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The only consistent aspect of the Pittsburgh Steelers are their inconsistencies, but maybe this is a trend which is about to change.
After an opening week tie with the Cleveland Browns, followed by a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, the Steelers had shown it all — amazing offense, head-scratching play calling and shoddy defense, among others.
Needless to say, the Steelers experienced a precipitous drop in the weekly NFL Power Rankings because of their poor play which resulted in a 0-1-1 record heading into Week 3. However, a 30-27 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday Night Football had the Steelers on the rise. Right on cue, the next week they suffered a 26-14 loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday Night Football, the Pittsburgh roller coaster was again on the decline.
Have no fear Steelers fans, a dominant performance in Week 5 vs. the Atlanta Falcons in followed by a big win over the Cincinnati Bengals has the team continuing on their upward trend. Or as Mike Tomlin would say, “The arrow is pointing up.”
Inconsistent was the theme with this team, but it seems to have been rectified after beating the Baltimore Ravens in Week 9 and extending their winning streak to four straight games.
In reality, these power rankings mean nothing, but they’re great for conversation and debate. This week, the Steelers saw themselves claw their way back into the Top 10, but on the outside looking in of the Top 5.
Check out the rankings, and let us know what you think in the comment section below!
ESPN
1. New Orleans Saints
2. Kansas City Chiefs
3. Los Angeles Rams
4. New England Patriots
5. Los Angeles Chargers
6. Carolina Panthers
7. Pittsburgh Steelers
“The Steelers are down slightly from their preseason spot, which isn’t surprising considering their 1-2-1 start after projections for a season featuring at least 10 wins. But Pittsburgh looks like a contender because of an improved defense, one of the league’s best red zone offenses and an offensive line that’s moving everything in sight.”
8. Minnesota Vikings
9. Philadelphia Eagles
10. Chicago Bears
NFL Network
1. New Orleans Saints
2. New England Patriots
3. Kansas City Chiefs
4. Los Angeles Rams
5. Los Angeles Chargers
6. Carolina Panthers
7. Pittsburgh Steelers
“Don’t look now, but Pittsburgh is 5-2-1 and streaking. Credit goes to Ben Roethlisberger, who is much-maligned for his road work (which, it should be mentioned, is not nearly as pitiful as has been reported). Roethlisberger made two highly accurate throws on what was truly the deciding drive in the win over Baltimore, when the Steelers were trying to grind out as much time as possible on their final possession. Twice, Big Ben delivered catchable balls in front of Antonio Brown to convert third downs, eating away precious minutes and thwarting Joe Flacco’s ability to answer. When the Ravens finally did retrieve the pigskin, Cam Heyward drove his man right in Flacco’s face, with Stephon Tuitt arcing around for the close-the-door sack. Vintage Steelers.”
8. Minnesota Vikings
9. Chicago Bears
10. Houston Texans
SB Nation
1. New Orleans Saints
2. Los Angeles Rams
3. New England Patriots
4. Kansas City Chiefs
5. Los Angeles Chargers
6. Pittsburgh Steelers
7. Carolina Panthers
8. Chicago Bears
9. Houston Texans
10. Philadelphia Eagles
USA Today
1. New Orleans Saints
2. Los Angeles Rams
3. New England Patriots
4. Kansas City Chiefs
5. Los Angeles Chargers
6. Pittsburgh Steelers
“Wouldn’t they be better off if Le’Veon Bell simply opts not to show up at all — as odd a financial stratagem as that would ultimately be?”
7. Carolina Panthers
8. Minnesota Vikings
9. Philadelphia Eagles
10. Cincinnati Bengals