Steelers Offensive Line Breakdown Play By Play Versus Bills Week 12

Below is the play by play break down of the offensive line from the Sunday afternoon week 12 game versus the Buffalo Bills. It is merely a pass or fail grade on if I think the lineman did his job or not. It also should be noted that we go under assumptions that we know what the assignment on each play was and sometimes it is not obvious. We have to grade on what we see and go from there. We added small notes to each play as well. As always if you disagree with any play, do so respectfully in the comments and give your reason so I can go back through and re-watch your disagreement.

Overall Rating

Run Blocking Rating

Pass Blocking Rating

First Half Rating

Flozell Adams – I think that was the best game Flozell has had in a Steelers uniform. At the very least the most complete game. He had a solid first half as well. Very impressive. It seemed like he took less plays off and was dedicated to getting down field more when asked to do so. It helped that on the Bills left side that there was not much size or strength in the ends or linebackers. Sometimes it just took a swat or two on pass protection to keep an end wide. He was not above being beat though for a sack as he looked a little tired as the day wore on. I would not expect this type performance from him every week, but he looks healthy and dedicated to the plan. He also works well it seems with Ramon Foster next to him.

Ramon Foster – Foster looked really comfortable this week at right guard and it was very noticeable improvement over last week. There is plenty of room for improvement, but he seems to get off the ball better in pass protection. He still is not as quick at pulling when needed, but is no worse than Trai Essex in that part of his game. Right guard is still a concern moving forward and he will need to show he owns the position against the Ravens with a repeat performance.

Maurkice Pouncey – Not his best game by far, but I bet he never imagined how tough Kyle Williams would be. You could tell he was getting frustrated a few times. He remains very solid though and will use what he learned this week against the Ravens on Sunday. Williams was a problem in the A gap as well as just bull rushing and several times got the better leverage under Maurkice and drove him back into the pocket.

Jonathan Scott – Just as this was perhaps the best and most complete by Adams, the same could go for Scott this past Sunday. His run blocking could improve when the Steelers run to his side, but his pass protection was much improved. He too benefited from mostly facing small sized linebackers that were not blessed with the best speed and technique. He was beat a few times, but it is something that will be a weekly battle for him. There was only one clear time I remember him being top heavy and he seemed a little more fluid sliding left. His ultimate test will come next week versus the Ravens.

Chris Kemoeatu – Two words. Kyle Williams. If Kemoeatu has a kryptonite, it is him. Williams had more technique, speed and strength than Kemo on Sunday. Kemoeatu was also flagged several times and gave up quite a few pressures. It did not matter if it was gap or straight on, it was obvious who owned who on Sunday. Even with help by Pouncey a few times Williams just drove both back. Kemoeatu is normally much better than this and I suspect he will rebound. That was probably the worst showing by him I have seen in some time.

Trai Essex – As expected, the Steelers dressed an extra tackle on Sunday and used Essex as a second tight end on 8 plays. Essex did fine in that role, but it was always in must run situations. It is good to have that option, but I would much rather have tight end Matt Spaeth in that role going forward. Essex did do what was asked.

Doug Legursky – Lined up one play as a fullback on the Rashard Mendenhall touchdown and merely crashed behind Chris Kemoeatu.

Play By Play Breakdown