3 reasons why Steelers will make the playoffs this year
By Kody Duncan
The Pittsburgh Steelers are on a 3-game win streak after starting the season 1-3. It seems they have found their stride and are figuring things out at the right time to make a playoff push.
The Pittsburgh Steelers started off the season beating one of the best teams in the league against the Buffalo Bills. After that game, however, the season turned on its head with 3 straight losses to the Raiders, Bengals, and Packers.
It seemed as if the season was over and the playoffs were way out of reach. In typical Steelers fashion, they changed the course of the season by winning 3 straight games and are now in prime position to make the playoffs. Here are 3 reasons why the Steelers will now make the playoffs this year.
Steelers run game has improved
During the 3-game win streak, the Steelers have established a viable run game. In that 3-game span, the Steelers have rushed for a total of 380 yards which averages out to 126 yards a game. This keeps Ben Roethlisberger from having to throw the ball more than he should and keeps the opposing defense guessing.
Before this 3-game stretch, the Steelers were only 56.25 yards a game. The Steelers offense has been a lot more balanced and I have to give the offensive line credit for continuing to improve each game.
Najee Harris has shown he is worth the 1st round pick the Steelers used to get him in the 2021 draft. The run game looks completely different from last year because of how dynamic he is in the backfield. If the Steelers continue to be a run-first offense and stay balanced, I do not see why they cannot make the playoffs with this new offensive identity.
In the past 3 games, this team has reminded me of the 2004 Steelers where they relied heavily on the run and defense while Ben was more of a game manager and made a few plays when needed. This is how they should play the rest of the year and is one of the reasons why the Steelers will make the playoffs.