ben-raiders.png
USA Today

The party had largely already begun prior to the Steelers' first home game of 2021. Riding the high of their team's Week 1 upset win over Buffalo, Steelers fans walked from their tailgate and into Heinz Field with optimism depicting that of the fan base during Pittsburgh's dynasty years of the 1970s. 

Unfortunately for Steelers fans, Sunday's party was crashed by quarterback Derek Carr and a defense that took no mercy on Ben Roethlisberger and his band of receivers. The Raiders' 26-17 upset victory took some of the vigor off of Pittsburgh's Week 1 win. It has also cast doubt among a fan base that still has memories of last season's collapse fresh in their minds. 

There's no reason to sugarcoat how bad some aspect of the Steelers' most recent performance was, as some of the doubts from Pittsburgh's fan base are legitimate. That being said, there was some positives to take out of Sunday's game, not to mention the fact that the entire AFC North is an even 1-1 as the season enters its third week of play. 

Let's take a look at the players whose stock either rose or fell following Sunday's loss to the Raiders. The Steelers will look to rebound Sunday as they welcome AFC North rival Cincinnati to Pittsburgh. 

Stock up 

RB Najee Harris

Harris showed more flashes of his potential on Sunday. Along with an impressive stiff-arm of Raiders defensive back Johnathan Abram, Harris caught all five of his targets that included his first NFL score, a 25-yard touchdown that cut Pittsburgh's deficit to two points four minutes into the fourth quarter. Harris and Roethlisberger struggled with their passing chemistry in Buffalo, so seeing this quick of a turnaround is a very positive sign for the Steelers' offense. 

Stock down

Offensive line 

The NFL is a bottom line business, which is why the Steelers offensive line can't get a pass for how it has played through two weeks. The unit has had its individual moments, but has scarcely jelled at the same time. That has led to too many hits on Roethlisberger, who was sacked twice and hit 10 times on Sunday. The line also created little opportunities for Harris and the rest of the Steelers running backs, as Pittsburgh rushed for just 39 yards on 14 carries. 

Stock up 

WR Diontae Johnson

Johnson has emerged as Roethlisberger's favorite target, although something went wrong on Roethlisberger's first-half attempt for Johnson that was picked off by Trayvon Mullen, Big Ben and Johnson quickly rediscovered their chemistry. Johnson caught 9 of 12 targets for 105 yards that included a 41-yard grab that set up the Steelers' first touchdown. Johnson did suffer a knee injury on the final play of Sunday's game, although the injury is reportedly not considered to be serious. 

Stock Down

TE Eric Ebron

By all accounts, Ebron had a successful first season in Pittsburgh, as he caught 56 passes for 558 yards and five scores in 2020. But Ebron has not had a good start to the 2021 season. Through two games, the former Pro Bowler has caught just 1 of 4 targets for 19 yards. He didn't catch either of his two targets on Sunday that included a third-down drop that abruptly ended the Steelers' opening drive. It appears that Ebron has been surpassed by rookie Pat Freiermuth, who caught each of his four targets for 46 yards against the Raiders. 

Stock up 

ILB Robert Spillane 

Spillane returned to the Steelers' starting lineup when Devin Bush was ruled inactive before kickoff with a groin injury. Along with his usual duties on special teams, Spillane led the Steelers with 12 tackles that included eight solo stops and one tackle for loss. Spillane also held his own in pass coverage, which is not his specialty. Bush will resume his role as a starter upon his return, but Spillane's play on Sunday may garner more playing time moving forward. 

Stock down

CB Ahkello Witherspoon 

The Steelers weren't as lucky at cornerback as it relates to replacing an injured starter. Acquired by the Steelers just before the start of the regular season, Witherspoon started in place of Joe Haden, who was also sidelined with a groin injury. Witherspoon was burned by Henry Ruggs III on a 61-yard touchdown pass from Carr that gave the Raiders a 23-14 fourth-quarter lead. The score also came at the expense of safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, who slipped while allowing Ruggs to get behind him for the day's biggest play.