The Steelers’ Week 5 win over the Colts did more than get them back in the right column. It gave the national power-rankings crowd plenty to chew on, and the range of opinions shows just how differently NFL observers are viewing Pittsburgh right now.
Aaron Rodgers was front and center in that conversation after tossing three touchdown passes, while Jaylen Warren kept making his case with a big all-around night. Warren ran for 101 yards and added 87 receiving yards, a performance that showed up in more than one rankings note this week.
ESPN left Pittsburgh at No. 20.
The outlet cited the secondary as the issue, pointing to the lack of depth back there. Losing Joey Porter Jr. hurt, and ESPN also noted the Steelers’ inconsistency and injuries to several players.
The Athletic was a little more bullish, sliding the Steelers up to No. 16. Its discussion centered on Rodgers, who broke records in the win over Indianapolis by surpassing Peyton Manning for the third-most all-time touchdown passes.
The Sporting News pushed Pittsburgh even higher, placing the Steelers at No. 14. Vinnie Iyer said Rodgers turned back the clock, and highlighted that he has now posted three straight three-touchdown games for the first time since his 2021 MVP season.
Bleacher Report also had the Steelers at No. 14, up from No. 20.
The outlet pointed to Pittsburgh entering Week 5 ranked 22nd in rushing offense, then noted that the Colts allowed 127 rushing yards against the Steelers. Gary Davenport said Pittsburgh can keep rolling with upcoming games against the Saints and Buccaneers.
Pro Football Talk had the Steelers at No. 12, tied with the Browns, who beat them in Week 4.
USA Today moved Pittsburgh up two spots to No. 17. Nate Davis used Warren’s surge - including 490 yards produced over the past three weeks - to argue the Steelers should “rethink” the timeshare approach with Warren and Rico Dowdle.
In Other News...
Steelers Defense Is Trying A New Fix That Has To Work Fast
The Steelers are trying a different look on the defensive sideline this week, shifting coordinator Patrick Graham from the booth to field level for the game against the Colts. Graham had preferred calling games from above, where the better angle helps him sort out offensive personnel and formations, but the change gives him a more direct line to players in real time.
Mike McCarthy pushed for the move because he wants quicker, cleaner communication and faster adjustments during the game. It is the kind of tweak teams make when they think a small operational fix can help in a hurry, though McCarthy is still sorting out whether the change actually delivers the kind of correction Pittsburgh needs. [Read more 🡒]
Steelers Face A Tough Backfield Call Mike McCarthy Can't Avoid
Pittsburghs win over the Colts only sharpened a backfield question that has been building while Rico Dowdle has been sidelined. Mike McCarthy has made it clear he wants a two-back look with Dowdle and Jaylen Warren, but Warren has done plenty to complicate the plan by handling a bigger load and producing as the primary option in Dowdles absence.
The challenge now is less about whether Warren has earned more work and more about how the Steelers sort out touches once Dowdle is back in the mix. Warrens strong showing against Indianapolis gave the staff another reminder that the current rotation is working, which leaves McCarthy with a decision he cannot really dodge as Pittsburgh moves forward. [Read more 🡒]
Steelers Suddenly Have A WR Decision That Could Shape Week 6
The Steelers are staring at another receiver-depth test this week, and the timing is awkward with the group already thinned out. DK Metcalf and Germie Bernard have been holding down the top spots, while rookie Kaden Wetjen and a likely practice squad elevation in Brandon Smith are the next men up as Pittsburgh tries to keep the passing game functional.
With the position group so light, the front office is at least weighing outside help, and several free agents have surfaced as possible answers. Nothing has been finalized yet, but the fact the Steelers are looking at another addition says plenty about how fragile the room has become heading into Week 6. [Read more 🡒]