The Pittsburgh Steelers entered Week 5 hoping to build on their 30-27 win over the Cincinnati Bengals, but Thursday night’s loss to the Cleveland Browns created more questions than answers. Now, as the Steelers prepare to face the Indianapolis Colts, national power rankings have Pittsburgh trending in the wrong direction.
Most major outlets dropped the Steelers following their 27-24 loss to Cleveland, with three of the four rankings examined here moving Pittsburgh down at least three spots. The Steelers still have time to turn things around, but the national consensus suggests they remain a team searching for an identity through the first month of the season.
Where the Steelers Are Ranked in NFL Power Rankings
- NFL.com: 25 (Down from 19)
- Yahoo!: 21 (Down from 17)
- ESPN: 20 (Down from 17)
- Pro Football Talk: 14 (Down from 13)
What National Pundits Are Saying About the Steelers’ Power Ranking
Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
“The Steelers’ offense fell back into a rut for most of Thursday night, and the relationship between Aaron Rodgers and Mike McCarthy seemed to sour further — that is, until a desperate fourth quarter saw Rodgers and DK Metcalf suddenly torch Cleveland’s secondary for a game-tying score. The late outburst doesn’t paper over the earlier issues, though, and Pittsburgh’s defense failed to get after Deshaun Watson despite facing an offensive line that was missing two of its starters (and replaced one with a rookie). The jury is still out on the Steelers, who seem like a middling-at-best team right now.” –Nick Shook (NFL.com)
“The days of this Steelers defense scaring anyone are probably over. Pittsburgh is 15th in defensive DVOA through Sunday’s games, 14th in EPA allowed per play, 23rd in success rate allowed and 13th in yards per game allowed. Pittsburgh allowed Cleveland quarterback Deshaun Watson to go 14-of-17 passing for 181 yards and a touchdown in the first half last Thursday night, then let him put together a game-winning drive.” –Frank Schwab (Yahoo)
“Coach Mike McCarthy’s phrase of choice — “herky-jerky” — is an apt description for the Steelers through four weeks. Neither the offense nor defense has established an identity. Even special teams has struggled, as kicker Chris Boswell is 7-of-10 on field goal attempts. QB Aaron Rodgers and the passing attack have been inconsistent, and while the run game found a spark in Jaylen Warren, the playcalling has often put the ball in Rodgers’ hands. He has 167 dropbacks; the Steelers have run the ball just 86 times. The league’s highest-paid defense has allowed 24.7 points per game over the past three weeks.” –Brooke Pryor (ESPN)
“The best-case scenario is 9-8. The worst-case scenario is they’re giving Will Howard or Drew Allar game reps after Thanksgiving.” –Mike Florio (PFT)
One Step Forward, Two Steps Back
After looking like they took a step forward in Week 3, the Steelers now look like they’ve taken a step back. Or two.
The offense was inconsistent on Thursday night, and Pittsburgh suddenly finds itself looking for answers in the secondary. The team’s biggest strength has become its ground attack, but when the going gets tough or the Steelers fall behind, it becomes clear that Aaron Rodgers wants to throw his way back into the game.
To be fair, plenty of people probably expected Rodgers to throw the Steelers back into games. However, Pittsburgh has developed an offensive formula it can build upon. This hasn’t been the same old Mike McCarthy offense. Instead, the Steelers have introduced some new approaches, and you can see Brian Angelichio’s influence in the scheme. Pittsburgh needs to lean into that identity.
As for the defense, a once-deep cornerback room is suddenly looking thin heading into Week 5. Joey Porter Jr. is no longer on the roster, and Jamel Dean is banged up. The Steelers could now rely on two rookies to play significant roles in the secondary.
Can they get the job done?
