Steelers" impressive debut makes them contenders � for now

Steelers vs. Redskins (Week 1) | Post Game Highlights | NFL

Defense was supposed to be the downfall of the Steelers this year, and it still could be.

But for one week, at least, the defense was as much of a star as Pittsburghs terrifyingly explosive offense in Mondays 38-16 opening victory over the Redskins that moved the Steelers up two spots to No. 7 in The Posts NFL Power Rankings.

Everyone obviously knows what Ben Roethlisberger & Co. are capable of, which is why the sight of the them rolling up 435 yards despite being without LeVeon Bell (suspended), Martavis Bryant (suspended) and Heath Miller (retired) was no surprise.

But to see a retooled defense with a supposedly shaky secondary and injury-plagued front seven stifle Kirk Cousins and the defending NFC East champs on the road was an eye-opener.

A.J. Green makes one of his 12receptions against Darrelle Revis and the Jets in the Bengals Week 1 win.Photo: AP

That unit wont get long to rest on its laurels, though, with Andy Dalton, A.J. Green and the rival Bengals coming to Heinz Field this Sunday. The Steelers can ask the Jets how that matchup worked for them.

This weeks rankings (last week in parentheses):

1. Broncos, 1-0 (2): They beat the defending NFC champions and reigning MVP despite Trevor Siemian throwing two interceptions and posting the third-worst passer rating in the league (69.1).

2. Seahawks, 1-0 (3): Their horrible offensive line (three sacks allowed and a mere 3.5-yard rushing average) looks like it will be much more of a complicating factor than expected.

3. Patriots, 1-0 (5): A spectacular, shorthanded road upset followed by three home games until Tom Bradys return. Its all setting up very nicely for Bill Belichick.

Cardinals kicker Chandler Catanzaro reacts after missing a potential game-winning field goal against the Patriots.Photo: AP

4. Cardinals, 0-1 (1): Lets see: Their past two games were a blowout loss to the Panthers in the NFC title game and an inexcusable home defeat at the hands of the crippled, Jimmy Garoppolo-led Patriots. This team is going backwards.

5. Panthers, 0-1 (4): The free rein the Broncos had to tee off on Cam Newtons head was appalling and cant be allowed to happen again. Get your act together, NFL.

6. Packers, 1-0 (6): Whether Aaron Rodgers can make up for a woeful secondary looks as if it will be Green Bays weekly storyline.

7. Steelers, 1-0 (9): Pittsburghs ability to draft or sign skill-position players who pan out remains absolutely uncanny.

8. Bengals, 1-0 (8): Suffice it to say Cincinnati cant expect to continue winning nor keep Andy Dalton ambulatory by giving up seven sacks every week. Then again, they wont be facing the Jets terrifying front, either.

9. Chiefs, 1-0 (7): The biggest comeback in franchise history is offset somewhat by the fact they trailed the terrible Chargers by 21 points in the first place.

10. Vikings, 1-0 (10): Their opening victory over the Titans was a preview of how Minnesota will have to win without Teddy Bridgewater suffocating defense that capitalizes on mistakes.

11. Raiders, 1-0 (11)

12. Texans, 1-0 (14)

13. Buccaneers, 1-0 (15)

Sterling Shepard leaps over the Cowboys Anthony Brown to make a touchdown catch in the Giants win.Photo: Getty Images

14. Giants, 1-0 (19): You might have to hide the women and children when Odell Beckham Jr., Victor Cruz and Sterling Shepard go up against a porous, rookie-laden Saints secondary this week.

15. Ravens, 1-0 (20)

16. Lions, 1-0 (23)

17. Jets, 0-1 (12): No need to panic after a one-point loss to a perennial playoff team.

18. Eagles, 1-0 (25)

19. Redskins, 0-1 (13)

20. Bills, 0-1 (16)

21. Colts, 0-1 (17)

22. Cowboys, 0-1 (18)

23. Dolphins, 0-1 (21)

24. Falcons, 0-1 (22)

25. Saints, 0-1 (24)

Browns quarterback Robert Griffin III went on injured reserve after he hurt his shoulder aloss to the Eagles.Photo: Getty Images

26. Jaguars, 0-1 (27)

27. Titans, 0-1 (28)

28. Chargers, 0-1 (29)

29. 49ers, 1-0 (31)

30. Bears, 0-1 (30)

31. Rams, 0-1 (26)

32. Browns, 0-1 (32)

Source: http://nypost.com/2016/09/13/steelers-impressive-debut-makes-them-contenders-for-now/