Pittsburgh’s Road Back To The Playoffs
Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Now that training camp and the preseason are over and the Pittsburgh Steelers have a 53-man roster, it’s time to get serious.
The Steelers haven’t made the playoffs since the 2020-2021 season and haven’t won a playoff game since the 2016-2017 season. This is an organization and fanbase accustomed to a certain level of success.
So what do the Black and Gold need to do in order to return to the postseason and begin to climb the “Stairway to Seven?”
The Offense Must Be Better
In 2022, the Steelers were 23rd in the league in yards per game, 28th in the league in yards per play, and 26th in the league in points per game. It doesn’t take a genius to realize these have to change.
There have been positive signs. The Steelers’ first-team offense scored touchdowns on all five of its drives during the three preseason games. Kenny Pickett has looked efficient and is making quick decisions, all while making big-time throws all over the field.
The running game has finally looked explosive behind a retooled offensive line with Isaac Seumalo looking like most underrated free-agent signing of the offseason. And the deep receiving corps led by George Pickens’ highlights have been catching everything thrown its way.
But, as always, preseason is preseason, and the Steelers need to continue that offensive success on a consistent basis once the regular season begins to properly shed last years failures.
Maintain (Or Improve) Wrecking-Ball Defense
Last season, the defense may have given up a lot of yards but ultimately got the stops when it needed them. The Steelers were 10th in the league in points allowed per game, 13th in pass defense (they led the league in interceptions with 20), and were ninth in rushing defense.
Based on personnel, arguments can be made that the front seven and the secondary are better on paper this year. As long as the defense can continue to at least maintain the level it had last year, the Steelers’ playoff chances increase dramatically.
Early Must-Win Games
The Steelers will have several early crucial moments this season, and in a competitive division and conference it’s imperative they show up.
Starting the 2022 season 2-6 left them with a significant hole to dig themselves out of. While they finished out the year 7-2, the poor start ultimately cost them a playoff spot. Therefore, the first five games, heading into the Week 6 bye week, are pivotal. Coming out of that stretch, which includes games against two division rivals, with a winning record could end up being the difference between making or missing the playoffs. Week 1 against the San Francisco 49ers stands out.
Under Kyle Shanahan, the 49ers have made the NFC Championship game each of the past two seasons. So what better litmus test for Pittsburgh than to open against San Francisco? A win to start could catapult this team the right direction.
Tough Stretch
The season has gone down to the wire each of the past two years, as the Steelers have contended for a playoff spot all the way into the final week. This season’s closing stretch against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 16, Seattle Seahawks in Week 17, and Baltimore Ravens in Week 18 could make or break the Steelers’ playoff hopes.
The Bengals have controlled the AFC North for the past two seasons under quarterback Joe Burrow and head coach Zac Taylor. Geno Smith’s revitalized career has seemingly revitalized the Seahawks. The Ravens are always a battle.
It’s not going to be easy, but if the Steelers are playing their best ball as the season climaxes, they will be in a position to not only earn a playoff spot but do it in a way that will build confidence heading into an always-competitive AFC playoff bracket.
Verdict
Vegas and most betting platforms have set the over/under for the Steelers’ win total at 8.5 or 9, which seems fair to most NFL outsiders. But those who have sat through camp and watched this team progress know something special is brewing here. Yes, Pittsburgh needs to make good on all of the above, but they are more than capable of that. They have young talent with a good attitude, veteran leadership, and one of the best head coaches in the NFL. It may seem ridiculous, but I say look for the Steelers finish the 2023 season 12-5 and make the playoffs.
Up Next