Let's see if the national media and other football websites have as divergent of views on the state of the Steelers as do factions of the Steelers' fanbase. If you're short of time, I can give you the answer. No. They're not. Only one writer seems to realize that the Steelers, for as competitive as they've been even in defeat, need to get things going again or risk missing out on the playoffs. (Hat tip: cgolden @ Revenge of the Birds)
12th
I worry about their passing game. Ben Roethlisberger isn't playing well. He needs to get it going or they'll be watching come playoff time.
To see what others think...
3rd
Bruised, battered and playing the league's toughest schedule, there's no need to drop the Steelers after a razor-thin loss to the rebounding Colts -- especially since in hindsight Ben Roethlisberger probably should not have played, and especially with so many key starters out with injuries.
3rdBig Ben must put his killer mistakes behind him and focus on beating the Chargers.
4thJames Harrison, the outside linebacker, played a blinder of a game. The week before I thought James Farrior, backing up the line on the inside, was the best player on the field. Nobody in football has a group like Farrior, Harrison, Foote, Woodley and Timmons. A combination of four is used in the nickel. Defensive coach Dick LeBeau must feel like a wealthy merchant, counting his stack of gold ducats, every time he lines them up in one of his defenses.
9thRecord vs. Quality Opponents: 2-3 (even)Last week: Coming off a huge Monday night win at Washington, the Steelers blew a 10-point second-half lead and lost their second straight home game to a Manning, falling 24-20 to the Colts.Cold, Hard Football Facts: Granted, he’s playing with a separated shoulder, a makeshift offensive line and a third-string running back, but Ben Roethlisberger has thrown eight interceptions in his last three games and ranks 13th in the AFC in passer rating (76.1).Week 11 matchup: vs. San Diego. The Chargers haven’t won in Pittsburgh since the 1994 AFC championship game, losing by double digits in each of their three visits
3rdCould Big Ben and his bad shoulder use a little rest?
4th"Big Ben" is struggling, and so are the Steelers. Suddenly Pittsburgh has dropped two of three.