NPC’s “NFL Power Rankings Wrapup:” Pittsburgh Steelers, Week 11
Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
To their credit, the Steelers finally beat a team that they were “supposed” to this season. Pittsburgh took care of the hapless Bills over the weekend to move to 3-6 and the ground attack looked pretty good. In addition, the defense stifled rookie signal-caller EJ Manuel and the return units looked solid on special teams.
How high did the Steelers actually climb this week in “NFL Power Rankings” around the country? Take a look below to find out, readers:
"The question of whether Roethlisberger wants to move on from Pittsburgh overlooks the possibility that the team wants to move on from him.-Mike Florio (Pro Football Talk, Ranked #25)"
I would not put it past Pittsburgh’s front office to try and trade Roethlisberger despite their recent claims otherwise. “Big Ben” is still due a couple of large pay days, and the cap-strapped franchise could be willing to move him for the right price. While I vehemently disagree with that potential move, anything is possible.
"This is starting to look more like the Steelers of old. They have rushed for over 100 yards in three of their last four games and they had their second-highest total of the season on Sunday.-Brian Billick (FOX Sports.com, Ranked #26)"
Billick is definitely correct that Pittsburgh’s running game has improved in recent weeks. As much as they have struggled to pass-protect, particularly the tackles, Pittsburgh’s ground attack has helped their offense move the ball consistently over the last month. I just hope that they can improve when it comes to running in the red zone down the road though.
"At 3-6, they still have life. They have a tough one this week vs. the Lions.-Pete Prisco (CBS Sports.com, Ranked #26)"
Not sure I agree with Prisco that the Steelers have “life” at 3-6. They just defeated a rookie quarterback who was coming off of a knee injury, in Pittsburgh, and are still struggling to turn red zone trips into touchdowns. I do agree that this weekend’s game against Detroit will be huge.
"That’s more like the Steelers’ pass defense. A week after allowing a franchise-worst yards and points totals to the Patriots, Pittsburgh bounced back against a rookie quarterback.–ESPN.com (Power Rankings, Ranked #24)"
As much as the pass defense improved last weekend, wake me up when they are stopping better signal-callers who aren’t coming off of knee injuries. This week should be a tremendous litmus test as they will face Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson. I’m guessing they will be torched plenty of times.
"Would the Steelers deal Ben Roethlisberger? The real question is this: Would they bring back Charlie Batch to play a 25th season?Don’t look now, but the Steelers are still in the AFC North race, just 2.5 games behind the division-leading Bengals – who come to town Dec. 15. #justsayin-Elliot Harrison (NFL.com, Ranked #26)"
As nice as it was to watch the Steelers emerge victorious last weekend, I will continue to temper my expectations until they can beat a quality foe. Sunday’s game against the Detroit Lions should be a tremendous litmus test for them. I just hope that they aren’t over-confident before they face their 6-3.
Stats & Contract Info. Provided By: ESPN.com, Steelers.com , Spotrac, and Pro Football Reference
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