NFL Power Rankings Wrapup: Pittsburgh Steelers Week 3

Sep 11, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin watches a replay of a penalty called on his team against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

The Steelers were embarrassed on National TV, dropping their road opener in Baltimore. We as fans have gotten used to Baltimore games being hard fought games that could go either way. This was not one of those games. It was a repeat of the Cleveland game, they played well in the first half (or well enough) and decided to take the second half off.  Here are the results around the league in the power rankings:

"That was a terrible showing in Baltimore. Their lines had big problems. Do they even come close to resembling the Steelers defenses of old? – Pete Prisco (CBS Sports, Ranked #16)"

They let a bad Baltimore team manhandle them. There’s simply no fire at the point of attack on either side of the ball. No turnovers generated, and no sacks. Sound familiar?

"Antonio Brown extended his streak of at least five receptions and 50 receiving yards to 18 straight games Thursday night, the longest such streak since 2002-03 (Laveranues Coles, 19 games). – ESPN.com (Ranked #19)"

I think ESPN has a bromance with Antonio Brown. Don’t get me wrong, he’s been one of the only bright spots but AB has been the only one mentioned in two weeks of rankings. Creepy.

"Do you realize the Steelers have been outscored 50-9 since halftime of Week 1? Let’s put the controversy over the big hits aside. That didn’t lose the game for the Steelers in Baltimore. Pittsburgh was consistently defeated up front while the safeties and linebackers were dominated in coverage.  – Elliott Harrison (NFL.com, Ranked #20)"

I had to look up this stat to confirm it. It’s correct and more specifically: six quarters, 9 points.

"One week after showing vulnerability in the run game, the Steelers were helpless in stopping the pass. CB Cortez Allen was picked on as he missed tackles, but the Steelers rush didn’t manufacture any pressure. Ben Roethlisberger and the passing game were not in sync against a stout Ravens defense that forced him out of his comfort zone into the short passing game.  –Dan Schneier (FoxSports, Ranked #20)"

I don’t know about the Ravens being so stout on defense as much as the offense seeming completely out of sorts. I can’t remember the last time the Steelers had a free run at the quarterback though. Our pass defense is not talented enough with forcing some bad throws with pressure.

"It’s a little difficult to see what the Steelers are supposed to be at the moment. The defense certainly isn’t good enough to carry them the way it did in past glory days; and aside from Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell, there are not any fear-inducing guys on offense. –Chris Burke (SI.com, Ranked #22)"

I think Chris Burke has nailed it. The Steelers simply don’t have an identity right now, and they don’t scare anyone. That is not a good recipe for success.

That’s it Steeler Nation! Let us know what you think!