Here are the top takeaways and graded players from Saturday’s Steelers-Bills game, including the highest graded players from each team:
Pittsburgh Steelers:
— WR Martavis Bryant led the team with a +2.8 grade after converting his three targets into three catches for 138 yards and a touchdown, and forcing two missed tackles.
— HB DeAngelo Williams made his first start of the preseason and picked up 24 yards and a touchdown on his four touches, forcing two missed tackles along the way.
— Rookie TE Jesse James continues to struggle with his blocking, allowing a QB hit on one his three snaps in pass protection, and earning a negative run blocking grade for the third time in four preseason games.
Top 5 graded players:
Martavis Bryant (+2.8)
DeAngelo Williams (+1.9)
Mitchell Van Dyk (+1.3)
Jawon Chisholm (+1.3)
James Harrison (+1.1)
Buffalo Bills:
— LG Richie Incognito was perfect in pass protection for the second week in a row, and showed improved run blocking (+3.2) after struggling a bit last week (-2.3). Incognito’s difficulties last week seemed to have more to do with timing than power or technique, so last night’s performance should be a positive sign that he is returning to form after some time away from football.
— CB Ronald Darby’s -3.4 overall grade was easily his worst of the preseason, largely due to his -4.0 coverage grade. The rookie was flagged for two pass interference penalties, and allowed two catches for 79 yards on two targets.
— QB Tyrod Taylor made his strongest case yet for the starting job, leading all Bills QBs with a +2.4 overall grade. Taylor attempted just two passes of 10+ yards, but finished 12/13 for 122 yards and added a 20 yard touchdown run in the third quarter.
Top 5 graded players:
Corbin Bryant (+4.2)
Richie Incognito (+3.9)
Tyrod Taylor (+2.4)
Eric Wood (+2.3)
Alex Carrington (+1.8)