The Steelers came out on top this week 38-7 against Baker Mayfield and the Cleveland Browns in the most balanced performance we have seen from this team this season.
The Steelers were ranked 6th on ESPN.com’s weekly power rankings. The Steelers found themselves only moving up one spot last week as they struggled to keep the Eagles from putting points on the board. The Eagles game was the worst performance we have seen from the Steelers defense so far, although, that “worst” performance was still able to keep the Eagles under 30 points.
We are also finally seeing this offense lead by Ben Roethlisberger get back to putting up over 30 points in a victory. Chase Claypool burst on the scene last week with passing and rushing touchdowns. The offense is showcasing versatility that has not been as prevalent in previous years. The use of motions, short passing, and jet sweeps using youth and speed to stretch the field have been highlighted through the first half of this season. We are seeing traces of quarterback coach Matt Canada all over the field. This offense has turned into a safer balanced effort of running and passes that are much lower risk. It has been a welcomed change not seeing throws forced into traffic this season.
Where are the Steelers ranked for week 7?
This week the boys in black and gold soared to number 3 overall on ESPN’s power rankings. The Steelers stopped the league’s number one rushing offense in a huge 38-7 win over division rival Cleveland. The Steelers showed us a complete game that was dominated on both sides of the football. The front-7 was all over Baker Mayfield giving him no room to breathe, the secondary came away with multiple interceptions, and even after Devin Bush went down Robert Spillane more than held his own against a tough running team. The offense ran the ball at will, the passing yards were low but efficient at moving the ball, and Chase Claypool scored his second rushing touchdown this season. The Steelers made it look all too easy this week.
Minkah Fitzpatrick answered his critics as well with an interception returned for a touchdown to open up the game. That interception seemed like it took the wind out of the Browns sails from the start. There was no urgency from the opposition and the Steelers forced Baker to make mistakes. The Steelers team we saw this week was at its peak this season. They will need the momentum heading into this weeks game versus the Titans and Derrick Henry.
Is this the right rank for the Steelers?
It is incredibly hard to watch this team and not believe that they are a top-three quality group. Everything seems to be working right for the Steelers. The team seems focused and the game plan each week seems to be something the players want to buy into. There is a selfless vibe on the field, each man has embraced their role. I believe there are about 4-5 teams that could beat the Steelers any given week.
However, no other team is winning in all three phases of football the way Pittsburgh is right now. They are doing this without anybody in the MVP race such as Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, or Russell Wilson. It is a complete team effort.