:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/19338187/20130908_gav_al8_367.0.jpg)
The Steelers started the year at No. 14. They allowed 16 points, scoring only nine, which caused them to drop nine spots, all the way down to No. 23 in SB Nation's Power Rankings.
SBN's Ryan Bibber summarized their spot:
"If it seems like the Steelers are always dealing with offensive line injuries, it's because they are. Instead of the tackles, this time it's center Maurkice Pouncey."
Only the Giants (from 12 to 21) matched the Steelers' nine-spot slide. Both teams lost their season-openers, obviously, but it speaks more to where they started in these rankings more than anything else. Defense was a problem with the injury-challenged Giants while offense was hard to come by in Pittsburgh.
The San Francisco 49ers are No. 1, with Denver trailing them. Seattle, New England and Houston round out the top five.
The Ravens and Bengals are 10th and 11th, respectively, while Cleveland heads up the rear in the AFC North at 30th.
Agree with these? Disagree? Make your case on the most subjective weekly column you'll ever read.
More from Behind the Steel Curtain:
- Commentary: Report: Bell may miss another month
- Commentary: Beachum is the solution to a problem he caused.
- Titans take Terrible Towels back to Tennessee
- Insurance adjuster to starting linebacker
- Up tempo offense not a fad
- Clark: Harrison looks 'horrible' in Bengals' colors
- Steelers Film Room: Week 1 vs. Titans
- Around the AFC North
- Jones and Worilds are co-starters
- Opinions on Miller in Week 2 differ
- Redman and Bell still co-starters despite acquisition of Dwyer
- Beachum to start at center against Bengals
- Vince Williams vs. Kion Wilson for Steelers starting ILB
- Heath Miller may return in Week 2
- Meet Fernando Velasco, the Steelers newest roster addition
- Steelers focus on conditioning is not preventing injuries