By admin 
The Pittsburgh Steelers are only a few days removed from their embarrassing defeat to the Patriots in Foxborough. At least, it was embarrassing for the offense. The Steelers defense has been lights out, allowing just 26 points through the first two games of the season.
Read more Justin Gaethje: Ilia Topuria will never be UFC champion again
It is safe to say this retooled offense is not going as planned for head coach Mike McCarthy and the Steelers. Now, Cincinnati is coming to town with a team that is building momentum following several major offseason moves.
The Steelers defense has been the only bright spot keeping this team afloat. However, it is not reasonable to expect the unit to continue hanging in there while routinely holding opposing offenses under 20 points. Then again, the Steelers offense has not exactly shown it can consistently score more than 20 points on its own.
As of now, the doubts surrounding the Steelers are being justified by national pundits. Let’s take an updated look at where Pittsburgh stands in the latest NFL power rankings.
Where the Steelers Are Ranked in NFL Power Rankings
- NFL: 26 (Down from 23)
- PFF: 18 (Up from 19)
- ESPN: 25 (Down from 21)
- PFT: 18 (Down from 17)
What National Pundits Are Saying About the Steelers’ Power Ranking
“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)
Read more Beloved Competitive Eating Champion Tim Janus Dead at 49
“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.
Read more Ex-NFL Star Antonio Brown Officially Avoids Prison Time
Pittsburgh Steelers Essentials
- Every QB Drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers
- Best Quarterbacks in Pittsburgh Steelers History
- Best Running Backs in Pittsburgh Steelers History
- Best Wide Receivers in Pittsburgh Steelers History
- 9 Worst Draft Picks in Steelers History
- 10 Best Draft Picks in Steelers History
- NFL’s Richest Owners: Where Does Rooney Family Rank?
More on the Pittsburgh Steelers
- Steelers Could Be Making Offensive Line Changes After Poor Week 2 Performance
- WTF of the Week: Why is the Steelers’ Passing Game So Bad?
- Steelers Week 3 Scouting Report: What To Know About The Cincinnati Bengals
- Steelers O-Line Problem Is Getting Worse, and Spencer Anderson Is at the Center of It
Copyright 2026 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
This story was originally published September 23, 2026 at 11:00 AM.