Steelers Power Rankings Week 3: Steelers In Free Fall

“It’s difficult to reconcile the dichotomy that currently defines the Steelers. Their defensive front is one of the most complete in football and has caused major issues for the first two offenses it has faced, yet their offense remains abysmal. Mike McCarthy’s arrival permitted Aaron Rodgers to play more aggressively, but Pittsburgh’s offensive line has regressed, the running game is nonexistent and DK Metcalf has been one of the least reliable receivers in football through two weeks. Add in Rodgers’ age and general lack of mobility under pressure … and you have an inept unit. It’s unfair to ask the defense to carry the Steelers on a weekly basis.” –Nick Shook (NFL)

“The Steelers’ defense has looked tremendous under new coordinator Patrick Graham, placing second in EPA per play and first in success rate behind stars T.J. Watt, Nick Herbig, Alex Highsmith and Jamel Dean. However, Pittsburgh’s offense has been largely languid through two games, scoring on only 16% of drives. The game-to-game consistency of Aaron Rodgers (51.1 overall PFF grade in Week 2), efficacy of the run game and performance of D.K. Metcalf (0.76 yards per route run) are what will make or break Mike McCarthy’s first season.” –Bradley Locker (PFF)

“So far this season, Rodgers has completed just 8 of 24 attempts on 31 dropbacks under pressure. He has been sacked six times on such plays. Rodgers is also completing a career-low 50% against the blitz, as his off-target percentage on such throws is a career-worst 30.4%. While the offensive line’s struggles have significantly contributed to Rodgers’ inaccuracy, his decreased mobility at 42 years old has made it even more difficult to manage the pressure.” –Brooke Pryor (ESPN)

“Remember when the unofficial media talking point was Mike McCarthy’s high level of attention to detail?” –Mike Florio (PFT)

Steelers in Free Fall Early

Understandably, the outlook is quite bleak for this Steelers team. Who can blame the national media? This franchise took a risk on a head coach who is now on his third job after two rough conclusions at his previous stops.

That is not to say Mike McCarthy cannot get something done in Pittsburgh, but the decision to bring Aaron Rodgers back has also come under scrutiny following what was seen in Week 2. Many pundits were already skeptical of Rodgers returning, and his performance against New England did little to quiet those concerns. Week 1 at least provided some sense of hope.

Whether the issues stem from talent, poor game planning, execution, or some combination of everything, the Steelers do not have time to dwell on them. Their divisional foe is heading into town after retooling its defense, and Cincinnati is beginning to build momentum following an offseason focused on improving the roster.

At least the Steelers defense has taken a major step forward. Now, the offense has to find a way to keep up.

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