Pittsburgh Steelers News

2019 Steelers Power and Sour Rankings: Bye Week Edition

BTSC ranks the best and worst of the Steelers 2019 season so far.

By Bryan Anthony Davis@btscbad Oct 23, 2019, 1:24pm EDT

Pittsburgh Steelers v Los Angeles Chargers

With the Steelers preparing themselves for the final ten contests of the season, there have been performances that astound and amaze and some that leave the coaches scratching their heads and gasping in disbelief. This has inspired me to rank the Steelers that have had the finest six games and those who have disappointed the most. Lets take a look at both.

Steelers Power Rankings

1) T.J. Watt

Watt is quickly becoming the heart and soul of the defense. PFF ranks him as the third-best pass rusher in the league who is playing at an elite level. On the season, T.J. has four sacks and 14 hurries in just six games.

Cincinatti Bengals v Pittsburgh Steelers

2) Stephon Tuitt

The monstrous defensive lineman from Notre Dame has been like Bane in The Dark Knight Rises...he blew up the stadium. A stalwart against the run and a 3.5 sack total had Tuitt high on the list, but his unfortunate pectoral injury has derailed Tuitt for the season.

3) Devin Bush

Bush has suffered some growing pains, but they mustn’t hurt too much as the rookie has proven himself worthy of the team moving up to select him in the 2019 draft. No. 55 has 52 tackles, two interceptions, four forced fumbles, a sack and an NFL Defensive Player of Week Six honor.

NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers at Los Angeles Chargers

4) James Conner (the receiver)

Conner has struggled as a rusher, but that has a lot to do with his line. PFF ranks him third as a receiver out of the backfield and if the Steelers are going to move the chains, it has been done consistently with Conner’s combat runs after the catch. James has 25 receptions for 231 yards and two scores.

5) Mason Rudolph

Mason Rudolph didn’t set the world on fire (12/19, 112 yards, 2 TDs and a pick) when he replaced an injured Ben Roethlisberger for the second half of the Seattle loss. However, he got the offense moving and did what Ben really couldn’t do. Rudolph was a bright spot in a game that ended in many a disappointment. Since, Rudolph has a 1-2 record as a starter and suffered a concussion. However, he has been taking steps to get the offense going with a rating of 102.5, a 67% completion rate, seven touchdown passes and two interceptions in 2019.

Pittsburgh Steelers v San Francisco 49ers

Honorable Mention: Cam Sutton, Mike Hilton, Jaylen Samuels, Vince Williams, Devlin Hodges, Steven Nelson, Vance McDonsld, Cam Heyward, Chris Boswell, Jordan Berry

Steelers Sour Rankings

1) Donte Moncrief

Pittsburgh Steelers v New England Patriots

The Free Agent signee from Jacksonville was supposed to take double-teams off of JuJu Smith-Schuster. Because Moncrief can’t catch an STD in a brothel at this point even more attention is being paid to No. 19. He was said to have a finger injury, but then he shouldn’t be out there. He is a liability that cost the Steelers and will continue to do so. Moncrief is in danger of getting cut by Week Ten to save a third round pick in 2020, but injuries to other wideouts could save No. 11.

2) Artie Burns

The Steelers’ top selection in 2016 has continued to be a disappointment. Although his ST play has been good, he hasn’t done much to earn a second contract and his one start in 2019 was Fichtner

3) Randy Fichtner

The Offensive Coordinator has been exposed as a decoy for the actual Offensive Coordinator by the name of Ben Roethlisberger. Fichtner’s offense has been unimaginative and ineffective with Ben out.

NFL: Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers

4) Ryan Switzer

Switzer is a reliable receiver, but he barely gets yards after the catch. As a returner, he is an advertisement for the fair catch. There’s no explosiveness to Switz whatsoever.

5) The Run Game featuring James Conner and the Offensive Line

Conner has only had four more yards rushing than receiving at 235. His rushing average is a mere 3.2 ypc. Granted he’s getting very little to no help from his veteran line. Once a strength of the team, it is a weak link in 2019. With Ben Roethlisberger out, teams are stacking the box on the Steelers. But still, the Mike Munchack-less unit is helping hold the offense back and needs to help open holes quickly to open opportunities to win.

If the Steelers are to rebound from 2-4, the power players need to keep their momentum going strong and the sour squad needs a burst of sweetness in a hurry. Post your agreements and the opposite in the comments section below.