Steelers: Where do they rank to start December?

The Pittsburgh Steelers went into Seattle to face the hostile Seahawks crowd for the first time in Ben Roethlisberger’s career on Sunday. Big Ben responded with a solid performance. Despite throwing two interceptions he came away with around 450 yards and kept the Steelers close as the defense struggled to rein in Russell Wilson.

In the end, it wasn’t enough though and they fell 39-30.

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Now Pittsburgh stands at 6-5, still looking up at the Cincinnati Bengals, who maintain a strong lead in the AFC North. Where do they rank compared to the other teams around the NFL? Let’s check in and see what the major sports media outlets are saying about them this week.

NFL.com: #9

“The better team might have lost on Sunday. So many plays to circle in the setback in Seattle:Antonio Brown falling down on a deep ball picked by Richard Sherman…”

Yahoo Sports: #8

“A team nobody would want to face in the playoffs … and we have absolutely no idea if they can make the playoffs.”

SB Nation: #9

USA Today: #9

“Mike Tomlin has guts to spare. Unfortunately, his gambles Sunday may end up gutting his team’s playoff chances.”

Washington Post: #12

“Nothing has been easy for the Steelers this season and it has been one injury-related issue after another for QB Ben Roethlisberger, who now is subject to the league’s concussion protocol.”

New York Post: #12

So, what do we think about these rankings?

There seems to be plenty of consensus – the media either thinks the Steelers are still in the thick of the playoff race with only a handful of teams ranked ahead of them, or they’re on the verge of having their postseason bubble popped.

For my money, the loathsome Bart Hubbuch’s ranking at the New York Post is too low. He didn’t offer any kind of explanation for dropping them four spots, which is absurd considering the circumstances. The Seahawks have only lost five games at home during the Wilson era and expecting the Steelers to come out on top is tough.

Next: Steelers stubbornness at corner must end

Others seem to be putting too much weight on Roethlisberger’s concussion. Knowing Big Ben, he won’t miss a beat. The Steelers remain the most talented team in the AFC and a threat to win every week, which will keep them in the hunt until the very end.