Behind the Steel Curtain
The Steelers continued to struggle defensively in their home opener against the Seattle Seahawks, allowing running back Kenneth Walker to total 105 yards on the ground in just 13 carries. The struggle to stop the run, coupled with several miscues on offense and special teams, caused a disastrous game all around for the Steelers as they were defeated by Seattle 31-17.
Let’s see how far they fell down the boards in this week’s power rankings roundup.
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. – Brooke Pryor
“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.“ –Pete Prisco
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 lean on his pass-rush strengths. –Vinnie Iyer
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. – Nate Davis
