Pittsburgh Steelers

Steelers: Week 2 Power Rankings

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

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The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Washington Redskins 38-16 in Week 1. Even without running back Le’Veon Bell and wide receiver Markus Wheaton, the Steelers offense dominated off the sure hands of Antonio Brown and quick feet of DeAngelo Williams.

The Pittsburgh Steelers started off their Monday night showdown quite slow being held scoreless through the first quarter. Luckily for the Steelers, Ben Roethlisberger and the offense got in a groove, and just never took their foot off the gas, scoring double digit points in every quarter for the rest of the game.

The Steelers offense proved that even without Bell, Bryant, and Markus Wheaton, they still boast one of the best units in football, and running back DeAngelo Williams made sure to let everyone know that age won’t slow him down.

Might I also add, the defense looked a lot better heading into year two under Keith Butler.

Will the Steelers domination of a 2015 playoff team while dealing with injuries/suspensions boost them up the rankings? Let’s see.

Sep 12, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison (92) celebrates while leaving the field after the Steelers

NFL.com: No. 4 

Last Week: No. 7

With the Panthers and Cardinals both suffering defeat in Week 1, they suffered quite the steep decline on the power rankings, dropping below Pittsburgh into the No. 6 and No. 7 positions. The Steelers also managed to pull ahead of Seattle due to their subpar performance against a subpar team like the Dolphins, as Harrison justified above.

Harrison also heaped tons of praise on DeAngelo Williams, and rightfully so. At 33 years old, Williams absolutely stole the show (also got to give credit to the Offensive Line) with 143yds rushing and 2 touchdowns. Be sure to check out that nifty move that Harrison has kindly linked us to above if you haven’t seen it; I’ve watched it about 15 times already and it’s one of the better moves you’ll ever see.

Personally, I think Harrison may have been a bit tough on the Cardinals and Panthers. Sure, they both lost games to teams they probably should have beat, but at the same time, the Broncos have the best defense in football and the Patriots are coached by the best coach in football. Not sure if that justifies dropping five spots, but maybe that’s just because everyone above them now won. I suppose that is a bit fair. Still, Steelers definitely deserved to be boosted up.

Sep 12, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) does a celebration dance in the end zone after scoring a touchdown against the Washington Redskins in the third quarter at FedEx Field. The Steelers won 38-16. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

ESPN: No. 4

Last Week: No. 2

Even after such a fabulous performance in Week 1, the Steelers still manage to drop two spots in ESPN’s Week 2 power rankings…but it’s nothing to complain about. I argued last week that the Steelers being rated at No. 2 was a bit far fetched, and while many analysts have them making the Super Bowl, it’s hard to picture them so high with so many injuries/suspensions heading into this year.

The Steelers proved any doubters wrong last night, but the Patriots and Packers’ superb performances give ESPN every right to boost them to the top. Fans could definitely argue that the Steelers proved better enough than the sluggish Seattle Seahawks to earn them a No. 3 spot, but it’s also arguable that the Broncos, Panthers, or Cardinals are better than Pittsburgh right now, so not much to complain about.

Sep 12, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back DeAngelo Williams (34) is congratulated by Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) after scoring a touchdown against the Washington Redskins in the fourth quarter at FedEx Field. The Steelers won 38-16. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

FOX Sports: No. 4

Last Week: No. 6

Starting to sense a theme here.

DaSilva brings up the point that should scare any opposing defense. The Steelers boast the best backfield in football, and if anyone doubted it before last night, they shouldn’t anymore. DeAngelo Williams, the team’s backup, rushed for 143yds and two touchdowns. The Steelers Offensive Line is one of the best in the league and continues to prove it. Once Le’Veon Bell returns, no one will be able to contain this duo.

Additionally, DaSilva points out that the Steelers “dominated” Washington. I would say most people thought Pittsburgh would pull away with the victory in this one, but at the same time, who could blame someone for thinking that a playoff team with an improved secondary might be able to stop an offense lacking some of its star power? The Redskins are by no means a bad team, and the Steelers really proved to be one of the best in the league, reflected by their boost from almost every outlet here.

Sep 12, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) catches a touchdown pass as Washington Redskins cornerback Bashaud Breeland (26) defends in the third quarter at FedEx Field. The Steelers won 38-16. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Yahoo Sports: No. 3

Last Week: No. 5

Very insightful explanation for the reasoning behind the Steelers’ boost in this set of rankings. But really, after last night’s performance, and I know it’s early, but it’s time to realize that a wide receiver might be capable of being the first to win the AP NFL Most Valuable Player award.

That’s right. Jerry Rice didn’t do it. Michael Irvin never did it. Randy Moss couldn’t bring it in. But who says Antonio Brown, who has his eyes set on over 2000yds receiving and 150 receptions, can’t do it. He absolutely dominated cornerback Breshaud Breeland throughout the game with 8 receptions, 126yds, and 2 touchdowns.

He’s the best receiver in the league, and he might be the best player in the league. Should be an exciting season for him.

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