Steelers power rankings: How high did they climb?

To be honest I didn’t think the Pittsburgh Steelers had it in them. Before Sunday’s game I was predicting that Bruce Arians and his Arizona Cardinals would put on an offensive clinic at Heinz Field and walk away with a victory.

That’s not how it went down, as Pittsburgh’s pass rush took another powerful step forward and Martavis Bryant blew all of our minds with his playmaking ability in the second half. Landry Jones stepped in for an injured Michael Vick and appeared to be a radical upgrade at quarterback.

What’s even better is that Ben Roethlisberger is expecting a full week of practice and may be able to return in time for this week’s matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs (as if they need him.)

Let’s check in and see where the NFL literati are ranking them after the big win.

NFL.com: #8

“Landry Jones will be getting free Yuenglings for the next three months following that performance…”

ESPN: #10

“All of the Steelers’ quarterbacks have done well protecting the ball. The team has three giveaways this season, tied for fewest in the NFL.”

Yahoo Sports: #6

“I’m impressed. Also worth mentioning: They’re also doing it without linebacker Ryan Shazier, who will be a really good player if he can just stay healthy.”

Fansided: #8

“Mike Tomlin is doing everything he can to lock up Coach of the Year honors this year.”

USA Today: #6

“In hindsight, why wouldn’t they turn offense over to mini-Roethlisberger Landry Jones rather than adjust it to Mike Vick?”

SB Nation: #6

Fox Sports: #12

“When Roethlisberger returns, the Steelers have potential to be one of the NFL’s most complete teams thanks to the defensive improvements they have made under first-year coordinator Keith Butler.”

CBS Sports: #10

“They deserve huge credit for winning two games without Ben Roethlisberger against two good teams.”

For my money a few of these outlets aren’t recognizing the long-term prospects that Pittsburgh has.

Through six games they’re 4-2, but if you look at the context you could make a case that they should be 5-1. Only a pair of missed field goals by Josh Scobee cost them a win against the Ravens and the one true loss came on the road against the best team in the league.

More than that, the Steelers haven’t been close to complete yet this year. They’ve yet to see Le’Veon Bell, Antonio Brown, Ben Roethlisberger and Martavis Bryant all on the field at the same time.

Fox Sports’ number 12 ranking is just ridiculous, but I can’t put them as high as number six. I think Fansided actually nailed it this week at number eight.

Where would you rank them?

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