NPC’s “NFL Power Rankings Wrapup:” Pittsburgh Steelers, Week 9
Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
The Pittsburgh Steelers returned to form last weekend when they showed up to play the Oakland Raiders. The team came out flat, uninspired, unprepared, and Oakland took full advantage of their early-game lolleygagging when they built a 21-3 first half lead.
Pittsburgh’s recent loss sent them to 2-5 and definitely destroyed their credibility when it came to the “NFL Power Rankings” of pundits across the country. How fall did the Steelers fall? Take a look below to find out, readers:
"With a trip to Massachusetts on the docket, injured center Maurkice Pouncey definitely should stay in Pittsburgh.-Mike Florio (Pro Football Talk, Ranked #27)"
Oh Mike Florio, you snarky jagoff you. Seriously though, it might be a good idea for Pouncey to stay away from the New England area after his twin brother was subpoenaed during Miami’s most recent trip to Foxborough. Maybe the “Wonder Twins” can team with Aaron Hernandez for their own remake of “The Longest Yard” if they are implicated in another crime?
"Big Ben is being sacked at a record pace and this offense just looks completely out of sync. However, the defense did come up with three takeaways, one more than the first six games combined-Brian Billick (FOX Sports.com, Ranked #29)"
I did like how Billick mentioned that the defense recorded three turnovers last weekend. Of course, Pittsburgh’s offense only managed to score 10 points off of those three takeaways, and that was an enormous reason why they came out on the losing end of their game against Oakland.
"That was an embarrassing loss to the Raiders. So much for the role they were on.-Pete Prisco (CBS Sports.com, Ranked #29)"
Prisco summed up Pittsburgh’s most recent loss perfectly with the adjective “embarrassing.” At 2-5, the Steelers are in the basement of the AFC North and not much hope appears to be in sight. That “2-0 roll” they were on seems like a distant memory.
"Just when it looked as though they had turned a corner, the Steelers turned in a poor effort in Oakland. A matchup with the Patriots is next.–ESPN.com (Power Rankings, Ranked #27)"
After the debacle in Oakland, I am more intrigued than anything else to see how much the Patriots stomp the Steelers at Gillette Stadium. Pittsburgh has not beat a Tom Brady-led team in that stadium, and New England’s future Hall of Fame signal-caller could be primed once again to carve Dick LeBeau’s soft-zone.
"The Steelers made dumb mistakes in Oakland, starting with the misused timeouts. They brought absolutely no contain on Terrelle Pryor’s 93-yard touchdown run. And most of all, they had horrible special teams play. Shaun Suisham missed two short field-goal attempts (of 34 and 32 yards) and didn’t give Oakland any kind of a chance on an onside kick at the game’s end.-Elliot Harrison (NFL.com, Ranked #29)"
Go back and watch LaMarr Woodley on Pryor’s touchdown run and Darren McFadden’s second scoring rush. It’s so sad that it is almost hilarious. Not only did the “$61.5 Million Mistake” forget what the terms “contain” and “tackle” mean, he looked pathetic and hapless trying to accomplish both.
Stats & Contract Info. Provided By: ESPN.com, Steelers.com , Spotrac, and Pro Football Reference
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