The Pittsburgh Steelers squeaked out a 20-13 win over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday in a game that was much closer than it should have been. The Steelers high-powered roster sputtered in spots and shined in others, but showed there is plenty of room for growth in all phases of the game.
Here is our weekly stock up, stock down for the roster after the win over the Falcons.
Stock up - Aaron Rodgers
For a guy who didn't play a snap in the preseason, quarterback Aaron Rodgers looked sharp. His numbers don't show it because his skill players did him no favors.
Stock down - Steelers running backs
Rico Dowdle was largely ineffective in the run game and Jalyen Warren had a fumble. This team has to have balance if they hope to be successful and the running backs didn't give them that.
Stock up - Pat Freiermuth
It was great seeing Rodgers target
tight end Pat Freiermuth early and often. He could be the biggest X-factor on the offense this season and is off to a great start.
Stock down - Derrick Harmon
As good as defensive lineman Derrick Harmon is as a run defender, he looks lost on passing downs. We fear he could find himself in a more limited role if it doesn't improve.
Stock up - Payton Wilson
Wilson is off to a great start and is once again the best tackler on the Steelers defense. Wilson had 12 total tackles and seemed to be around every play.
Stock down - Joey Porter Jr.
It was a really bad look that after being named an inactive, cornerback Joey Porter Jr. didn't join his teammates on the sidelines for an hour. It was just as bad a look how he sulked off the field and out of the locker room after the game.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Stock up/stock down after the Steelers win over the Falcons
