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After an impressive debut in Week 1, the Pittsburgh Steelers came crashing back down to Earth in a 31-17 Week 2 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday.
The common threads between the first two games is the poor performances of the Steelers' defense, which was supposed to be a strength, and the rushing attack.
Pittsburgh ranks 25th against the pass, 28th against the run and 29th in points allowed per contest. The Steelers also sport the third-worst rushing attack.
Aaron Rodgers had a sloppy showing with a pair of picks and pass protection and run blocking was lacking once again after a 14-pressure performance from the group upfront.
We even saw a special teams blunder from rookie running back Kaleb Johnson that no doubt made special teams coordinator Danny Smith spit out his gum in frustration.
The Steelers and their fans were riding high after Week 1, but things have changed quite a bit after what we saw in Week 2. And that disappointing showing is reflected in the NFL power rankings of experts going into Week 3.
NFL power rankings Week 3
Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News: 16 (-4)
Iyer: "The Steelers had a special teams and turnover meltdown against the Seahawks, giving up a lot of free points and flipping a would-be win into a blowout loss, at home no less. Aaron Rodgers fell to earth, but the real concern now is whether the T.J. Watt-led defense that cannot stop the run can get lean on his pass-rush strengths."
ESPN NFL Nation: 21 (-6)
Brooke Pryor: "Rodgers has been sacked seven times this season, and although he placed some of the blame for the four in Week 1 on a tight back, the 41-year-old undoubtedly needs to take fewer hits to make it through the remaining slate. Rodgers' 2.66 seconds is the ninth-quickest time to throw among qualified QBs (minimum of 20 passes). That means he's either not hanging in the pocket long, and/or the pocket isn't holding up. Recent first-round picks Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu -- along with veteran guard Isaac Seumalo -- need to play up to their billing to help Rodgers and the offense get back on track."
Nate Davis, USA TODAY: 15 (-6)
Davis: "While the spotlight will doubtless remain trained on QB Aaron Rodgers, it has to concern coach Mike Tomlin that his historically reliable defense and special teams have already surrendered 63 points."
Pete Prisco, CBS Sports: 21 (-4)
Prisco: "Forget all the talk about Aaron Rodgers. The defense isn't good right now. It has to tighten up on that side of the ball."
Frank Schwab, Yahoo Sports: 20 (-4)
Schwab: "What is wrong with the Steelers' defense? They were torched by Justin Fields and Sam Darnold, who looked bad in their games that weren’t against Pittsburgh. The Steelers are giving up nearly 400 yards per game and they’ve played two middling offenses. That’s alarming."
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