Game 4 Report Card: Steelers vs. Chargers
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GERRY DULAC grades the Steelers' effort in the 23-13 loss to the Chargers last night. The report is broken down into defensive and offensive positions and coaching.
Quarterback: Ben Roethlisberger was 13 of 20 for 169 yards in the first half and that included a spike. But he made quick decisions and throws and no interceptions. The late field-goal drive he led at the end of the first half seemed to be a big momentum boost. But he threw two interceptions in the second half and was under a lot of pressure.
GRADE: C
Running Back: Willie Parker had 44 of his 57 yards in the first half and scored on a 9-yard run. He also had a 14-yard run to help set up a field goal. But he carried only 14 times, not enough when he's averaging 4 yards per carry. Najeh Davenport finally got to contribute, going 32 yards with a screen pass to set up the first touchdown.
GRADE: B
Receivers: The Steelers aren't getting big plays from the wide receivers, one of the reasons Santonio Holmes began rotating with Cedrick Wilson, who had two catches for 17 yards. Nate Washington had three catches for 45 yards, all in the first half. Hines Ward had another drop in the first quarter. But he made a great play to block CB Antonio Cromartie into the end zone on Parker's 9-yard scoring run.
GRADE: D
Offensive Line: Roethlisberger did not have a lot of time to throw, particularly in the second half, and was sacked five times. LT Marvel Smith did a good job on OLB Shawne Merriman, but RT Max Starks struggled with OLB Shaun Phillips, whose pressure forced a late interception. C Jeff Hartings also had a tough time with NT Jamal Williams.
GRADE: C-
Defensive Line: NT Casey Hampton was outstanding, plugging holes in the middle, one of the reasons Tomlinson had 9 yards rushing on seven carries in the first half. Tomlinson finished with 36 yards, but Michael Turner kept pounding on them for 56 yards on 11 carries.
GRADE: B-
Linebackers: This unit isn't getting enough production from OLB Joey Porter, who was a non-factor. OLB Clark Haggans had a sack and applied a lot of pressure on QB Philip Rivers in the first half. But the Steelers stopped blitzing in the second half and began dropping into coverage, giving Rivers too much time to throw. ILB Larry Foote had a sack that forced the Chargers to settle for a field goal.
GRADE: C+
Secondary: Rivers was able to complete too many passes in the seams and threw for 242 yards and two touchdowns. FS Ryan Clark made a nice play on an interception in the first quarter. But CB Deshea Townsend was in perfect position to stop two touchdown passes ... and failed each time.
GRADE: D
Special Teams: At least there were no muffed punts or mental gaffes, but they did allow a 51-yard kick return by Michael Turner to start the second half, setting up a field goal. Jeff Reed kicked two field goals for the second game in a row and Willie Reid finally got to return a punt. After that ... a fake punt in which Ryan Clark takes a direct snap and hands off to Bryant McFadden on a reverse? C'mon.
GRADE: C
Coaching: Whatever adjustments the Chargers made at halftime worked, especially against the defense. Bill Cowher tried to get something on the road with a fake punt from the Chargers' 44, but it didn't work. He did successfully challenge the spot of the ball on a third-quarter interception by the Chargers, moving them back from the 38 to their 9.
GRADE: C
Peter Diana, Post-GazetteSteelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger walks off the field in the final seconds of last night's game at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego. The Steelers lost to the Chargers, 23-13.
Click photo for larger image.
First Published October 9, 2006 12:00 am
