Fox Sports Top-5 NFL Teams: How the Steelers stack up.

#1 Giants (5-0): 112 first downs vs. 65 for opponents and 2087 offensive yards: 151 points scored

#2 Saints (4-0):  90 first downs vs. 64 for opponents and 1657 offensive yards: 144 points scored

#3 Colts (5-0):  104 first downs vs. 92 for opponents and 2024 offensive yards: 137 points scored

#4 Eagles (3-1):  77 first downs vs. 70 for opponents and 1475 offensive yards: 127 points scored

#5 Vikings (5-0):  99 first downs vs. 93 for opponents and 1663 offensive yards: 156 points scored

*Steelers (3-2):  107 first downs vs. 92 for opponents and 1879 offensive yards: 113 points scored 

Among the top teams, only the Giants, Saints and Eagles are doing a good job of stopping their opponents defensively. The Colts and Vikings haven't played any better defense than the Steelers. The Steeler offense is second only to the Giants in first downs and the black and gold ranks a respectable third among these teams in total offensive yardage.

But in total points scored, the Steelers rank last in the group with 113. The Vikings are scoring 9 points more than the Steelers per game and the Giants are scoring 7 more per game. Two of Fox's top teams (Vikes & Eagles) are generating more points per game than the Steelers, even with substantially fewer total offensive yards.

In the past, we could have said that the Steeler D would make up the difference by stuffing opponents. But with Aaron Smith probably gone for the season and a not-too-swift, patchwork secondary (as Blitz noted), the Steeler offense clearly will need to score some serious points from now on to reach the SB. To do that, they'll need a lot more consistency throughout the game, especially against the better teams.

I think they can still do it with Ben in charge and Troy returning on D. I also think the Ziggyman is ready to step up and fill some big shoes this season--even though we've heard reports that he's still a bit green. 

What do you think?

GO STEELERS!!