Steelers Grades, Snap Counts vs. Bills: Warren, Freiermuth Shine; Vet DBs Struggle

The Pittsburgh Steelers did it again, defeating the Buffalo Bills 25-15 on Saturday to improve to 2-0 on the preseason, but more importantly, looking outstanding, especially with the respective first teams on the field, in doing so.

Kenny Pickett was again sharp and efficient, the offense once again displayed a propensity for big plays, and the defense stifled Josh Allen and caused four turnovers from his backups.

Here’s what Pro Football Focus had to say about the Steelers in preseason Week 2.

QUARTERBACK

Kenny Pickett was again excellent, and I believe this time, PFF did a better job of capturing that excellence with his grade.

Mitch Trubisky had a much better outing the second time around and seems to have solidified his spot as backup, if there was every any doubt. Mason Rudolph, on the other hand, struggled after excelling in his first outing. Fourth-stringer Tanner Morgan was better in limited action, but probably looks to be well on the cut side of the line regardless.

RUNNING BACK

Mike Tomlin and Najee Harris both said that he doesn’t really need the reps. Apparently, neither does Jaylen Warren. When you score a 62-yard touchdown on one of your two snaps, I guess that’s good enough.

The addition of Xazavian Valladay spread out the depth carries some, but on the whole, nothing earth-shattering here.

OFFENSIVE LINE

Another short day of work for the starting offensive line. There’s not much to be gleaned from just seven reps, but a nice bounce-back for Chuks Okorafor after a rough first series.

Kendrick Green is continuing to get the best chance to make the team at center, and despite a turnover, had the biggest improvement in grade while also seeing the biggest increase in reps.

Spencer Anderson continues to play average football regardless of where he’s assigned, filling in at four spots on Saturday. He’s the biggest threat to Green making the team, but has still had very few reps at center.

Le’Raven Clark has been a huge disappointment. Originally brought in as the third tackle, he might now be the fifth, as he was passed for playing time with the second team by Dylan Cook. Cook played right tackle exclusively in what appears to be giving him a shot to be the swing tackle.

Broderick Jones gave up a sack (though with solid coverage and Green getting pushed into Rudolph). There’s nothing dramatically poor about his performance, but it’s hard to see him passing Dan Moore Jr. by Week 1 on this trajectory.

Pittsburgh Steelers tight ends Connor Heyward and Pat Freiermuth against the Buffalo Bills, Aug. 19, 2023. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now

TIGHT END

PFF continues to crush on Connor Heyward, who had a red zone touchdown and blocked well when asked to. Zach Gentry led the way with a 70.2 pass block, even ahead of Darnell Washington. The big Georgia rookie was the best run blocker. He also drew two DPI penalties, which don’t appear to be including in his 48.8 receiving grade.

WIDE RECEIVER

Somehow, Diontae Johnson’s touchdown-springing block for Jaylen Warren only netted him a 60.0 blocking rating. Sometimes, I wonder what the evaluators are watching over there.

The Steelers either really like Gunner Olszewski or really hate Gunner Olszewski. 51 snaps is a ton. From my seat, Gunner looks like the best of the after-Austin wide receivers.

Miles Boykin and Dez Fitzpatrick both made nice plays in punt coverage, Boykin downing a punt and Fitzpatrick making a shoestring tackle. That’s more than either did on offense.

DEFENSIVE LINE

I have been a firm believer in Breiden Fehoko’s ability to be a run-stopping force, but both his ugly grade and overall lack of snaps, despite Keeanu Benton not playing, really has me questioning his spot on the 53-man roster.

Meanwhile, Montravius Adams, who I came into camp thinking could be a surprise cut, looks stronger than ever.

And Isaiahh Loudermilk continues to be the guy to replace Larry Ogunjobi in his absence. Not as good of a game from a grade standpoint, but even more reps shows the faith of the coaching staff.

Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt against the Bills, Aug. 19, 2023. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now

OUTSIDE LINEBACKERS

Nick Herbig’s grade continues to match his eye-popping tape. In what was really the first go-around for the full first-team defense, he got reps with the starters. He and Markus Golden seem poised to provide the best depth at edge rusher the Steelers have had in a while.

Zero defensive reps for Quincy Roche, who did play on special teams. That’s strange. He’s underwhelmed in this camp compared to my expectations. I’d be surprised if he makes the 53 at this point.

INSIDE LINEBACKER

Tanner Muse made a nice special teams play, recovered a fumble and certainly put his name in the hat for a roster spot in the biggest way we’ve seen so far.

The four ahead of him feel fairly locked in, though Cole Holcomb was both much better and still not up to where the Steelers will want him to be if he’s going to be a three-down player. Forrest Rhyne did himself no favors in his first action.

DEFENSIVE BACK

Patrick Peterson did not cover himself in glory in 13 snaps — 12 of which came as an outside cornerback — largely facing Stefon Diggs. Tough first assignment. We’ll give the avid golfer a mulligan. I’m not sure what Damontae Kazee did to earn that low of a grade, but I’m not worried about him, either.

Trenton Thompson had a significant struggle after a promising first game. His tackle form also got himself concussed, as well.

James Pierre continues to get a ton of reps, and this time, managed them without any major negatives. He’s making the team.

Elijah Riley and Chandon Sullivan both had interceptions, as the slot corner options saw their arrow go way up.