Time has truly become a flat circle for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Every year, the team pulls out enough gritty wins to get a little over .500 and make the playoffs, before being immediately eliminated in the Wild Card round. That cycle was again completed on Monday, when the Houston Texans embarrassed Pittsburgh 30-6. The Steelers have now finished 10-7 three straight seasons, with three first-round exits to match, and no one knows what the team will do next.
That includes star defender TJ Watt, who was asked after the game what needs to happen for Pittsburgh to end its seven-game playoff losing streak. The veteran defender was honest that he had no idea, saying, “I haven't had the answer for a long time, so don't ask me.”
T.J. Watt on what needs to change about this team to have success in the postseason:
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) January 13, 2026
"I haven't had the answer for a long time, so don't ask me."
TJ Watt isn’t sure what the Steelers need to do to win in the playoffs
This statement could be viewed one of two ways. Either Watt is expressing his true feelings, which would mean the franchise is so stuck in a state of mediocrity that even its great players don’t know how to get out, or the defender is hidding behind a facade of ignorance so he doesn’t have to share his real answer. If that’s the case, his real answer would be something along the lines of massive change being needed — either to the roster, coaching staff, front office, or all.
Both sides of the coin are bad news for the Steelers. One side represents being trapped in mediocrity, which has pretty much been the case for the team the last decade, and the other side represents an uncomfortable rebuild and transition into a new era. Fans are ready for a change, though, so they’d be willing to go through a drastic shakeup if it means Pittsburgh will get back to winning in the postseason.
The Steelers are a proud franchise, and their history demands more than above average regular seasons and one-and-done postseasons. Unfortunately, that has become the norm for the team, and something needs to change. TJ Watt may not know what that something is, but it’s time for ownership to figure it out. If the Steelers can’t identify what the issue is this offseason, they’ll likely be right back in the same spot next year.