Cam Heyward and DeShon Elliott criticize reliance on PFF grades
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 19, 2026, 1:52 PM
Last updated Aug 19, 2026

Cam Heyward and DeShon Elliott, members of the Pittsburgh Steelers, expressed their concerns regarding Pro Football Focus (PFF) grades, claiming they do not accurately reflect game realities. Speaking on the podcast 'Not Just Football with Cam Heyward', they argued that such external evaluations often overlook critical context, such as game plans and team schemes. They emphasized that true evaluations come from watching game tape in detail, rather than relying on third-party metrics. With front offices increasingly considering PFF grades in contract discussions, both players stress the importance of traditional film study and understanding play execution.
- •Heyward and Elliott discussed PFF grades on 'Not Just Football with Cam Heyward'.
- •Elliott asserts PFF lacks context necessary for accurate evaluations.
- •Heyward highlighted misinterpretations of defensive responsibilities from broadcast footage.
- •Players insist game tape analysis should be prioritized over external analytics.
- •Tensions rise as teams weigh analytic grades in contract talks.
- 1:52 PMYahoo Sports — Cam Heyward and DeShon Elliott on why PFF grades fail the tape test
"Pittsburgh Steelers defenders Cam Heyward and DeShon Elliott explain why external analytics like PFF grades don't reflect real game tape.
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