NFL Power Rankings Wrap-up: Pittsburgh Steelers Week 8
The Steelers rebounded Monday night with a win against Houston. The unpredictability still goes back to having no definitive identity. There is simply nothing this team does well. I think Tomlin should feel lucky the team was handed a pair of touchdowns to close the first half, otherwise I don’t think the Steelers come out on the other side with a win. We came very close to losing the last onside kick, and seeing a possible repeat of the Tampa Bay game. That being said, we’re one game out of first place. Here is how the Steelers performance played in the NFL power rankings:
"After a slow start, the Steelers came alive against the Texans and might have turned around their season. We will find out against the Colts this week. – Pete Prisco (CBS Sports, Ranked #17)"
I have heard some downplay of this win, saying it wasn’t a must win. If not, it was pretty important. Two tough games ahead at home, and then on the road for two games.
"Two players have at least 100 yards from scrimmage in every game this season. Dallas’ DeMarco Murray is one; Pittsburgh’s Le’Veon Bell is the other. – ESPN.com (Ranked #15)"
Le’Veon is a beast. He has been more durable than I expected, especially after the pre-season foot injury after one carry. He has such soft hands as a pass catcher and the power to drive through defensive backs.
Oct 20, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu (43) is pursued by Houston Texans receiver Andre Johnson (80) on a fumble recovery in the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers defeated the Texans 30-23. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
"Two forced fumbles and a pick — that’s what I’m talking about. Pittsburgh defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau had been under fire for recent failures on that side of the ball, particularly the blown assignments in Cleveland. Well, that side of the ball won the day — er, evening — for the Steelers on Monday. Trend … or anomaly? That is the question. – Elliott Harrison (NFL.com, Ranked #15)"
The defense played well, after the first quarter that is. Defensive game planning becomes easier when you’re up by two scores. Let’s see how we do against the Colts before we break our arm patting ourselves on the back.
"After looking a lot like the team we saw against the Browns for most of the first half, the Steelers turned it on for a wild, late second-quarter scoring run. The issues remain on the defensive side of the ball, but Ben Roethlisberger may have found the second weapon in the passing game that he desperately needs in fourth-round rookie Martavis Bryant. –Dan Schneier (FoxSports, Ranked #22)"
This was the coming out party for Martavis Bryant. Let’s see if he can keep his head on straight and actually become the threat that he should be.
"Twenty-four points in 2:54. That’s how the Steelers turned their Week 7 contest vs. Houston from a sleepy loss into a win — a shocking swing unlike just about anything we’ve seen in NFL history. It was as if the Frank Reich comeback against the Oilers had been condensed down into a three minute-long clip. –Chris Burke (SI.com, Ranked #19)"
All I have left is to say at least we’re not the Browns, play like champs one week and lay an egg in Jacksonville the next. Oh, wait. Never mind.
Bring it Steeler Nation!