Grades: Steelers' offense vs Ravens
Quarterbacks
Mason Rudolph
Rudolph started the game playing conservative, but as the Ravens' defense shut down any chance of a short passing attack, the Steelers decided to open up the field.
What we saw was exactly what everyone was worried about. Rudolph struggled to hit his receivers deep, overthrowing a number of deep passes. It showed the inaccuracy that kept Pittsburgh from allowing him to take chances, but at least the Steelers got to see what Rudolph needs to work on.
Rudolph left the game in the third-quarter after being knocked unconscious by Earl Thomas. He returned home from the hospital on Sunday night, and is being treated for a concussion.
His in ability to get the offense moving was an issue, but he gave this team the spark they needed to try and make a comeback against the Ravens. Still, a big play could've put the Steelers over the top by the time Rudolph left the game.
Grade: C+
Devlin Hodges
After Rudolph's injury, Devlin "Duck" Hodges took over at the starting quarterback, and played, somewhat well. The undrafted rookie went 7-9 for 68 yards, and kept himself calm and collected while leading the Steelers down the field to take the lead.
No one seems to understand why the Steelers decided to start slinging the ball around once Hodges was in at quarterback, but he handled the pressure well.
Until Rudolph's return, Hodges will be the starting quarterback of the Steelers. His performance against Baltimore is one to build off of, and the poise he showed on Sunday should leave a little confidence that this team can compete with him behind center.
Grade: A
Running Backs
James Conner
In moments when James Conner needs to make a play on the ground, he does. But besides that, it seems like the third-year runner is still struggling to find much success through the tackles. His 14 carries for 55 yards and a touchdown helped the Steelers work a comeback, but when Rudolph went down, Conner should've been the one controlling the offense's tempo.
It's not just Conner. The offensive line hasn't helped create holes, and running through the tackles is nearly impossible. Still, Conner needs to start creating bigger plays, especially if Rudolph is going to miss time.
The Steelers' offense scored 23 points, but they struggled against the Ravens. A stronger performance and they would've walked away with a decent-sized win, and never would've had to worry about overtime mistakes.
Grade: B-
Jaylen Samuels
Jaylen Samuels' struggles started early, but it may have been a blessing to watch him throw an interception and force the Steelers to stop using the wildcat. Baltimore was all over the trick plays early, leaving Samuels to revert back to a normal running back.
He didn't play poorly, he just wasn't given much of an opportunity. 3 rushes for 2 yards and 3 short receptions for 11 yards isn't the stat line he was hoping for, but he was what he was handed.
The Steelers need to find a way to work both running backs into the system. For this week, though, Samuels wasn't able to contribute much.
Grade: C
Wide Receivers
JuJu Smith-Schuster
The Steelers wide receivers benefited from Mason Rudolph opening up the passing game. JuJu Smith-Schuster continued to even after Devlin Hodges entered the game. But the receiver's overtime fumble cost the Steelers Week 5, and it's going to effect his reliability moving forward.
This is the second time the third-year receiver has fumble late in important games. Last year, Smith-Schuster fumbled on the Steelers' game-ending drive against the Saints, ending the game and what could've been a playoff push for Pittsburgh.
This team, the game was much less significant, but still a potential . season-saving win, if they were able to pull it off. Smith-Schuster's 75-yards and a touchdown was impressive. His touchdown grab was a remarkable play, but you can't look at the good without mentioning the bad. Unfortunately, that hurts his grade as well.
Grade: B (would've been an A)
Diontae Johnson
Diontae Johnson didn't get nearly as many looks as he has been, but the rookie receiver still can crisp routes and found the ball when needed. His 5 catches for 27 yards made him victim to a nearly impossible catch-and-run situation, but he made the most what he was handed.
Once Hodges entered the game, all eyes were at Smith-Schuster. But Johnson's catch and fumble on 3rd and 8 kept the Steelers' drive alive, eventually leading to a go-ahead touchdown.
Most times you won't praise a fumble, but this one benefited the Steelers' drive. This is the second week in a row Johnson has fumbled the ball, something he needs to work on moving forward. But he took advantage of the opportunities presented, and helped this team when needed.
Grade: B
James Washington
For the first time all season we finally saw the Mason Rudolph James Washington connection we know is there. The former Oklahoma State teammates connected on three over-the-middle passes, early in the game, giving momentum to the passing attack.
Rudolph was finally able to open up a little, and his go-to turned into Washington. Washington eventually left the game in the first half with a shoulder injury, and his update is yet to be known.
It was the first glimpse of hope we saw from Washington during the regular season. Hopefully his injury doesn't sideline him too long, and he's able to continue picking up this momentum.
Grade: B+
Tight Ends
Vance McDonald
Vance McDonald welcomed himself back from a shoulder injury with a solid contribution to the Steelers' passing attack. Defined by his catch and run from Delvin Hodges to put the Steelers on the 1-yard line, the tight end returned to his reliable role in this offense.
McDonald saw as much success has he could've given the offensive gameplan. He was on the sideline for some significant runs with the team turning to Vannett as a stronger blocker. His value in this offense reached what it was designed to given the circumstances.
Grade: B+
Nick Vannett
Nick Vannett was only targeted one time during the Steelers Week 5 loss to the Ravens. The tight end position was mostly occupied by Vance McDonald when passing the ball. Vannett did break out on a route a handful of times, but for the most part, he was used as a blocker.
Vannett did play well in protection. He dropped his only pass of the afternoon, but it wasn't a deciding factor in this one.
Grade: B
Offense Line
The Steelers offensive line saw a good and bad game against the Ravens. Protecting the quarterback was impeccable. Mason Rudolph and Devlin Hodges had plenty of time to drop back, and it allowed them to look for deeper routes.
Running the ball was a different story. James Conner couldn't get anything going between the tackles, and it was clear the gaps were being filled before Conner was able to reach the second-level.
Conner needs to get something going for this offense to find success this season. You can't rely on a third-string quarterback to win games, and until the offensive line is able to control the line of scrimmage in both aspects, it's hard to say the Steelers can find enough success to win.
Grade: B-
