There are times as an educator, something I was for 16 years, when you see that stack of quizzes or tests sitting on your desk and you just have to wait to grade them. Sometimes it is based on the fact you just haven’t carved out time to dive into the grading process, and other times you have a strong feeling the class, as a whole, didn’t do well on this assignment.

When it comes to grading the Pittsburgh Steelers Week 10 game vs. the Green Bay Packers, it was more the latter. As always, I felt the best course of action was to just wait a bit, let the dust settle, and then visit the grades without the emotions of the game still fresh in my mind.

Did it improve the grades much? Sort of. Time to get out the red pen and try to make this not look like a murder scene…

Offense

The Steelers running game hasn’t been that dominant in a very long time. Amassing over 200 yards against an NFL team is noteworthy. The Green Bay rushing defense wasn’t good, and the Steelers did exactly what you’d hope they’d do vs. a unit like that. So, what’s bringing the grade down? How about the anemic passing attack?? For as good as the run game was, the passing game was equally bad.

Grade: C+

Defense

The bend, don’t break defense is alive in well in the 412 area code. They give up the yards, but put the clamps on the opposition when it matters most. The two key takeaways of Jordan Love turned the tide, but their grade is very reflective of the injuries sustained at the inside linebacker position. With Elandon Roberts and Mark Robinson in the middle you saw the Packers exploit the seam regularly. That doesn’t bode well for the future.

Grade: B-

Special Teams

Chris Boswell is automatic, Pressley Harvin is starting to gain some consistency, but it’s the return game I’m hopeful we will see some improvement. Calvin Austin has the ability, but just needs some blocking to break a big return. Throw in the fact someone kept calling short kickoffs, giving the Packers good field position, is why special teams didn’t grade out with an ‘A’.

Grade: B

There was a lot to like about this game, but there was also a lot to not like with this game. I think this game was a step in the right direction for the Steelers, but big games await the black-and-gold. Let’s hope the potential return of Pat Freiermuth and Minkah Fitzpatrick make a difference.

Overall Grade: C+

What grade do you give the Steelers after beating the Packers? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below, and be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers as they prepare for the Cleveland Browns in Week 11 of the regular season.