AFC North power rankings: Browns, Steelers to push Ravens?

3. Pittsburgh Steelers

2019: 8-8 (2nd)

Going against what the odd setters believe, the Steelers rank three in this edition of the power rankings. There is currently too much unpredictability at such a crucial position for the team as the season approaches.

Ben Roethlisberger is readying for his 17th season in the NFL, and he is currently 38-years old. He played in two games in 2019 before he underwent elbow surgery.

Yes, in his absence, Mike Tomlin nearly coached the team into the playoffs with a final record of 8-8. But, that was almost 100 percent thanks to one of the best defenses in the league. Offensively, the Steelers simply could not score, finishing with just 289 points forced (27th in the NFL).

In fairness, the team sputtering out on offense was expected with Roethlisberger out. Tomlin had to turn to Mason Rudolph and Devlin Hodges, which was not ideal.

Hidden in what many have spun into a positive season, there are a few aspects to be alarmed about with the Steelers other than the question marks surrounding Roethlisberger.

Looking at how few points they scored, it is impossible to say the team does not miss Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell. In his first season without those two, JuJu Smith-Schuster saw his production drop from his Pro Bowl season in 2018. Granted, he did play only 12 games in 2019.

Even with the additions of Eric Ebron in free agency and Chase Claypool in the draft, a strong offensive line, and a dominant defense, the Steelers proved how necessary it is to have a legitimate quarterback in the NFL. If Roethlisberger does not get injured, the team probably makes the playoffs.

If Roethlisberger returns and he is healthy, this likely changes the ranking from three to two. Until he can prove that, Tomlin may have to turn to Rudolph or Hodges again.