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NFL Pittsburgh Steelers

Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2014 Midseason Report Card

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Pittsburgh Steelers' 2014 Midseason Report Card

Pittsburgh Steelers v Cleveland Browns
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The Pittsburgh Steelers got a marquee win on Sunday night, but they were also fortunate that Andrew Luck was not completely on his game. Ben Roethlisberger threw for over 500 yards and six TD passes, and that victory may have set them on the playoff path. Here are their midseason grades going into next week.

5. Offense: A-

Ben Roethlisberger Pittsburgh Steelers
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5. Offense: A-

Ben Roethlisberger Pittsburgh Steelers
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Last week's stat-padding definitely helped their cause, but the Steelers rank top-10 in points per game, total yards per game, passing yards per game and rushing yards per game. They must be doing something right.

4. Defense: B-

troy polamalu Pittsburgh Steelers
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4. Defense: B-

troy polamalu Pittsburgh Steelers
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The defensive unit was called "soft" by some prominent members of the media recently, but they responded to that criticism over the weekend. They have only recorded 12 sacks this season, but that number should improve in the coming weeks.

3. Coaching: B

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3. Coaching: B

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Mike Tomlin needs to get better for this crew to make the playoffs, but he seems to have finally gotten through to Roethlisberger last weekend.

2. Draft Picks: C-

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2. Draft Picks: C-

Carolina Panthers v Pittsburgh Steelers
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This is a definite area where improvement is needed. First-round pick Ryan Shazier was supposed to be a revelation at linebacker, but he has proven to be a somewhat lackluster addition after only recording 24 tackles this year.

1. Special Teams: B+

Pittsburgh Steelers-Mike Tomlin8
Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

1. Special Teams: B+

Pittsburgh Steelers-Mike Tomlin8
Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

Shaun Suisham has only missed one field goal all season, and it was for over 50 yards. If he can keep up this level of production, then he could be making some crucial playoff kicks this winter.

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