The Pittsburgh Steelers won their second consecutive game and improved their record to 4-2 on Sunday when they held off the Jacksonville Jaguars, 17-13, at Heinz Field. Though the win brings them to within a half-game of the Baltimore Ravens for the NFC North lead, ESPN's panel of NFL power rankings voters didn't see fit to move the Steelers up.
Indeed, the Steelers hold steady at No. 8 in the latest ESPN rankings. James Walker notes that running back Rashard Mendenhall, who rallied 146 rushing yards against Jacksonville, "isn't ready to give up his starting job just yet." Strong performances by Isaac Redman and Jonathan Dwyer in Mendenhall's absence against the Tennessee Titans the week prior, coupled with Mendenhall's own unimpressive play, raised questions about his claim to the Steelers' starting running-back job. There ought not be any questions now.
Baltimore advanced from No. 5 to No. 3. The Steelers still have work to do if they hope to catch it in the rankings and, more importantly, the standings.