SS · Cincinnati Bengals vs Pittsburgh Steelers · 54 graded snaps
Replacement
Dugger flashed solid coverage and downhill run fits early, but two egregious missed tackles on explosive fourth-quarter runs dropped his grade to replacement level.
Dugger built a respectable foundation in coverage (70 facet grade), highlighted by high-level deep sideline leverage to break up a pass to DK Metcalf (Q2 00:11). He also made positive early contributions in run defense, notably diagnosing an outside zone run for a stop at the line (Q1 02:23). However, his run defense grade tumbled to 62 due to catastrophic tackling breakdowns late in the game. On two separate fourth-quarter drives, Dugger came downhill into the alley and whiffed on diving tackles against Jaylen Warren (Q4 07:39 and Q4 05:23), springing explosive runs and severely undermining his overall grade.
Strengths
Deep coverage leverage and ball skills
Quick downhill trigger versus perimeter action
Weaknesses
Diving tackle finishing in the open field
Plays that moved the grade
+1.5Q2 00:11, 2nd & 10Maintained deep over-the-top leverage on Metcalf down the right sideline to cleanly break up a deep pass.
-1.5Q4 07:39, 1st & 10Came downhill as the primary alley force defender and whiffed on a diving tackle, allowing a huge run.
-1.5Q4 05:23, 1st & 10Approached clean into the alley but missed a diving tackle on Warren, yielding a 26-yard gain.
Every graded snap · 13 wins or losses, 41 routine
+1Q1 02:23 · 2 & 6 · Run defenseRead run instantly, triggered downhill outside the hash, and met Warren at the line of scrimmage to secure the stop.
+0.5Q2 04:30 · 1 & 10 · CoverageDiagnoses the bootleg quickly, drives downhill from depth, and pushes Freiermuth out of bounds to limit the gain to 8 yards.
+1.5Q2 00:11 · 2 & 10 · CoverageMaintained deep over-the-top leverage on Metcalf down the right sideline and made a clean contest to break up the deep pass.
+0.5Q3 08:17 · 1 & 10 · Run defenseTakes a good downhill angle from depth to meet Warren near the sideline and push him out of bounds.
+0.5Q3 06:36 · 1 & 10 · Run defenseSteps downhill into the box and makes the primary tackle on Warren after a 9-yard gain.
+1Q3 03:30 · 2 & 10 · Run defenseQuickly triggers downhill on the perimeter throw, breaks down well, and makes a sound open-field tackle to prevent the first down.
+0.5Q4 11:21 · 1 & 10 · CoverageRanges over from deep alignment to provide over-the-top support on the deep ball to Freiermuth.
+0.5Q4 09:28 · 3 & 5 · CoverageStays tight in trail position on Washington's route, closing down passing space.
+0.5Q4 08:45 · Special teamsEngages his coverage man on the set-up line and holds position to help form the return lane.
-1.5Q4 07:39 · 1 & 10 · Run defenseApproaches downhill in the alley as the primary force defender and completely misses a diving tackle at the PIT 15, springing Warren into the clear.
+0.5Q4 07:02 · 1 & 11 · CoverageReads the throw into his zone, closes quickly on Metcalf after the catch, and limits yards after the catch with a secure open-field tackle.
+0.5Q4 06:16 · 1 & 10 · Run defenseRaces across from deep center field, taking a great pursuit angle to finally shove Washington out of bounds at the Cincinnati 32.
-1.5Q4 05:23 · 1 & 10 · Run defenseComes downhill clean into the alley but whiffs on a diving tackle attempt on Warren, enabling the explosive gain.