Steelers Offensive Line Breakdown Play By Play Versus Panthers Week 16

Below is the play by play break down of the offensive line from the Thursday night week 16 game versus the Carolina Panthers. 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.

Coming off perhaps the best collective game of the year against the Jets in week 15, the offensive line took a small step backwards on the short week as one might expect. There were some positive signs though as the pass blocking was actually pretty decent on the night and graded out as a whole at 87% in my eyes. Penalties were few and one of the three sacks can easily be pinned on quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. My initial thoughts were indeed confirmed as the interior line played much better than the tackles in this game.

Overall Rating

Run Blocking Rating

Pass Blocking Rating

First Half Rating

Ramon Foster – It is obvious that Foster is improving over the last several games. He scored the best overall this week and is improving in his pass blocking and stunt recognition. One thing that is sticking out more is his awareness of when and where to help should he be freed up on a play. I have also seen a few times over the last few games where he pulls out to the left to help in pass protection. His weakness still seems to be his effectiveness out in space. Pouncey he is not, but he is not as straight line as a Kemoeatu or Flozell. He might be the second most mobile guy on the line, but that is not saying too much. He could of very well played himself onto the roster in 2011 over the last few weeks. I think he makes a much better right guard than a left as well.

Chris Kemoeatu – Kemoeatu appears to be back to his old self again. He seems healthy and has been spot on the last two weeks. Outside of allowing some deep pressures this week and a penalty, he was pretty spot on. A few of the other negative plays I had on him this week were minor. He will struggle with an occasional twist at times and not get good leverage on a few pass blocks, but overall he is back playing at the level I expected he would. He can really bury linebackers when he pulls right on a trap and normally hits his mark. He can continue playing at this level or higher in the playoffs, he will be just fine.

Maurkice Pouncey – A bit of an off game for Pouncey, but several teams would love to have someone as off as he was. Most of his negatives were in the running game where I felt he did not win at the point of attack a few times, especially in a few one on one battles. I have been grading him a bit stricter lately, so do not take his rating as anything bad. I had his first half play as much stronger than his second half. His pass blocking was once again fine. The fumbled snap I did not pin on him as after watching it several times, it seemed Roethlisberger just mishandled it.

Flozell Adams – As the game went on and looked more in hand, Flozell looked like he was ready to come out early. Make no mistake though, overall it was another pretty good game by him and about what we have come to expect. His long reach caused the penalty and he still will take a play or two off. As far as technique and ability go, I have no concerns about him moving forward into the playoffs. He will allow and occasional sack or pressure, but he is giving everything he has when it counts. He really is fun to watch this year.

Jonathan Scott – It was obvious that Scott got off to a rough start and it was great to see him get yanked for a few plays and chastised on the sideline by Sean Kugler. He still struggles in both his run and pass blocking, but is making minor strides in getting out to the edge without being in the lap of Roethlisberger in the process. He still gets off the ball slower than any linemen we have and his run blocking inconsistency is still a concern moving forward. He does so much better when he keeps the hands of the pass rusher out of his own kitchen. He will be feast and famine moving forward.

Doug Legursky – Legursky is fun to watch at fullback and 4 of his 9 meaningful snaps had him lined up there. He can crack skulls when he sets his mind to it. I did see one time where he was not low enough and got pushed back. His other 5 meaningful snaps at left guard were so-so and the game was well in hand. He is what he is right now and that is a backup center and guard. It was good to see him get some snaps though, as you never know going forward if he might be needed due to injury.

Trai Essex – It is so hard to judge Essex on his limited play. He really only had 7 meaningful snaps in the game and I found fault with 2 of those. Not much more I can say with his limited snaps.

Play By Play Breakdown