The Pittsburgh Steelers are heading into the NFL Playoffs as poorly as any team could. They dropped their fourth straight game last night to the Cincinnati Bengals. Pittsburgh was riding high following a 10-3 start to the regular season and looked like a force to be reckoned with in the AFC, but the last month has drastically changed the trajectory of their season.
Pittsburgh has seemingly done nothing right over the last month. Their offense has averaged just over 14 points per game over the losing streak while their defense has given up over 27 points per game over the last month. Quarterback Russell Wilson, after starting the season 6-1, has looked miserable over his last four games. He has averaged under 175 passing yards per game with five total touchdowns and three turnovers. His poor play has led to a terrible stretch of football for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Will the Steelers be able to get on track before their playoff game next week?
Pittsburgh Steelers Season Summary
The Pittsburgh Steelers(10-7) clinched a playoff spot, but their seeding is up in the air heading into Sunday’s slate of games. If the Los Angeles Chargers defeat the Las Vegas Raiders today, Pittsburgh will end as the No. 6 seed. Pittsburgh has had a mediocre offense as they are 20th in total yards and 14th in points per game.
The team’s defense has been the strength of their team this season, the last four weeks notwithstanding. They are 12th in yards allowed and 7th in points allowed. If the Pittsburgh Steelers want to win a playoff game this year, their defense will need to get back on track.
Final Thoughts
Head Coach Mike Tomlin is also under immense pressure heading into the NFL Playoffs. He has not won a playoff game since 2016 and is 0-5 in his last 5 postseason contests. He has also been unable to stop the team from playing its worst football at the most important time of the season.
If the Chargers lose, Pittsburgh would jump up to the No. 5 seed and visit the Houston Texans. If Los Angeles wins, Pittsburgh would be the No. 6 seed and face the Baltimore Ravens. The Steelers and Ravens split their season series, and when the teams played in Baltimore during Week 16, the Ravens dominated 34-17. The Pittsburgh Steelers are a proud franchise, and Tomlin is a Super Bowl-winning coach. Even though they have looked awful, the franchise must turn the page and set their sights on the NFL Playoffs.
