Here’s a look at the first half of the season for the Pittsburgh Steelers (4-4) and a preview of what to expect in the second half:

Grade C+: The Steelers had an average first half. But for a team with Super Bowl aspirations, average isn't enough. They simply haven't matched the hype. Injuries have played a part. Road losses to Philadelphia, Miami and Baltimore were uninspired. The defense is built to get stops in the red zone, but when that fails, the big plays haven't been there to offset the yards. The offense has had big moments, but it's still lacking that consistent No. 3 playmaker alongside Antonio Brown and Le'Veon Bell. There are many candidates, but not an established guy every week. And the offensive struggles on recent road trips are alarming.

Midseason MVP: Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. He has been the Steelers' most consistent performer, averaging nearly three touchdowns per game through his first six games and sparking the team's 4-1 start. His two-game stretch of 680 yards, nine scores and zero interceptions against the Jets and Chiefs was otherworldly. His last two games have been bad, but a knee injury has affected his rhythm. Bell might have taken this spot because of 131.8 yards from scrimmage per game, but his three-game suspension to start the year dampened his campaign.

Best moment: Brown's twerkfest in Week 1 against Washington created a lasting memory. Brown's second touchdown of the game on Monday Night Football prompted a three-pump dance that drew a flag and drew a fine but embodied the Steelers' fearless offense. Both of Brown's scores were on plays of 25-plus yards over the top. Beating the Bengals was a nice moment, but Big Ben-to-Brown set the tone for the season with their play.

Worst moment: Miami running back Jay Ajayi's 62-yard touchdown in the final minute of the Dolphins' 30-15 victory exposed a leaky defense and punctuated another road loss against a sub-.500 team. Ajayi finished the day with 204 yards, and the Steelers gave up 362 rushing yards in Weeks 6 and 7, a curious total for the usually stout run-stoppers. The Steelers were still in the game when Ajayi broke free without any resistance. A lull, and a low.

Player to watch: Outside linebacker Bud Dupree, who missed the first half with a groin injury, hopes to return as early as this week against the Dallas Cowboys. The Steelers' pass rush needs a lift after recording a league-low eight sacks through the first seven games. Dupree hit the rookie wall last year, but he's got the athleticism and explosion of a first-round pick. Also watch for a few veterans, namely defensive end Stephon Tuitt and safety Mike Mitchell, to make impactful plays in the second half.

Second-half outlook: The Steelers are hardly a playoff lock after a shaky past month. They are getting healthy at the right time, the schedule is manageable and the AFC North is wide open. A 9-7 or 10-6 finish might qualify for a playoff spot. But the overall health of the defense is still a concern, particularly the lack of splash plays and the inability to create consistent pressure on quarterbacks. The once-unstoppable offense doesn't seem to have its fastball, and the trio of Roethlisberger-Bell-Brown might not be enough as the offensive line has yet to hit its stride.