Steelers report card vs Lions

GridironFans.com by Correspondent Written on October 12, 2009
DETROIT , MI - OCTOBER 11:  Hines Ward #86 of the Pittsburgh Steelers is tackled after a fourth quarter catch by Louis Delmas #26 of the Detroit Lions on October 11, 2009 at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. Pittsburgh won the game 28-20.(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
After a quick three-and-out, the Steelers offense picked up where they left off the previous week in Pittsburgh. They were very efficient and moved the ball well on most drives throughout the game. The defense looked shaky again late in the game, but made the plays necessary to win.

The Report Card:

Quarterbacks:
Ben once again did his thing, a few more plays could have been made here and there, but three touchdowns to one interception is a stat you'll take.
The main mistake by Roethlisberger was the late throw on an out route to Mike Wallace, Anthony Henry jumped the late throw and took it all the way back for six points making the ball game 14-13 Pittsburgh.
Roethlisberger bounced back throwing a touchdown pass to Hines Ward and finally hooked up deep for six points with rookie receiver Mike Wallace. Roethlisberger also had a fumble when center Justin Hartwig stepped on his foot at the snap and Ben tried to hand the ball to Mendenhall while falling, Ben should have just bit the bullet and take the loss of yardage. B-


Runningbacks:
Rashard Mendenhall made the best of his opportunities, rushing for 77 yards on 15 carries. He also added a touchdown when he showed a speed burst beating cornerback Anthony Henry to the corner of the end zone.
He should have had a second touchdown but it was negated by a holding call on Matt Spaeth on the edge. I expected Mendenhall to get more carries this game and really be the work horse, but the passing game was a bigger priority obviously.
Mendenhall did have a few plays where he didn't hit the line of scrimmage as hard as he could, as he did every play against the Chargers last week. Mewelde Moore had two carries for eight yards, he also caught three passes for 20 yards and came up big again on third downs, this guy is just money. Mendenhall B Moore B

Wide Receivers:
Hines Ward once again showed he can still play in this league. The Steelers' leading receiver through four weeks did nothing to fall back behind that mark. He caught seven balls for 85 yards and a hard-earned touchdown, his first of the season.
Limas Sweed was allowed to dress today and again failed miserably, he dropped another pass .
Santonio Holmes went for 50 quiet yards and had a beastly stiff arm on his first reception of the game. Holmes also had a nice block on Mendenhall's first carry which went for 27 yards. Ward A Holmes B+ Sweed D-


Tight Ends:
Heath Miller also got involved again, and is on pace to easily have the biggest season of his young career receiving wise. He caught five passes for 54 yards and another touchdown on the season.
Matt Spaeth wasn't seen much once again, he did have unnecessary holding penalty that negated Mendenhall's second touchdown run. Spaeth's hold had nothing to do with the outcome of the play. Spaeth needs to learn how to block if he isn't going to be involved much in the passing game. Miller A Spaeth D


Offensive Line:
Another solid effort by the offensive line. Trai Essex went down injury which gave the Steeler nation a scare, but Doug Legursky took his place shortly and didn't do anything wrong. Essex returned and got back to pushing people around.
The offensive line did allow three sacks within two drives in the second half, outside of that Ben had all the protection he needed. Still a couple of penalties that need minimized in future weeks. They opened a few holes for Mendenhall that he failed to see or hit them so slow that they closed, the running attack would have been even more forceful if Mendenhall would follow some of those blocks. C


Defensive Line:
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written on October 12, 2009 Sports

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