After a Week 2 blowout loss, the Pittsburgh Steelers have dropped in Bleacher Report's power rankings.
The Pittsburgh Steelers dropped their Week 2 game against the New England Patriots, looking lethargic throughout the contest.
Pittsburgh was only able to generate three points against a tough Patriots defense, leading to real problems. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers didn't play well, throwing for just 187 yards and one interception on the day.
As the team gets ready for Week 3, there is a lot to correct. But the performance from the Steelers saw them drop in a new power rankings from Bleacher Report.
The Steelers went from being ranked No. 16 last week to No. 19 in this week's edition of the power rankings. Bleacher Report NFL analyst Brent Sobleski discussed why this drop happened.
"Everyone knows when it's football season, because Aaron Rodgers is passive-aggressively taking shots at his coaching staff and/or teammates. In this case, Rodgers took the blame for not informing the coaches of what works best during game days and what doesn't. Essentially, the 42-year-old veteran was saying that the game plan isn't good enough."
"Honestly, Rodgers may be right. The play of those around him certainly hasn't been up to par. Right now, Pittsburgh's wide receivers are failing to get open with any consistency. Even when the ball arrives, they're not guaranteed to catch it," Sobleski wrote.
Pittsburgh didn't look up to the challenge against the Patriots, with the offense sputtering once again. For this team to have any chance this season, this group is going to need to play much better moving forward.
Much of the success from the Steelers comes from Rodgers and his ability to put the offense on his shoulders. But at his age, the playmakers are going to have to step up for Pittsburgh, if this group wants any chance to make the playoffs.
Wide receivers DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. will need to step up to help Rodgers throughout the process. Pittman missed the game against New England due to injury, but the team will need more help going forward.
Pittsburgh has the talent to compete for a postseason spot, but the performance against the Patriots was very telling. This team can't continue to operate offensively like this moving forward.
The Steelers will he heading back home this weekend for a matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals, offering them a chance to earn a division win. Pittsburgh will need to bring its A-game this week; otherwise, they run the risk of starting the year 1-2.
