Much like previous years under Mike Tomlin, the Steelers head into the elimination portion of the NFL calendar not playing their best football. They haven't won a playoff game since 2017, and that campaign also ended in disappointment. Many experts are picking the Ravens to win this Wild Card matchup as both clubs could not be on more different paths as they head into this battle.
There is little hope for Pittsburgh going into this game, but there is still a chance their beloved Steelers find a path to victory. They haven't played good football recently, but they could always take advantage of different opportunities the contest might provide them along the way.
If the Steelers want to move onto the second round of the playoffs, then they will need some of their own to step up.
Dan Moore Jr., OT
Talk about two different seasons in one. Dan Moore Jr. had a terrific start to the year but has been abysmal in the second half. He was going to head into free agency with a big contract waiting for him, but now that certainty has gone out the window. He needs to play better if the Steelers want to give Russell Wilson a shot at finding redemption. If Moore struggles, then it will lead to plenty of problems.
T.J. Watt, EDGE
He will get plenty of attention, but T.J. Watt has to put a stamp on this game. If he cannot find ways of being impactful then Lamar Jackson and the Ravens offense will have a similar outcome to the last time these two faced off. Watt has been mostly quiet throughout his playoff career only tallying one sack through three games. If Watt wants playoff success, then he needs a big-time performance.
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Russell Wilson, QB
Many are calling for Wilson not only to lose his starting job now but not to be re-signed by the Steelers this offseason. Tomlin seems prepared to stick with Wilson and it will be up to him to prove that he not only deserves the starting job for this game, but he should get extended this offseason. It is safe to say that Wilson will be playing for more than just a playoff win against Baltimore.
Patrick Queen, LB
Some of Patrick Queen's best performances have come against the Ravens this season. He has found ways to be effective on the stat sheet in both matchups leading to this playoff game. If Queen wants the ultimate revenge on his former employer, then he will need to send them home with a loss. He will also be important in stopping the likes of Jackson, Derrick Henry, and Mark Andrews.
George Pickens, WR
He continues to show the world that he is a world-class headcase for the Steelers heading into the postseason. George Pickens is coming off one of the worst games of his career against the Bengals in Week 18. Seeing how he responds to that outing will be telling as Pittsburgh moves forward. If they want the offense to move the ball effectively, then Pickens will have to have a huge night.