NFL Power Rankings Wrap-up: Pittsburgh Steelers Week 14

Nov 30, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; New Orleans Saints cornerback Patrick Robinson (21) commits a penalty on Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) during the fourth quarter against at Heinz Field. The Saints won 35-32. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The Steelers played yet another partial game this past week, electing to not show back up until about 8 mins to go when the game was already decided.  They have a tough road ahead, but they still control their own destiny for the most part. Winning out leaves them 11-5, more importantly that would mean two wins in the remaining games against the Bengals. Their division record would be 4-2, the only team that can tie that would be Cleveland, but their common games record is worse unless they win out. So, our chances are still good. Here is how the Steelers game played in the NFL power rankings:

"What happened coming out of the bye against the Saints? Weren’t they getting guys back on defense? – Pete Prisco (CBS Sports, Ranked #15)"

They got guys back, but I think that now it is clear we are not a talented defensive team. We simply cannot stop anyone consistently, and it is clear that Ben Roethlisberger cannot (nor should he have to) carry this team.

"Pittsburgh allowed Erik Lorig, Ben Watson and Nick Toon to score their first receiving touchdowns of the season Sunday, the Steelers’ second loss to an NFC South team this year. – ESPN.com (Ranked #16)"

Two losses to teams in the worst division in football, and both at home. There is simply no excuse for it.

"Win, lose or draw, two things are certain about the 2014 Pittsburgh Steelers:A) You can’t trust the defense as far as you can throw it (or throw on it).B) Le’Veon Bell might be the best all-around running back in pro football. (Yes, DeMarco Murray included.)  – Elliott Harrison (NFL.com, Ranked #16)"

The funny thing I don’t think many people expected much from this team, yet here they are on the brink of a playoff run, and it has everything to do with Le’Veon Bell.

"TOne could make a strong case that the Steelers have the worst secondary in the NFL, and Dick LeBeau simply doesn’t have the talent in his front seven anymore to disguise it with a strong pass rush.  –Dan Schneier (FoxSports, Ranked #19)"

Nice of Mr. Schneier to simply repeat his criticism of the secondary. What are the odds that none of the starting secondary is with the team next year?

"Mike Tomlin called his team’s effort in a 35-32 loss to New Orleans an “unfortunate performance.” That’s putting it mildly. The Steelers actually trailed by 19 in the closing minutes before Antonio Brown and Ben Roethlisberger decided to screw up untold numbers of fantasy football matchups.  –Chris Burke (SI.com, Ranked #20)"

I know Tomlin isn’t the fiery guy in public, but I’d really like to see some of it right now. It’s as if the coaching staff knows they have a bad team, and could really care less.

Remember, we’re not out of it yet. With all the problems anything can happen if they get to the playoffs.

Let’s go Steelers!