Pittsburgh Steelers
· 2026-06-30
The Pittsburgh Steelers were ranked 21st in ESPN's way-too-early 2026 NFL Power Rankings.
This ranking has sparked debate among the fanbase ahead of training camp.
The Steelers landed at 21st due to concerns over their quarterback situation and the acquisition of older wide receivers.
ESPN cited the Michael Pittman Jr. trade as an example of this trend.
The ranking has been met with skepticism by fans who point to the team's offseason moves.
The Steelers' front office wouldn't have made moves like drafting wide receiver Germie Bernard or trading for Pittman if they believed the team was a bottom-half-of-the-league team.
These moves suggest the team is aiming to improve its offense.
The Steelers have a new head coach and a new offensive system, which could provide a schematic jolt.
The real question is whether the offensive line will be better, with the team investing first-round draft capital into a tackle, Max Iheanachor.
The Steelers are currently standing 16th in the National Football Conference with a 3-14 record, on a L9 streak.
Their next game is vs Atlanta Falcons on 2026-09-13.
The team has made reasonable changes on offense, including the addition of Pittman and Bernard.
Aaron Rodgers has familiarity with the organization after a full season under his belt.
The wide receiver corps is genuinely improved with the new additions.
The coaching change alone should provide a schematic jolt that ESPN's ranking doesn't seem to account for.
If Rodgers stays healthy and the offensive line comes together, this team has the talent to push into the top half of the league.
The Steelers' roster improvements are tangible, and the team is too low at 21st in the power rankings.