Despite the outcome of the Steelers game in Week 1, several players on the defensive side of the ball earned high marks in ESPN's latest "pass rush, run stop, blocking win rate" rankings.
The most notable player on defense was veteran Markus Golden, who currently ranks first among edge rushers in run-stop win rate at 58%. Teammate Alex Highsmith is currently tied for 7th in this category with a respectable 47%.
All-Pro linebacker T.J. Watt, who had a stellar performance that included three sacks and nine QB pressures, registered a 29% pass rush win rate, tying him for 10th in this category.
Defensive lineman Keeanu Benton, who finished Week 1 as the second-highest graded rookie, is currently tied for 12th among defensive linemen in pass rush win rate at 20%. Third-year defensive lineman Isaiahh Loudermilk earned a high ranking with his 62% run-stop win rate. He is currently fourth in this category.
The only offensive lineman to receive a ranking this week was veteran tackle Chuks Okorafor. On 33 pass block plays, he earned 31 wins, giving him a 94% pass block win rate, which is surprising considering he was facing All-Pro Nick Bosa.