Pittsburgh Steelers

Steelers Power Rankings: Week 8

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

The Pittsburgh Steelers came into their matchup against the Patriots as the clear underdog with Landry Jones starting at quarterback. However, despite the unfortunate loss, Pittsburgh put up a bigger fight than most expected? Heading into their bye week, it’s time for the team to start getting healthier, but where do they stand today?

Next: NFL.com

Oct 23, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Landry Jones (3) throw a pass in front of New England Patriots defensive lineman Anthony Johnson (96) during the second half at Heinz Field. The Patriots won 27-16. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

NFL.com: No. 12

Last Week: No. 10

“So Landry Jones didn’t hold the Steelers back as much as was prognosticated coming into Week 7. If Ben Roethlisberger is the muscle car behind this Pittsburgh offense, consider Jones the ’83 Pulsar with an aftermarket moonroof. Roethlisberger’s fill-in threw for 281 yards with one touchdown and one pick, but he ultimately couldn’t move the chains often enough (6 of 18 on third and fourth downs) to keep pace with the Patriots‘ offense. Much-needed bye on deck for Steelers, who will come out of their weekend off with a date in Baltimore. That’s one important game in the AFC North.” -Elliot Harrison

Landry Jones. That was all the headlines coming into the game. Many ridiculed Jones as one of the worst backups in football, but it’s really hard to back up a quarterback of Roethlisberger’s caliber. Fans will expect someone to jump in and perform similarly to a future Hall of Fame quarterback? Well, that’s unfair.

Landry Jones played a whole lot better than almost everyone thought he would. While early on, he threw an interception that had most people nodding and thinking, “And so it begins” but over the course of the game, he was decisive and made some really impressive throws including a gorgeous touchdown to Darrius Heyward-Bey.

He did struggle at times and seemed to panic when any sort of pressure entered the situation. He made a couple silly throws and there were a few too many times where fans had to hold their breath. Hopefully, if he is forced to play against the Ravens following the bye, he’ll be able to improve a bit.

Oct 23, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) and New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) talk after their game at Heinz Field. New England won 27-16. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

ESPN: No. 8

Last Week: No. 7

“QB Landry Jones looked pretty good Sunday until the fourth quarter, when he went 9-of-20 passing. The Steelers’ bye this week will give Ben Roethlisbergertime to heal without missing a game, but Jones could be in line for a few more starts before Big Ben returns.”

I think ESPN actually did a pretty good job here. While I didn’t really find much fault with Elliot Harrison’s rankings, the Steelers shouldn’t be punished too much for this loss.

In the end, a loss is a loss. It’d be silly to keep the Steelers stationary in the rankings, but moving them down too far would also be wrong. Jones proved that he is capable of running the Steelers’ offense and as long as he can hold down the fort for a couple more weeks, the Steelers are in great shape.

It’s also fair to note that Ben isn’t the only injured player coming back. Word on the street is that Gilbert, Heyward, and Williams are all eyeing a return and Ladarius Green and Bud Dupree aren’t far behind.

Fox Sports: No. 9

Last Week: No. 6

“It’s hard to drop the Steelers too far given the circumstances (playing the Patriots without Ben Roethlisberger), but the defense could use some improving. Offensively, Landry Jones proved to be a capable starter in Big Ben’s place, connecting with Antonio Brown on several occasions. Roethlisberger should be back soon and the Steelers will return to their offensive groove.” – Cameron DaSilva

DaSilva understands the circumstances. Honestly, very few people expected the Steelers to play as well as they did. In all honesty, Landry Jones proved why he deserves a spot on this team. People expect a backup to come in and execute, and for the most part, he did. He wasn’t perfect, but that’s why he’s the backup.

The Antonio Brown connection that Landry Jones formed was vital to keeping the offense alive. While the Steelers only put 16 on the board, the offense was so much better than that. Bell thrived as usual, but Brown had a very strong outing even without Ben. Had a few things gone Pittsburgh’s way, it could have been a totally different score.

The fact of the matter is that the Steelers are still in a good position. They are atop of the AFC North, heading into a bye week which will allow them to get a lot healthier and ready to finish out the second half of the season. Once Ben is back, everything will return to normal.

If there’s one thing that’s going to hurt Pittsburgh, it’s the run defense. Pittsburgh’s defense can succeed despite having a terrible secondary because they could always limit their opposition to being entirely one dimensional by shutting down the run game. Not anymore, apparently, as both Blount and Ajayi have ripped apart this defense. That has to change.

Yahoo Sports: No. 10

Last Week: No. 8

“Not many teams are going to beat the Patriots with their backup quarterback. But if I was the Steelers I’d feel OK about how Landry Jones looked. Of his 18 incompletions, 11 came in the fourth quarter when Pittsburgh was in catch-up mode. Jones looked good enough that you’d figure the Steelers can win some games with him, before Ben Roethlisberger returns.” -Frank Schwab

Schwab explained how most Steelers’ fans probably are feeling right about now. Sitting at 4-3, heading into a bye week, and still atop the AFC North. Could be better, but we’re feeling OK. Just OK.

Losing to the Dolphins stung, and in retrospect, the loss to the Philadelphia Eagles was just strange, but a loss to the Patriots with a backup quarterback shouldn’t be too painful. Out of every team in the AFC North that has matched them so far, Pittsburgh gave them the best contest and not nearly at our full strength. That should speak volumes heading into the second half of the season.

Jones proved serviceable playing three great quarters and simply struggling under the pressure. With a pivotal AFC North matchup against the Ravens in Week 9, if Ben isn’t back, we’ll need an even better performance from Landry. Here’s a little advice: Lean on Bell.

Oct 23, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) and New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) shake hands after their game at Heinz Field. New England won 27-16. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Author’s Opinion: No. 9

Last Week: No. 6

Hmm, maybe I won’t seem like a total homer this week. Yes, I did just complain that some analysts are dropping the Steelers too far, but it’s more of the teams around them and what they did more than what the Steelers did.

The Steelers are in a good position, in my mind. They have been dealing with injuries all season, but have still managed to stay atop their division. If they can bring some injured players back by Week 9, it’ll be a huge boost to the team.

Le’Veon Bell has continued to be the most spectacular weapon a team could ask for, and Brown has still produced even without Roethlisberger. If the team can continue to involve everyone and improve their run defense or just their defense as a whole, they could be scary down the stretch.

For now, they remain at No. 9 for me (arguably No. 8), but that could in the blink of an eye.