The Pittsburgh Steelers have now dropped consecutive games for the first time this season. After starting off with a red-hot 4-1 overall record, the Steelers have looked lifeless on defense over the last two weeks. The league’s highest-paid defensive unit has given up over 400 yards in both those losses. Let’s take a look at how the rest of the national media is viewing the Steelers in the latest power rankings.
ESPN No. 13 (No. 13 last week)
“Of all the uncharacteristic offseason acquisitions, Rodgers, perhaps the most controversial
addition, has been the Steelers’ most reliable. At 41 years old and two years removed from an Achilles tear, it was unclear exactly what he had left in the tank. Rodgers, though, has been a steadying leader for the offense, and he has shown flashes of vintage moves by extending the play, breaking the pocket and firing deep balls downfield. But he isn’t a cure-all for the Steelers’ offense, which converted just 1-of-10 third-down opportunities against the Packers.“ –Brooke Pryor
CBS Sports No. 18 (No. 14 last week)
“The defense is a major problem. That sentence is not something Steelers fans are used to seeing, but age is an issue on that unit.” – Pete Prisco
The Sporting News No. 12 (No. 10 last week)
“The Steelers’ defense isn’t a strength when they’re in games with teams that are getting the ball out quickly and running well. The offense is incapable of overcoming big holes with Rodgers. Pittsburgh is fortunate to lead the weak AFC North.” – Vinnie Iyer
USA Today No. 12 (No. 11 last week)
“Are the wheels coming off here? The league’s worst (by far) pass defense will next be charged with slowing down the high-powered Indy offense. And Sunday night provided further evidence this offense isn’t built to overcome even moderate deficits.” – Nate Davis
NFL.com No. 14 (No. 13 last week)
“Chris Boswell nailed a 56-yard field goal to give the Steelers a 19-14 lead midway through the third quarter, and the Packers just boatraced them from that moment on. It felt like Green Bay hit a gear Pittsburgh couldn’t match after what had been a back-and-forth game to that point. Just two weeks ago, the Steelers were in an enviable position: up 2.5 games in the division and seemingly peaking. All of a sudden, though, following two humbling losses, the picture has changed dramatically. Pittsburgh’s defense had no answers for Green Bay’s passing game, as a secondary that received major resources in the offseason was undressed again. Furthermore, someone please let me know when the Steelers’ next easy game is. The schedule is a challenge, assuming the Ravens are back, and all three units need to improve in order for Pittsburgh to get into December in decent shape.” – Eric Edholm
Surprisingly, most media outlets don’t seem to be panicking on the Steelers. The Steelers’ defense has not been up to par, and will be without one of their star players for the foreseeable future. Pittsburgh has an opportunity to rise in the power rankings this weekend as they welcome the team with the best record in football, the Indianapolis Colts, to Pittsburgh.
