The Steelers are off to an impressive 7-2 start after their big road victory against the Commanders. It looked like the game could get out of hand at one point, with the Commanders scoring 17 unanswered points to take a 24-14 lead early in the third quarter. Thanks to some heroics from the Steelers playmakers and the defense getting timely stops, Pittsburgh managed to come back and win 28-27.
What was most interesting about this game, however, was the play from some of the Steelers' biggest additions this offseason. Quarterback Russell Wilson had his rough moments due to some poor throws and worse pass protection, but he made multiple key plays that ultimately lifted the team to victory. Linebacker Patrick Queen played perhaps his best game as a Steeler, flying around the field and limiting the Commanders running game.
With Wilson continuing to produce numbers no Steelers QB has in years and Queen settling in as the team's anchor in the middle, the Steelers are in a better position to compete than they have been in a long time.
With trade additions Mike Williams and Preston Smith already making an impact in their first action as well, it's time to discuss how big of a threat the Steelers could really be in the AFC playoffs.
Steelers offseason and trade deadline moves already paying dividends
One of the most glaring differences between former Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert and new GM Omar Khan has been how they approach free agency. Colbert made plenty of good (even great) additions at times, but he rarely did so by spending significant money.
Khan meanwhile has signed multiple free agents to deals over $20 million including James Daniels, Isaac Seumalo, and Patrick Queen.
He has also been more active in the trade market. Trading for Justin Fields for example helped keep the team afloat while Russell Wilson was dealing with his calf injury. It also allowed them to get a look at Fields as a potential answer at QB if they don't bring back Wilson after this season.
Those moves as well as the deadline deals to acquire receiver Mike Williams and edge rusher Preston Smith have changed the team's outlook this season.
READ MORE: Why Steelers' move for Preston Smith was a fantastic idea
Williams has already made his presence felt with his game-winning touchdown this week, and Smith chipped in a sack and three solo tackles. Wilson of course is now 3-0 as a starter and has shown he still has something left in the tank. Now that the Steelers offense isn't dragging the team down and forcing the defense to be elite just to be competitive, a real playoff run is a possibility.
Most of Pittsburgh's toughest opponents are yet to come, but their 7-2 start gives them plenty of breathing room. If they can finish with 11 or 12 wins and win the division, they could be set up very well for their deepest playoff run since 2016.