AFC North Power Rankings: Post Week 2

Sep 11, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) is helped to his feet by lineman Marcus Gilbert (77) after being sacked by Baltimore Ravens linebacker Elvis Dumervil (58) at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

4. Pittsburgh Steelers

Through two games the Steelers have had one half of great football; game one when playing at home versus the Browns.  Since then they’ve been thoroughly outplayed and because of it, outscored 50-9.  It’s hard to find much of a bright spot for the Steelers right now.  Le’Veon Bell has been effective when getting the ball, though he didn’t as much in Baltimore because the Steelers were behind for much of the game.  Antonio Brown continues to quietly be one of the best receivers in the league.  On defense, rookie linebacker Ryan Shazier has racked up a bunch of tackles, which is a good start for a rookie, but it’s hard to judge how effective he is individually as the defense can’t seem to get off the field.  They’ve been unable to force any turnovers thus far, which certainly doesn’t help things for the team that has historically leaned on a powerful defense.

The Steelers have been in somewhat of a rebuilding mode since 2013.  They’ve been able to acquire some talented players through the draft, but like any team, it takes time to develop these players.  In the end, the Steelers are the Steelers, so you can never count them out.  Last year was perfect evidence of this.  They started 2013 with a 2-6 record, but built momentum in the second half of the season and finished the year 8-8 barely missing the playoffs.  The Steelers have no doubt struggled thus far, but it’s only two games into the year and they’re 1-1 having split two divisional games.  There’s so much more football to go, so AFC North fans should be far from counting out this team already.