Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers report card: Game-wrecker T.J. Watt put on his cape against Raiders

Ray Fittipaldo / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

LAS VEGAS — Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo grades each aspect of the Steelers’ 32-13 victory against the Raiders.

Quarterback

Justin Fields might have saved his job when he darted around the end and scored a touchdown on 4th-and-1 from the 3-yard line just before halftime. The Steelers had been trailing, and Mike Tomlin might have made a change at halftime if he was stopped. Make no mistake, the Steelers won this game because of Fields’ ability to run, not to pass. He finished with just 14 completions for 145 yards and no touchdowns. He was much more effective as a runner, compiling 59 yards and two rushing touchdowns. For the season, Fields has as many rushing touchdowns as touchdown passes. The Steelers are 4-2, but at some point if the Steelers want to fancy themselves as true contenders in the AFC, they need a much better passing game.

Grade: C

Running backs

The Steelers got angry-run Najee Harris, and it was a sight for sore eyes. After running for just 61 yards in the previous two games against the Cowboys and Colts, Harris ran for 106 yards on 14 carries for a 7.5 yard average. It seemed about half of those 106 yards came after contact, and we saw a rare big run from the big man. Harris’ 37-yard touchdown run in the third quarter gave the Steelers a 22-7 lead. Jaylen Warren returned to the lineup after missing two games with a knee injury. He had just 7 yards on six carries. It’s been a rough start to the season for Warren, who has been ineffective as a runner and a receiver out of the backfield.

Grade: B+

Receivers

The Steelers won yet another game without many contributions from their receivers and tight ends. It wasn’t until 4:16 remained in the game — and with the Steelers up by 16 — that Pickens made a big play. Maybe the 31-yard catch to the 3-yard line late in the fourth quarter will carry over to next Sunday night against the Jets. But for most of the game, Pickens was not involved much. He finished with three catches on eight targets. Calvin Austin III was the only other receiver who had a catch. He had two for 36 yards. Tight ends Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington and Connor Heyward combined for four catches for 29 yards.

Grade: C

Offensive line

The running game got going in the second half, but the offense got off to another slow start and penalties by linemen were a big reason. The Steelers had three holding penalties in the first half, including two on one drive. Isaac Seumalo, Broderick Jones and Washington were the culprits. Heyward also was called for a false start. That’s 35 yards in field position the Steelers gave up. Justin Fields also was sacked three times. Rookie center Zach Frazier left the game in the second half with an ankle injury. They cannot afford to lose him for very long.

Grade: C

Defensive line

Cam Heyward is healthy again, and that’s bad news for NFL guards and centers. Heyward was out there bullying the interior of the Raiders offensive line late in the game. He finished with four tackles and a sack and looks like the Heyward of old. Nose tackle Keeanu Benton had a fumble recovery and two tackles.

Grade: B+

Linebackers

T.J. Watt had two forced fumbles that were momentum changers. The first set up the first Steelers touchdown just before halftime, and the second came on the 1-yard line and killed another Raiders drive just as they were hoping to get back in the game. Patrick Queen had a season-high 13 tackles and Payton Wilson (six) and Elandon Roberts (five) combined for 11 tackles. Roberts also had a quarterback hurry.

Grade: A

Secondary

The Steelers did exactly what they were supposed to do to a backup quarterback making his first start of the season. Aidan O’Connell threw for 227 yards, but he was ineffective after leading the Raiders to a touchdown on their first drive of the game. Cornerback Donte Jackson recorded his third interception of the season and safety DeShon Elliott recovered a fumble. Yes, the Raiders were missing Davante Adams, but the pass defense was excellent over the final three quarters of the game.

Grade: B+

Special teams

Outside linebacker Jeremiah Moon, in his second game with the Steelers, made one of the biggest plays when he broke through the Raiders line and blocked a punt in the third quarter. The Steelers had to settle for a field goal, but they went ahead by eight points. Chris Boswell was 4 for 4 on field goals and has now made 15 of his 16 attempts on the season. He nailed a 52-yard field goal in the first quarter. It was his sixth field goal of 50 yards or more in seven attempts this season. His only miss on the season was from 62 yards.

Grade: A

Coaching

Mike Tomlin’s defense made the correct adjustments after the opening drive, but the bad starts in the past two road games are concerning. While the defense stiffened, the offense took a little more time to get on track. At some point, Tomlin and offensive coordinator Arthur Smith must decide if they’re going to go all in with Fields as a runner and develop an offense around his strengths, or they have to find out if the offense is better if they turn to Russell Wilson, who might be able to get more out of the passing game. He probably can’t make the move after a win, but the passing game leaves a lot to be desired.

Grade: B-