The Edinburgh outfit have only mustered eight points to far ... only half the tally of capital rivals Hibs who command that coveted third top place just eight games into the league campaign.
Hearts are paying a hefty price for the lack of investment in new players by club owner Vladimir Romanov but Jambos skipper Stewart refuses to accept that as a get out for their early season failings.
The club captain, calling for a big push from his team mates to end the misery, insisted:"Of course it is feasible for us to finish in the top three again.
"But it is going to be difficult when you do have a structure in place in terms of not having players of the same calibre that have been lost since the end of last season.
"That makes the task ahead tough but it is still possible for us.’’He added: "There are other teams looking for that third top spot but that has been the case for some years now and we have managed to come through like we did last season.There is not a massive amount that is wrong at Hearts.
"We've had five tough games away from home and only three at Tynecastle.We know have to get the ball rolling in front of our fans and that has to start against Falkirk this weekend.
"Right now, it is a question of digging in and maintaining the self belief.
"It is not as if there is any crisis here or anything like that. It is a question of digging and working hard for each other. We have to help each other out and rectify things as soon as possible."
The Tynecastle outfit have already conceded 12 goals and Stewart declared:"What we need now is a string of victories .. that is the top and bottom of it.’’