NFL Power Rankings Wrap-up: Pittsburgh Steelers Week 4

Sep 28, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Sean Spence (51) reacts as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers take the lead in the game with seven seconds remaining in the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. The Buccaneers won 27-24. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The Steelers left their composure in Carolina apparently, as the effort was overshadowed by 125 yards in penalties. Losing three starters made an impact on the pressure we saw against Carolina, as the team was only able to generate one sack. Unfortunately, a comedy of errors spelled a heartbreaking loss at Heinz Field.  Here is how the power rankings wrap-up with the NFL beat writers:

"That was an inexcusable loss to the Bucs at home — much to some survivor pool players’ dismay — and now they are back wondering who they are as a team. – Pete Prisco (CBS Sports, Ranked #19)"

As disappointing as it is, the Steelers are 2-2. These are games they should win, and 3-1 would have been better but at least we’re not 0-4.

"Ben Roethlisberger threw for at least 300 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions for the sixth time in his career. Somehow the Steelers are only 3-3 in those games. – ESPN.com (Ranked #18)"

I think we know we win when Ben is being Ben, but the team has been consistently average when Ben is forced to take the entire team on his shoulders.

"What a depressing loss for the Steelers against an inferior opponent. Maybe Ben Roethlisberger should have walked down the field on that flea flicker and personally handed the ball to Antonio Brown. In fairness, Brown had a nice day with two touchdowns, but there is no getting around how crucial that sequence was to the outcome of this game.  – Elliott Harrison (NFL.com, Ranked #16)"

I think this is being under-reported because of the great game AB had. A bad drop and a bone-headed penalty for end zone celebration.

"One week after smacking the Panthers in Carolina, the Steelers defense came back to earth, allowing a previously inept Bucs offense to score in the waning seconds to steal a win. The Steelers defensive line struggled to generate pressure against one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL, and it led to several big pass plays and key third-down completions. The Steelers are likely to be in plenty of shootouts this season.  –Dan Schneier (FoxSports, Ranked #16)"

I don’t put this on the defensive line. Mike Mitchell was badly out of position on the 41 yard play. Again. I know he is new in this defense but including preseason and training camp to get this down and he has yet to impress me one bit.

"On a 2nd-and-13, up by four in the final two minutes Sunday, Ben Roethlisberger completed a pass to Markus Wheaton. Then on the ensuing 3rd-and-5, the Steelers ran it. They came up well short, punted and eventually lost. Why throw on second down but not on third? Why put the game on the shoulders of your depleted defense? –Chris Burke (SI.com, Ranked #17)"

I don’t think the play call was the issue. David DeCastro was blown-up at the line of scrimmage, almost like he thought it was a pass. When you see run blocking, the lineman blast down the field not sit back. Look at the replay, if DeCastro blocks down I think Le’Veon wins that battle because the hole was there and if he gets past the line he gets to the sticks.

If we had passed the ball and it gets dropped, we punt with 1:30. Remember, a 45 yard punt versus a 29 yard punt makes a world of difference. Our punting average on Sunday was 30 yards.

Bring it Steeler Nation!