It’s hard to believe we’re already a quarter into the NFL season. This time of the season is great because teams are finally settling in and we’re seeing who’s legitimate and who’s destined for a top 10 draft pick next year. Fortunately the Steelers are with the former.

This is also good time to take a look at this unit as a whole. In 4 weeks this team has answered some questions, but there are many things we still don’t know.

What we do know

The 3 B’s are as good as ever

We have only have a sample size of one game, but what a game it was. The trio reunited in a huge way on Sunday night.

• Ben Roethlisberger: 22/27, 300 yards, 5 touchdowns
• Le’Veon Bell: 18 carries, 144 yards. 5 catches, 34 yards.
• Antonio Brown: 4 catches, 64 yards, 2 touchdowns

All three of these players are the best, if not one of the best at their respected position. This game exemplified why they all have earned that honor. Le’Veon Bell was used like a Swiss Army Knife, running the ball and lining up as a receiver. His performance reminded everybody why he is an elite running back. All night he displayed the patience that he is famous for, following his blockers and waiting for the hole to develop. When he did hit the hole he demonstrated his power and unwillingness to go down.

When it comes to Ben and Brown, there isn’t much to say that hasn’t already been said.  Brown may not have had a 300 yard game, but he still played elite football. Ben tossed dimes all day and had a near perfect game.

It seems like a tall task to expect such great performances from this trio each week, but all of them have the ability to blow up on any Sunday. They may have only been back for 1 week, but the 3 B’s are back.

The Steelers are going to draft an edge rusher next year

Going into week 4, the Steelers had a league-low sack total of 1. This is especially disappointing considering last season the Steelers ranked 3rd in the league in sacks with 48. Thankfully the pass rush is looking up for the team got 4 against the Chiefs. Regardless, pass rusher is still a need for this team and must be addressed in the next offseason.

The Steelers group of edge rushers is thin now, but it will thin out even more after this season. It is easy to assume the team will be losing both Jarvis Jones and James Harrison, one due to being a free agent, the other likely to retire. That leaves the team with Bud Dupree, Arthur Moats, Anthony Chickillo, and Travis Feeney at outside linebacker. With only one legitimate starter in that group, edge rusher is going to be a major need despite the team spending 2 first round picks at outside linebacker over the last 4 years.

Ideally Dupree will be able to start and play the majority of  the snaps next season in his 3rd year. Moats would work best in a rotational role with a rookie. Players like Chickillo and Feeney remain wildcards. Chickillo hasn’t flashed at all in his limited playing time and Feeney is spending the season on the practice squad. The Steelers are currently sufficient at outside linebacker, but next season the position must and will be addressed.

“The Standard Is the Standard”

The Steelers loss to the Eagles hurt, but the salt in the wounds was all the injuries that occurred. Against the Chiefs the Steelers were without Ramon Foster, Robert Golden, Ryan Shazier, and Eli Rogers among others. There are a lot of teams that wouldn’t be able to handle that sort of adversity, but the Steelers not only handled it, but spat in it’s face. Few expected these back-ups to play at the level they did…

• Vince Williams: 16 tackles (team high), 2 tackles for loss, 1 sack
• Jordan Dangerfield: 5 tackles, Pro Football Focus grade – 78.3 (3rd highest on Steelers defense)
• BJ Finney: Pro Football Focus grade – 78.7 (2nd highest on Steelers offense)
• Sammie Coates: 6 receptions, 79 yards, Pro Football Focus grade – 76.3 (3rd highest on Steelers offense)

Great football teams are built deep and don’t fall apart when facing injuries – the Steelers proved they can live up to this billing. All of these players stepped up and helped the Steelers win.  Tomlin preaches “the standard is the standard” and this rang true versus the Chiefs.

What we don’t know

Can Jesse James be a viable starter?

When looking at Jesse James’ stats, it appears he’s had a good season: 12 catches, 82 yards, and 2 touchdowns. As a receiver James has actually exceeded expectations. He’s been a reliable target both in the open field and the endzone. His issue hasn’t been with his receiving skills, but as a blocker. James’ blocking hasn’t been terrible, but it’s been very inconsistent.

I’m not trying to put James in a box yet, that would be silly 4 games into a season. He certainly has time to improve his blocking. A staple for Pittsburgh tight ends is their blocking ability. Though this philosophy has been tested with the signing of Ladarius Green (who is a whole other question), it is still essential. James improving his blocking would elevate this offense even more.

James has a role on this offense currently and is valuable, but if his development plateau’s then that may put his long-term value in question.

Is this secondary actually fixed?

For years all of us Steelers fans have been chiming for the secondary to be fixed, and we may finally be close to that. Now don’t get me wrong, the secondary has had its issues and things aren’t perfect. However, I believe the arrow is pointed up for this unit. The “bend but don’t break” philosophy is still true – the Steelers rank 30th in passing yard defense, but they’re tied for 11th in passing touchdowns and 4th in redzone defense. They may be giving up a lot of passing yards, but they toughen up when it counts.

The personell in our secondary also inspires confidence. For our cornerbacks… William Gay remains as reliable and solid as ever. Ross Cockrell is on the rise and finally starting to get some respect. Artie Burns is gradually improving each week and has continually flashed his athleticism. We still have Senquez Golson returning later too and Justin Gilbert being used in a limited role. For our safeties… Mike Mitchell has evolved into a consistent, hard-hitting presence in our secondary. Robert Golden has proven he can be a starter in this league. Sean Davis has shown growth and improved his tackling. Jordan Dangerfield even proved he can have a role on this defense.

Is this unit perfect? No, far from it. Each of these players have their own flaws. There is loads of potential however. The Steelers have also yet to play an elite quarterback this season. Their true test will be when they face Tom Brady in week 7.

Can Ryan Shazier stay healthy?

In the first two weeks of the season, people were talking about Shazier being a defensive player of the year candidate. Unfortunately, he got hurt versus the Eagles and was forced to sit out versus the Chiefs. Ryan Shazier is yet to play 4 games in a row to start a season in his short career. This fact is frustrating for all of Steeler Nation.

Any conversation about Shazier always includes the word if. Ryan Shazier can be a star, Ryan Shazier can be an all-pro, Ryan Shazier can be defensive player of the year IF he can stay healthy. Unfortunately, he hasn’t proven to be able to.

There’s still a lot of games ahead in 2016; Shazier could easily turn things around and play through 2016 with perfect health. Unfortunately he could just as easily get hurt again from what we’ve seen so far. Only time will tell if Shazier can overcome the injury bug.

Shazier has a chance to play this upcoming week versus the Jets depending on how the week goes. Vince Williams played great this week, but Shazier is truly a difference maker on the field.