NFL Power Rankings Wrap-up: Pittsburgh Steelers Week 9

Oct 26, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Martavis Bryant (10) catches a touchdown pass behind Indianapolis Colts free safety Josh Gordy (27) during the third quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 51-34. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The Steelers stunned the Colts by blowing them out at Heinz Field. The black and gold have their first two game winning streak of the season. In the immortal words of Lou Brown, winning makes it two in a row. If we win Sunday, that’s called a winning streak. It has happened before. Not the exact quote, but hopefully you get the reference. I am cautiously optimistic on the offense, and I can point to the addition of Martavis Bryant as the difference maker. The Baltimore game should tell us whether this offense is for real or not. Here is how the Steelers amazing performance played in the NFL power rankings:

"With the passing game coming alive, they now face a key division game against the Ravens. They can’t afford to lose to the Ravens a second time this season. – Pete Prisco (CBS Sports, Ranked #16)"

After two solid games, we are still ranked in the middle of the pack. I understand the hesitation in moving the Steelers up farther, but I think we are better than 16 and certainly better than the Giants. At least this week.

"Ben Roethlisberger finished 40-of-49 for 522 yards and six touchdowns Sunday. He’s the first quarterback in NFL history to throw for 500 yards in a game twice. – ESPN.com (Ranked #14)"

All that and a ridiculous 82% completion rate. Games like this will certainly add to what is certain to be a Hall of Fame career.

"Ben Roethlisberger’s day was the best I’ve seen since Kurt Warner in the 2009 wild-card game versus the Packers, or perhaps Warren Moon toasting an outstanding Chiefs secondary for 500-plus yards in 1990. Roethlisberger had the best shot in years to break one of the oldest records in the books: Norm Van Brocklin’s 554 yards passing in a 1951 game. Big Ben fell 33 yards short, but what an afternoon.  – Elliott Harrison (NFL.com, Ranked #13)"

I was kind of hoping the Steelers would try and get Ben the record, and then I thought about how stupid it would be if he got hurt. They have to keep that momentum and unleash some more on Baltimore Sunday night.

"Martavis Bryant built on his breakout performance and the Steelers have found a legitimate threat to turn field goals into touchdowns when they get inside the red zone. This will be necessary going forward given the state of their secondary and defensive line.  –Dan Schneier (FoxSports, Ranked #17)"

We have talked all season about finding a number two weapon to offset the Antonio Brown show. The other benefit to Martavis Bryant showing his talent is maybe it inspires Markus Wheaton to get it together.

"Offensive coordinator Todd Haley unleashing his passing attack Sunday was right on par with Tom Hanks discovering fire in Castaway or the apes learning to use tools in 2001: A Space Odyssey. –Chris Burke (SI.com, Ranked #16)"

We are at the halfway point, and I have to say it is better than I expected. The Steelers still can’t cover anyone, but we knew that was a liability going into it. The pressure on the QB has been the difference in the last two games, and oh yeah putting up six offensive TDs against the Colts doesn’t hurt. Heaven help us if we have to play Denver, we may need 90 points to win.

Bring it Steeler Nation!