NFL News & Analysis

NYJ-PIT grades: Roethlisberger takes advantage of solid protection, lack of Jets' pass-rush

PITTSBURGH, PA - OCTOBER 09: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers talks with Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 of the New York Jets after a 31-13 Steeler victory at Heinz Field on October 9, 2016 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Pittsburgh Steelers 31, New York Jets 13

Here are the top-graded players and biggest takeaways from the Steelers' Week 5 home win over the New York Jets.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Quarterback grade: Ben Roethlisberger, 80.1

Lack of Jets' pass-rush leads to Roethlisberger’s big day

Steelers QB Roethlisberger took advantage of good O-line play and a lack of New York pass-rush to shred the Jets' secondary at every level of the field. The stellar line play allowed Roethlisberger to record 334 of his 380 passing yards without pressure in the pocket. He continually found favorable matchups underneath, completing 27 of 33 pass attempts on throws traveling less than 10 yards in the air.

Ben Roethlisberger vs pressure

Top offensive grades:

RT Chris Hubbard, 84.1

LG Ramon Foster, 80.6

QB Ben Roethlisberger, 80.1

WR Antonio Brown, 77.2

C Maurkice Pouncey, 72.5

Offensive-line protection key to Steelers' passing success

The Steelers offensive line gave Roethlisberger clean pockets to throw from, as 30 of his 34 completions came with no pressure. Chris Hubbard, in his first start, earned an impressive 89.6 pass-protection grade, while not allowing a single pressure or sack. The running game struggled, with Le'Veon Bell gaining 66 yards on 20 attempts. Bell did find success in the receiving game, however, exploiting mismatches underneath with linebackers to finish with nine catches for 88 yards and an 85.9 receiving grade. Sammie Coates experienced ups and downs, posting a big statistical day, though his five drops ultimately led to just a 46.8 overall grade.

Top defensive grades:

LB James Harrison, 80.2

CB William Gary, 79.9

LB Vince Williams, 78.3

LB Anthony Chickillo, 76.8         

CB Artie Burns, 75.8

Steelers' pass-rush troubles Fitzpatrick

James Harrison did his damage from the left side of the offensive formation, finishing with three quarterback pressures. Arthur Moats had one sack and three hurries on only 14 pass-rushing snaps. William Gay led the way in the secondary, yielding only one reception for 10 yards on two targets.

New York Jets

Quarterback grade: Ryan Fitzpatrick, 48.1

Fitzpatrick dropped back to pass 42 times, completing 25 of 38 passes with one drop by Brandon Marshall. The Steelers' pressure affected Fitzpatrick throughout the game, and his dependency on Marshall led to an unbalanced offensive attack. Fitzpatrick was five of 13 passing when facing pressure, and was sacked three times.

Ryan Fitzpatrick under pressure

Top offensive grades:

C Nick Mangold, 76.8

WR Brandon Marshall, 76.6

RT Ben Ijalana, 76.5

WR Quincy Enunwa, 76

RG Brent Qvale, 75.6

Jets struggles to find balance on offense

Matt Forte carried the ball only 12 times for 53 yards, averaging 2.17 yards after contact while forcing one missed tackle. The pressure forced by the Steelers' front, combined with Fitzpatrick's dependency on Marshall, led to an unbalanced and underwhelming offensive performance by the Jets.

Top defensive grades:

LB David Harris, 87.1

S Rotez Miles, 79.9

DE Leonard Williams, 78.2

OLB Jordan Jenkins, 75.3

NT Dion Simon, 73.2

Jets' defense struggles to slow down Steelers; passing attack

The defense struggled to rush the passer yet again, leaving a tough job for the Jets' defensive backs to chase down Steelers' pass-catchers all day. While they held the run game to just 61 yards on 24 carries, it seemed that every pass play dialed up went for a positive gain, with numerous mismatches in underneath coverage getting exploited by Roethlisberger. David Harris showed well in the running game, specifically with his 84.6 grade and six tackles. Leonard Williams was the only pass-rusher to find consistent success, finishing with one sack and three quarterback hurries.

PFF Game-Ball Winner: Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger

PFF’s player grading process includes multiple reviews, which may change the grade initially published in order to increase its accuracy. Learn more about how we grade and access grades for every player through each week of the NFL season by subscribing to Player Grades.

Subscriptions

Unlock the 2023 Fantasy Draft Kit, with League Sync, Live Draft Assistant, PFF Grades & Data Platform that powers all 32 Pro Teams

$31 Draft Kit Fee + $8.99/mo
OR
$89.88/yr + FREE Draft Kit