As the Pittsburgh Steelers prepare to take on the Houston Texans in the Wildcard round of the NFL playoffs, there are some concerns. Mike Tomlin has led his team to this point in many of his years at the helm, but he continues to come up short. The Steelers haven't won a playoff game since 2017, and their fans are tired of the same old retread.
This might be their best shot at postseason glory.
Outside of Tomlin, some of his star players have become problematic regarding their playoff record as members of the Steelers. Star defenders like T.J. Watt and Cam Heyward haven't sniffed the Super Bowl during their otherwise legendary careers.
The hope is that once they break Tomlin's playoff curse, Pittsburgh could finally see the team make a deep run in the postseason.
Beating the Texans is a possibility, but it won't be an easy task. They are heading into the playoffs after winning their final nine games of the regular season. The Steelers have shown positive signs during the final stretch of the campaign, but they continue to carry warts. If the franchise is going to get the monkey off their back and win during this time of year, players need to step up.
Pittsburgh Steelers must rely on these players balling out if they want a run in the playoffs
Aaron Rodgers, QB
No one else matters more in this game for Pittsburgh than Aaron Rodgers. He has been terrific protecting the football to end the campaign, and he must carry that over against Houston. Rodgers is saving some of his best play for the end of the season, and he must carry that momentum into the playoffs. It might be a low-scoring affair on Monday Night, but Rodgers must be smart with the ball.
Jalen Ramsey, S
Time will tell, but expect Jalen Ramsey to possibly become a cap casualty after the season ends.
He hasn't produced a strong end to the campaign, and although he's been a good soldier, things haven't worked out. The Steelers need him to be a superstar, but Ramsey has struggled, especially at different parts of the season. A stretch of big playoff performances by the veteran could help save his future in the Steel City; otherwise, he will be looking for a new home.
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DK Metcalf, WR
He just finished his two-game suspension in time for a playoff return, and DK Metcalf has produced strong numbers during his postseason career. Pittsburgh was clearly missing its top target, which should create new opportunities for other offensive weapons. Rodgers is likely to target Metcalf early and often in this game, marking his chance to prove why the black and gold traded for him.
T.J. Watt, EDGE
I mentioned it earlier, but Watt hasn't won anything of substance during his otherwise Hall of Fame career.
He just returned from his lung injury last week, and it's time for him to make some noise in the playoffs. Historically, he has struggled to produce in the postseason during his career, but he can change that narrative. He must become a game wrecker once more for the Steelers to win this game.