Normally, the Steelers' being in the playoffs is a good thing. However, this year, the future of the franchise could be determined by the outcome of this single playoff game.
If you recall, when the 2023 season ended, Art Rooney II declared that the Steelers needed to return to their winning ways in the playoffs. It appeared the Steelers' general manager took the edict to heart and did all he could to give Mike Tomlin the Tools needed to make another playoff run. Granted, one could question his success in doing that, but that's an argument for after the playoffs.
Tomlin did have another non-losing season and managed to claim a playoff spot before they imploded, but they had a four-game losing streak to enter the playoffs. This comedic performance ahead of tonight's playoff showdown with the Ravens leaves many fans wondering not whether the Steelers will win but whether they can win.
What it means if the Steelers fail to beat the Ravens
If the Steelers were playing any other team tonight, then perhaps one could write their 2024 obituary. However, they are playing the Ravens, and as we know, anything can happen and most likely will. Plus, the Steelers have a knack for rising to the occasion in Ravens Games, so to write the Steelers off would be a bit premature, at least until Elvis leaves the building.
If the Steelers still fall short of clobbering the Ravens tonight, you will see Steelers Nation infighting and finger-pointing as to how the Steelers finished poorly again. Then questions will arise as to whether Mike Tomlin needs to go or if this was Omar Khan's failure. Then, we will question how ownership cleans up this mess.
Will the general manager or head coach leave? If so, who will they replace either with? That will undoubtedly prompt tons of media speculation and rumors, and almost certainly, Ben Roethlisberger will make someone's short list of rumored replacements.
If the Steelers send either Tomlin or Khan packing, there will be questions about which players stay or go. Will players be traded for draft capital? Will the Steelers start over with a brand-new quarterback? Perhaps off-season changes may not be that drastic; however, it's doubtful Mr. Rooney will be pleased with a loss tonight.
Thus, regardless of whether Mike Tomlin wants to save his neck and that of Omar Kahn's, he desperately needs a win tonight. Ironically, that is what makes a cornered animal so deadly: win or else. So, while a loss could transform the Steelers' roster and personnel for 2025, a win could prevent most of that from happening.