Full Breakdown
Steelers vs Packers Preseason Clash: PFF Grade Breakdown
8/16/2026, 2:29:40 AM
Game Overview and Key Performances
In the preseason opener, the Pittsburgh Steelers hosted the Green Bay Packers. Pro Football Focus (PFF) assigned individual grades for every snap, revealing which players stood out and where teams struggled. The analysis below follows the 5-W-1-H framework, focusing on the grades, snap counts, and notable statistics recorded by PFF.
Steelers Offensive Highlights
- TE Robert Tonyan – 93.5 overall (19 snaps); 62 yards on four receptions, a 22-yard catch, and a 92.9 receiving grade, the highest on the Steelers.
- WR Kaden Wetjen (rookie) – 88.0 overall (18 snaps); 79 yards on two catches, a 74-yard YAC play, 84.5 receiving grade.
- QB Drew Allar (rookie) – 80.5 overall (30 snaps); 10-of-13 for 153 yards, three touchdowns, 139.7 QB rating, and a 63.6 rushing grade with a rushing TD.
- WR Germie Bernard – 79.5 overall (28 snaps); 4-of-5 for 51 yards, 75.5 receiving grade, and an 80.5 run-block grade.
- TE Jaheim Bell – 42.3 overall (17 snaps), the lowest-graded offensive player, with a 44.8 run-block grade and a 51.1 receiving grade despite not being targeted.
Steelers Defensive Highlights
- CB Asante Samuel Jr. – 90.6 overall (12 snaps); 90.7 coverage grade, allowing just one six-yard catch.
- DL Anthony Goodlow – 86.9 overall (9 snaps); 87.3 pass-rush grade, two pressures, a hurry, a QB hit, and one tackle.
- OLB Jamin Davis – 70.9 overall (41 snaps); led the team with eight combined tackles, four pressures, three QB hits, and two sacks, earning a 79.9 coverage grade.
- LB Malik Harrison – 89.8 overall (11 snaps); 77.2 coverage, 77.0 tackling, and 69.8 run-defense grades.
- CB D’Shawn Jamison – 77.7 overall (29 snaps); best coverage grade among cornerbacks at 76.2, plus solid tackling (75.1) and run-defense (72.2) numbers.
Special Teams Issues
Seven penalties plagued Pittsburgh’s special-team units. The lowest special-team grade belonged to Israel Mukuamu (27.5, six snaps) with two penalties. Other penalized players included Jaheim Bell, Carson Bruener, and Dean Lowry, highlighting a need for improvement under new special-teams coach Danny Crossman.
Packers Individual Performances
- OT Jordan Morgan – 15 pass-protecting snaps, zero pressures, highlighted by a pancake block against veteran edge rusher Alex Highsmith.
- OT John Williams – 20 pass-blocking snaps at left tackle, allowed two pressures; praised by head coach Matt LaFleur for fulfilling his role.
- WRs – No drops; total YAC modest at 36 yards on 19 completions.
- DL Brenton Cox and Lukas Van Ness combined for the Packers’ two sacks; Van Ness recorded a sack on just two pass-rush snaps.
- Kicker Trey Smack – Unofficially 4-of-4 on field goals, including two 58-yard attempts, earning LaFleur’s commendation.
Official Statements & Responses
LaFleur emphasized the value of versatile linemen, stating that players who can “play the tackle position” and “do the job” are essential for roster depth.
Data & Statistics Summary
- Top Steelers offensive grade: Robert Tonyan, 93.5 (TE)
- Top Steelers defensive grade: Asante Samuel Jr., 90.6 (CB)
- Most sacks (Steelers): Jamin Davis, 2
- Packers QB efficiency: 75% completion, 102 passing yards, 0 sacks, 0 interceptions
- Packers offensive line pressures: Jordan Morgan, 0; John Williams, 2
- Packers special-team standout: Trey Smack, 4-of-4 FG, two from 58 yards
The PFF grades illustrate a strong showing by several Steelers rookies and a solid defensive effort, while the Packers displayed efficient quarterback play and promising line performance. Special-team penalties remain a key area for Pittsburgh to address before the regular season.
