NFL Power Rankings Wrap-up: Pittsburgh Steelers Week 11
Nov 9, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) walks off the field during the first half of their game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
And then there was the Jets game. If it seems like I looked past the opening of this article, I was simply trying to mimic the Steelers in the way they overlooked the Jets. If anyone is still wondering why Martavis Bryant spent the first six weeks on the inactive roster, now you know. Set aside his final stat line since the 80 yard TD came in garbage time. The Steelers 2nd and 8 at the 10, down 17 points. Martavis runs a curl route at the goal line, but never makes any attempt to fake the corner route or get him turned whatsoever. When Ben delivers the ball, he sat and waited for it instead of out-hustling the corner. In his defense, the ball was forced in my opinion but if that catch is made the ballgame is much different.
Bryant’s route running is not yet there, as he is still relying heavily on his size and athleticism to make plays. This doesn’t mean he can’t be solid in this offense, it simply means we are going to have good games and bad with him for a while yet. That being said, this loss should not represent panic mode. The first priority is always winning the division, and the AFC North is still wide open. Here is how the Steelers fumbling, bumbling and stumbling against the Jets played in the NFL power rankings:
"That was a terrible performance against the Jets. How can they explain losses to Tampa Bay at home and to the Jets? – Pete Prisco (CBS Sports, Ranked #14)"
They can’t, and neither can the fans. But it’s really nothing new. They’ve lost four out of the last five meetings with the Raiders. It seems they always lose the games they should win and win the games they should lose.