the 2-8 Bills in week 12. It was a tale of two halves against the deceptive two win Buffalo Bills. A game filled with failed opportunities, astonishing luck and mispronounced names throughout. Let’s take a look at Dr. Matt Aaron’s grades for each Pittsburgh Steelers component.

Quarterback: B

Ben Roethlisberger looked smooth and silky early in the game. Playing off Bruce Arian’s heavy run scheme against the NFL’s worst rush defense; he kept the balance flush in the first half. He appeared to injury his ankle and clearly was limping in the second half, but that did not prevent him from running an absurd 18 yard run on a crucial late game 3^rd down situation. (It helps when Marcus Stroud is chasing you).

He did not throw any touchdowns, but did not turn the ball over either. He faced a constant pass rush and is working with an adolescent wide receiver core. Based on the offensive game plan, Roethlisberger played solid against a below average Bills defense.

Running Backs: B-

Steelers came into Sunday’s affair playing against a rush defense that gave up 124 yards to Cedric Benson in week 11. Rashard Mendenhall’s picture was on the cover page of this week’s strategy binder and played well. Unlike last week, Mendenhall’s patience was on point and it enabled the Illini alum to opt for the correct gap. He was the main reason why Pittsburgh controlled the clock like they were a wristwatch battery in the first half. The reason for the minus is merely on his untimely fumble. This is the National Football League and to fumble at such an inopportune time should cost you carries down the stretch.

Isaac Redman ran hard on his 5 attempts for 25 yards. You have to love the YAC yards and his refusal to fall on first contact. That method of running will allow Redman to be the man moving forward. (Trying too hard to make a method man and redman reference?) Obviously not starting, but certainly earning more opportunities.

Wide Receivers/Tight Ends: B

Hines Ward is so difficult to explain. He unquestionably does not have much speed and he does not run crisp routes. He simply knows where to go and understands zone defenses more than any wide out in the league. He was consistently open in the first half and Roethlisberger found him for over 100 in the game.

Emmanuel Sanders had a nauseating drop. To quote the great Forrest Gump, “ And That’s all I gotta say about that.”

Heath Miller unselfishness to commit to the blocking game was a huge and significant reason why Mendenhall was able to cut back inside and not try to outrun a fast Bills defense to the corner.

Was Mike Wallace invisible because Soloman Wilcox continued to call him Mike Williams?

Offensive Line: D

Statistically, the running game looked exceptionally dominate, but it does not tell the whole story. Fill in tackle Jonathan Scott got bullied more than Inconclusive Evidence’s own Mike Nicastro got bullied as a youngster. That does not even include the two false starts and holding flag that were called on him.

Roethlisberger faced steady pressure when he dropped back and this patch work offensive line looked out of sync.

When you think of elite AFC teams, defensive tackles such as Haloti Ngata and Vince Wolfork, offensive line troubles are worrisome.

Defensive Front 7: C

First of all, let’s all put our minds together and determine where James Harrison can hit a quarterback

• Helmet to helmet is clearly out of the question.

• The former defensive MVP definitely cannot hit a quarterback in his knees

• Last week, we learned that he is not allowed to “drive” the quarterback in the ground.

• Today’s lesson taught us that Harrison cannot hit the quarterback in his chest with his helmet.

To the critics who laughed at Harrison’s retirement threats, maybe you are starting to realize the mindset he has.

That penalty did not prevent Fred Jackson from averaging 4.9 yards on the ground or the offensive line protecting the Harvard grad for most of the day. The Bills Oline is undersized and quite frankly not very skilled, 2 sacks is simply not enough.

After a dominate first half, Fitzpatrick and Jackson had too much success against what is suppose to be a top tier defense in this league.

Secondary: Outside of Troy Polamalu., they get a big fat D

Let’s take this opportunity to thank “Stevie” Johnson who left his hands in Cincinnati last week. That is what happens when you are a little too serious Mr. Johnson.

This week also proved the importance of Bryant McFadden. After leaving with an injury, Steeler nation learned the drop off William Gay brings when he is the second corner (distressing thoughts of 2009 come to mind). That also means Keenan Lewis becomes the nickel back and after his 1 play, 1 pass interference fiasco, he clearly is not ready for that position.

Steve Johnson committed 5 drops while being barely shadowed by Ike Taylor. His blockbuster, life changing drop in overtime came after he blew by Taylor.

Fitzpatrick finished the first half with only 45 yards, but righted the ship in the second half using the middle of the field to perfection. His numbers were slightly inflated by Freddy Jackson taking his screen pass and blowing past the Steelers defense to pay dirt.

Troy Polamalu played a defensive MVP type game. I mentioned last week that Troy looked back on track after a few mediocre games, but this week was a different level. He played implausible on all three levels of defense and was the only game changer in the 2^nd half.

Special Teams: B

Poor kickoff coverage, but Shaun Suisham was 4-4 with all 4 field goals beyond 40 yards including the game winner.

Suisham’s real test does not come until he proves he can kick in the sandbox that is Heinz field.

Coaching: C

I will give Bruce Arians credit for using the KISS technique against a ghastly defense.

Hall of Fame coach Dick LeBeau struggled mightily with his 2^nd half play calling. He attempted to adjust his zone defense to man coverage and Fitzpatrick exploited it.

There is no reason why Coach Tomlin should have allowed the Bills to make the 2^nd half comeback that they did.

Overall, a win is a win is a win is a win. This was a typical trap game and the Steelers came out with the W. They will have to play better in all three areas next week against the Ravens next week and Dr. Matt Aaron will be ready to slam down the grades.