Buffalo Bills defensive end Greg Rousseau left a little to be desired in his first game in the NFL, according to Pro Football Focus.
The football analytics outlet handed out their grades on the first rounder’s first game in the pros this week. Overall, that mark stood at a 57.7, which is in PFF’s below-average territory.
However, PFF does provide a bit of a grain of salt to take with that figure in their breakdown.
Here’s just how the outlet laid it out:
Rousseau started at one defensive end spot for the Bills and played 30 snaps opposite Jerry Hughes. Eighteen of his snaps were pass-rushing plays, and while he didn’t get any pressure, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was getting rid of the ball on average in 2.25 seconds and at an average depth of target of just 5.9 yards to combat the rush schematically.
There’s a reason why Bills quarterback Josh Allen has been compared to Roethlisberger early in his career. That “early” word is important to note.
Back in the day, Roethlisberger would extend plays with his size like Allen currently does. Allen does so move with his movement combined with his big frame. Roethlisberger did it more so in a way where defenders would just bounce off of him.
Now in the twilight of his career, Roethlisberger has changed his game to more of the quick-strike play we saw on Sunday. To Rousseau’s defense, that doesn’t help anyone record many sacks.
In Week 2, we could get a bit better picture on Rousseau’s talents. A young QB in Tua Tagovailoa, from the Miami Dolphins, will be under center.
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