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2021 NFL Power Rankings, Week 3: Ravens knock off Chiefs, Raiders crack top 10

By Randy Gurzi

Sep 19, 2021; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) celebrates scoring a fourth quarter touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2021; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) celebrates scoring a fourth quarter touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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2021 NFL Power Rankings
Sep 19, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby takes Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger to the ground during a first quarter interception at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports /

team. 55. . . Previous: 6th. Pittsburgh Steelers. 12

It’s hard to get behind the Pittsburgh Steelers. Sure, they won in Week 1 over the Buffalo Bills but that seemed to be due in large part to the Bills just leaving a lot on the field. The Steelers defense played well and the special teams even had a touchdown after blocking a punt as well. But overall, there wasn’t a huge sense of this team looking a whole lot better than the club that went 1-5 down the stretch last season following an 11-0 start.

The biggest issue seems to be the arm of Ben Roethlisberger. Yes, he’s one of the best to play the position but it’s become apparent that he’s not able to push the ball down the field at all. He did complete 27-of-40 passes for 295 yards with a touchdown and a pick but the age — and constant beating — have started to take their toll.

On top of that, they’re not getting a lot out of their running game. This past weekend, against the Las Vegas Raiders, Pittsburgh finished with 39 yards on 14 rushes. They did get a touchdown from wideout JuJu Smith-Schuster, but their offensive line isn’t what it once was and Najee Harris hasn’t been able to carry the running game on his back.

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