Is this sustainable?

[WindyCitySteel]

3-1, can easily be 5-1 in three weeks time, though Cleveland will be a 9-6 rock fight. Cincy is terrible, tho, almost an auto-win. 10-3 TO advantage, but -2 in point differential. 8-1 in TO differential in wins, won by 12 pts combined against three teams that won’t be competing for the Super Bowl. Seems like the plan is to recreate 2008. Smothering defense, clutch QB. Unfortunately, though they’re getting TO’s, they’re far from smothering on D, and they haven’t played anyone who would remotely be considered a great QB. 21st in PPG allowed, 29th in YPG allowed. As I said in the game thread, plenty of room and time for growth, but so far feels like smoke and mirrors.

[Starlifter]

have no idea. The steelers haven't earned the distinction of being a top tier team. Their wins have been against (vikings are arguable) teams that also aren't top tier teams. So it wouldn't be a surprise if they finish the season with another 'average' win/loss total and perhaps squeak into the playoffs. But the great thing about the NFL is - nobody knows. I agree that 3 weeks from now there's a decent chance the team is 5-1. Maybe they use these weeks to improve to the next level? I think the Packers game will be the first true test of post season potential. In the meantime, stack wins where you can - we may need them at the end of the season.

[The Standard]

They will most likely drop one vs Browns/Bungals.

[Northern_Blitz]

Hoping that we can have all 3 CBs and 3 edge rushes available for their full workloads in games. I think that will dramatically improve the defense.

[Starlifter]

while there is never a guarantee - these next two games SHOULD be victories. If the Steelers want to play in January - they can't give up games to backup QB's. And while I think they will be focused and emerge with wins - I can't honestly say it would shock me if they dropped one.

[NorthCoast]

while there is never a guarantee - these next two games SHOULD be victories. If the Steelers want to play in January - they can't give up games to backup QB's. And while I think they will be focused and emerge with wins - I can't honestly say it would shock me if they dropped one.

I wouldn't used the word "should"... but the Steelers certainly 'can' win the next two.

[hawaiiansteel]

Steelers currently favored by 5.5 over the Brownies in Week 6.

[Flasteel]

The good news is that there has been improvement over the past couple of weeks - particularly in the trenches. If Brod Jones and the rest of the offensive line continue to improve it bodes very well for the prospects of this offense. Harmon getting into the lineup has injected life into the defensive front. I don't think it's a coincidence that Benton had the best game of his career in Harmon's second career game. The more the defense also practices and plays together, the better their communication and they can play faster. This team is talented. The pieces appear to be coming together but they obviously aren't there yet. The schedule gets a lot tougher after the Clowns and Bungles, with the Packers, Chargers, Lions, and Colts on deck. So, hopefully by then, they are playing consistently up to their potential. Perhaps the biggest factor in the Steelers favor is their path to the AFC North title. Baltimore and Cincy might be looking up at the Browns before long. That home playoff game that comes with the North crown would be huge. So would playing our best ball down the stretch. Let's hope there is a continual arc of improvement between now and then.