Jan 6, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) celebrates with running back Najee Harris (22) after a first quarter touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
I don’t mean any disrespect to the Pittsburgh Steelers with my title. It is truly amazing that this team was able to make it to the postseason. They started three quarterbacks, fired their offensive coordinator, and dealt with locker room issues but still got to 10 wins. Can they make any noise in the playoffs? Here is the Pittsburgh Steelers playoff preview.
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Pittsburgh Steelers Playoff Preview
Mason Rudolph has been on a hot streak. He has been able to lead this team on a late-season run. However, it has been the play of Najee Harris that has really propelled this team forward. He has been able to have back-to-back 100+ yard games which controls the clock and keeps the opposing offense off the field. The biggest concern for the team comes on defense as TJ Watt is likely out for a couple of weeks after being injured in week 18. The biggest advantage that the Steelers have in any game is coaching as Mike Tomlin is one of the best in the league.
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Pittsburgh Steelers Playoff Preview: Why They Will Win
Alright, go with me on this one. The running game continues to be elite. Rudolph manages the game and has a couple of big plays to George Pickens. A special teams play or two goes their way. They lock down teams on defense. Basically, everything has to go right in order for the Steelers to win. While they have snuck into the playoffs, there are simply too many question marks to feel good about this team. They got 10 wins but the regular season involves playing a lot of non-playoff teams.
Pittsburgh Steelers Playoff Preview: Why They Won’t Win
If the running game has a rough game, Mason Rudolph will have to try and take over the game. This is not the position that the Steelers want to be in. The offense turns the ball over multiple times trying to make big plays. On defense, the loss of Watt is felt as they lose their impact player. Teams no longer have to worry about Watt and can focus on stopping other players on the defense. Of all the teams, it is easiest to see the Steelers get blown out.
Playoff X-Factor
Pittsburgh Steelers playoff preview X-factor: Calvin Austin III
While Austin could make a play or two on offense, it is his special teams play that makes him an X-factor. The Steelers will likely need some points from a unit other than the offense. If Austin can break off a big kick or punt return, it could put Pittsburgh in a position to win. If the Steelers are going to win, they are going to need a miracle to happen. Austin could help provide some miracles.
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I don’t see any way that the Pittsburgh Steelers make any noise in the playoffs. However, I didn’t see a way that this team got to 10 wins this season so I’m happy to be proven wrong.
