G · Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cincinnati Bengals · 69 graded snaps
Solid
McCormick shone as an athletic run blocker on pulls and combo blocks, but late pass-protection breakdowns against Dexter Lawrence and Jonathan Allen kept his grade in solid territory.
McCormick's performance was driven by an impressive run-blocking showing (76 grade), where his mobility on pulls sprung multiple explosive gains, notably kicking out Demetrius Knight at Q2 10:16 and sealing Barrett Carter on power at Q4 05:23. He generated consistent movement on interior double-teams as well, finishing Dexter Lawrence to the turf at Q3 05:47. His pass protection (66 grade) was consistent for three quarters before collapsing in the final frame. On critical third downs, he yielded a hit to Jonathan Allen at Q4 11:09 and surrendered a quick sack to Lawrence at Q4 09:28, preventing a strong overall grade.
Strengths
Pulling and sealing at the second level
Combination block displacement
Steady first-half pocket anchoring
Weaknesses
Late-game pass protection lapses
Sustaining anchor against elite power rushes
Plays that moved the grade
-2Q4 09:28, 3rd & 5Surrendered quick interior push to Dexter Lawrence, who drove him into the quarterback for a 9-yard sack.
+1Q2 10:16, 1st & 10Pulled around left tackle into space and kicked out linebacker Demetrius Knight to spring a 35-yard run.
+1Q4 05:23, 1st & 10Pulled across the formation on power to square up and seal Barrett Carter for a 26-yard gain.
Every graded snap · 22 wins or losses, 47 routine
+0.5Q1 14:55 · 1 & 10 · Pass blockMaintains good inside leverage and firmness against Slaton, keeping the interior clean.
+0.5Q1 13:22 · 2 & 5 · Pass blockStalwart anchor against Allen, showing good punch and hand placement to keep the pocket clean.
+0.5Q1 13:17 · 3 & 5 · Pass blockHelps control the interior rush against Jonathan Allen, maintaining a firm base.
+0.5Q1 04:42 · 3 & 11 · Pass blockAnchors well against Boye Mafe's interior rush, preventing push up the middle.
+1Q1 04:12 · 1 & 10 · Run blockAided the center in washing down DT Jenkins before cleanly peeling off to wall off LB Knight from scraping outside.
+0.5Q1 01:39 · 3 & 6 · Pass blockLocks up Jonathan Allen cleanly in pass protection.
Q2 10:16 · 1 & 10 · Run blockPulls cleanly around left tackle into space, kicking out and pinning linebacker Demetrius Knight inside to spring Warren free.
+0.5Q2 09:25 · 1 & 10 · Run blockQuick lateral first step to hook and seal the defensive tackle away from the sweep lane.
+0.5Q2 02:23 · 1 & 10 · Pass blockAnchors firmly against interior rush and keeps the pocket clean.
+0.5Q2 01:57 · 2 & 10 · Pass blockAnchors firmly against interior rush pressure from Dexter Lawrence, maintaining firm depth in the A/B-gap.
+0.5Q2 00:28 · 1 & 10 · Pass blockAnchors firmly on the interior against the rush push, maintaining the pocket depth.
+0.5Q3 06:53 · 3 & 6 · Pass blockAnchored firmly against a bull-rush attempt by Dexter Lawrence, maintaining firm depth in the interior pocket.
+0.5Q3 06:36 · 1 & 10 · Run blockEffectively anchors and walls off Allen away from the playside gap.
+1Q3 05:47 · 3 & 1 · Run blockTeams up with Fautanu to wash down Dexter Lawrence and finishes him to the ground.
+0.5Q3 04:59 · 1 & 10 · Pass blockWorks in tandem with Frazier to double and firmly secure Dexter Lawrence inside.
+0.5Q4 11:14 · 2 & 10 · Pass blockSquares up Jenkins and anchors well against his rush into the B-gap, keeping the pocket clean.
-1Q4 11:09 · 3 & 10 · Pass blockSurrenders inside leverage and pocket depth to Jonathan Allen, allowing a direct QB hit at the release.
-2Q4 09:28 · 3 & 5 · Pass blockSurrenders quick, catastrophic interior pressure to Lawrence, getting pushed backward directly into Rodgers' lap for the sack.
+1Q4 07:39 · 1 & 10 · Run blockDelivers heavy initial contact on Lawrence alongside Frazier to clear the A-gap.
+1Q4 05:23 · 1 & 10 · Run blockPulls crisply from right guard across the formation, squares up linebacker Barrett Carter in the hole, and seals him inside.
-0.5Q4 04:35 · 1 & 6 · Run blockStruggles to move Jonathan Allen off the line of scrimmage, allowing no displacement to create a crease.