The Steelers pulled a rabbit out of their hat on Sunday, defeating the New York Jets in an unexpected shootout. Despite poor performances by the defense and offensive line, Aaron Rodgers overcame multiple deficits, and Chris Boswell kicked a game-winning 60-yard field goal.
Let’s take a look at how they stack up against the rest of the league in this week’s power rankings.
CBS Sports: No. 17
“Aaron Rodgers was fantastic in his first start for the Steelers. That’s a great sign for the rest of the season.” – Pete Prisco
The Sporting News: No. 12
“The Steelers now can beat teams in another way: with offense again. Aaron Rodgers gave them their best QB play in a game since the last good days of Ben Roethlisberger. That helped their defense overcome a rough day in New York, until big addition Jalen Ramsey shut the door.” – Vinnie Iyer
USA Today: No. 9
“Just when you think you’ve seen and heard it all in the NFL, a kicker gets described as ‘a serial killer’ with ‘a low pulse rate.’ Leave it to Mike Tomlin to always keep it fresh, and now you further understand why seemingly revitalized QB Aaron Rodgers wanted to play for him.” – Nate Davis
ESPN: No. 15
“The Steelers’ newcomers didn’t just make a splash in Week 1. They cannonballed into team lore with a touchdown by Jonnu Smith, 83 yards from DK Metcalf and a game-ending truck-stick tackle by Jalen Ramsey — not to mention Aaron Rodgers’ four touchdowns. But Gainwell’s debut was most critical since his forced fumble on special teams set up the fourth-quarter, go-ahead touchdown. Although he had only 19 yards on seven carries, he had three more snaps than starting RB Jaylen Warren and was involved as a pass catcher with three receptions.“ – Brooke Pryor
