Everyone in Pittsburgh knows, but it has been a while since their beloved Steelers won a playoff game. 2017 was the last time they saw a victory in the postseason, which saw them defeat a Miami Dolphins team who started Matt Moore at quarterback. Since then, they have not been able to find themselves in the win collum. They have snuck into the dance, but they get immediately thrown out.
With a competitive team installed, things seem to be looking up for The Black and Gold. They are coming off a brutal stretch of three games in 11 days. All three of those contests were against playoff-caliber opponents. Despite that folly, the Steelers will do their best to keep chugging along and pushing for a playoff run that will hopefully see some success.
Despite some optimism, the people of Pittsburgh know not to get their hopes too high. This team could easily get knocked out in round one, but they could also make a push for the Super Bowl if everything falls their way. Some of their weaknesses as a club have not gone away throughout an 18-week long schedule while other things have proven to be better strengths than initially thought.
Pittsburgh could see a different Steelers' team come playoff time
One thing that the Steelers have been missing when it comes to playoff time is a legit quarterback. Who knows if Russell Wilson will be able to hold up a standard at that point in the year, but he has done it in the past. His wealth of starting experience in the postseason has led to him appearing in two Super Bowls and winning one. That should help an offense that has struggled in recent playoff runs.
When it comes to the Steeler's defense, they can provide a headache for any team if they can remain healthy. That will always be the concern moving forward, especially after T.J. Watt already had an injury scare earlier in the season. If they can stay healthy and keep causing turnovers like they have for most of the campaign, then they should be able to position themselves in a good spot.
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Past postseason failures have resulted in a combination of things. Most of the time it was from their defense only being able to hang on for so long before their lack of offense sunk them. They have Wilson there and a group that can make plays if George Pickens is starting at one of the receiver spots. They need to be an opportune group in the postseason that isn't afraid of their opponent.
If their defense can play shut-down football, then the Steelers won't have to rely on their inconsistent offense. They have shown this season that they can win football games in a variety of ways. They have been able to beat playoff-caliber opponents this year, which they have failed to do in prior outings. This is the time for Pittsburgh to finally see some postseason success by the Steelers.