The Pittsburgh Steelers will face off against the Baltimore Ravens in a win-or-go-home Wild Card game Saturday. For Mike Tomlin’s team, it’s a make-or-break moment. A four-game losing streak and a 9.5-point margin are the key hurdles between the Steelers and a shot at playoff success.
In addition, doubt has been cast on the team by Ben Roethlisberger, the franchise’s legendary quarterback. Roethlisberger is known for his blunt opinions on his podcast Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger. He didn’t mince words when discussing the Steelers’ chances.
Roethlisberger, who knows all too well what it takes to win in the postseason, is looking at the Steelers’ situation with a critical eye. In 2006, he led Pittsburgh to a Super Bowl XL victory despite entering the playoffs as a sixth seed. Now, the Steelers find themselves in a similar scenario, needing a win over the Ravens to stay alive. But this time, things aren’t looking as promising.
Unlike Roethlisberger’s 2006 squad, Tomlin’s team has entered Wild Card weekend on a downward trajectory. The Steelers’ late-season collapse, which included four consecutive losses, has cost them precious playoff seeding and momentum. Questions also loom over quarterback Russell Wilson, whose performance has been inconsistent.
Though Wilson is a former Super Bowl champion, his play this season has been average. With a 6-5 record as the Steelers’ starter, Wilson ranks 22nd in touchdown passes— enough to help Pittsburgh secure a playoff berth, but short of inspiring confidence heading into the postseason.
Ben Roethlisberger predicts Steelers will lose during Wild Card Weekend
Roethlisberger, who has watched the team closely, is not shy about calling it as he sees it.
“We were trending in the right direction,” Roethlisberger said, reflecting on the '06 Steelers. “But this team, this Pittsburgh Steelers team has lost four in a row. They’re going in the wrong direction.”
Roethlisberger quickly turned the spotlight on the Ravens, acknowledging their strengths.
“Their quarterback is ridiculous, I mean we know he is, but he’s ridiculous. And their defense, which was their Achilles’ heel, is pretty good right now.”
Ben Roethlisberger mentioned The 2006 #Steelers entered the playoffs as the sixth seed in the AFC Playoffs. They had to fight clinch a playoff berth.
— Coach Loyal Ricks Jr. (@LoyalJRicksJr) January 8, 2025
He stated “This was a team traveling in the right direction.”
The Current Steelers team is trending in the wrong direction -…
For the Steelers, the path forward is clear: they must overcome their current slide, block out distractions, and focus on securing a win in Baltimore. A victory against the Ravens would silence doubters and keep their Super Bowl dreams alive.
With their backs against the wall, the Steelers will need to rise to the occasion to turn their season around and make a deep playoff run.