{
  "id": 15616341,
  "title": "Steelers PFF grades: Germie Bernard shines; Troy Fautanu stagnates",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/19/steelers-pff-grades-germie-bernard-shines-troy-fautanu-stagnates",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-19T15:13:52.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/steelers-pff-grades-germie-bernard-151352078.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In a thrilling victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on October 18, the Pittsburgh Steelers staged a dramatic comeback from a 16-3 deficit in the fourth quarter. Pro Football Focus graded the performance of several key players.\n\nRookie Germie Bernard had a stellar game, catching 11 passes for 87 yards and scoring the game-winning touchdown. His average depth of target (1.8 yards) was unusually low, highlighting his consistent production in short-yardage situations. While his season grade of 61.2 is modest, he could improve as his chemistry with quarterback Aaron Rodgers develops.\n\nVeteran linebacker Cam Heyward began the season slowly, recording only five pressures in his first three games. However, he stepped up in the latter three games with 11 pressures and five stops, earning a grade of 85.8. His improved performance in recent weeks has him on track to be one of the most dominant linebackers in the league.\n\nThird-year tackle Troy Fautanu allowed four more pressures and a sack against Tampa Bay, totaling 17 pass blocks this season. His pass blocking grade is higher than his run blocking grade, but he has not shown significant improvement since his rookie year. Analysts suggest that he may not fulfill the potential promised by the $37.7 million draft pick.\n\nCornerback Jamel Dean, who returned from injury, had a standout performance against Tampa Bay. He recorded an interception that set up the game-tying field goal and allowed only four catches for 48 yards. His grade improved to 86.2, making him a potential cornerstone for the Steelers' defensive backfield if he maintains good health.",
  "summary": "If cornerback Jamel Dean can stay healthy, he may be a rare veteran acquisition to work out for the Pittsburgh Steelers at the position.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": "https://urgent.news/ill/15616341.png",
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "How Germie Bernard bounced back from rookie error to catch game-winner",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/19/how-germie-bernard-bounced-back-from-rookie-error-to-catch-game-winner",
        "published": "2026-10-19T15:15:52.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}