The Pittsburgh Steelers waited until the final week of the 2023-24 season to punch their ticket to the postseason. For the first time since the 2021-22 season, the Steelers will be on the road in the Wild Card round. The Steelers' season looked all but in the dumpster a month ago. Head Coach Mike Tomlin was facing the most criticism of his career and for the first time, the national media was starting to pick up on the rumblings in Pittsburgh.
Matt Rourke / Associated Press
Steelers' Mason Rudolph (2) put on a significant performance in the Steelers' 17-10 victory over the Baltimore Ravens in Week 18.
After a change at quarterback with the Steelers turning to veteran backup Mason Rudolph, the offense suddenly received a spark and has put up two 30-point performances in the last three games. Although Rudolph has put up impressive stats through the air, last week the Steelers were forced to utilize the run game and beat the Baltimore Ravens the old-fashioned way.
Running back Najee Harris finished with 112 yards and a touchdown, which also helped him surpass the 1,000-yard mark for the third time in his young career. Since the return of Rudolph, the Steelers' offense has been clicking on all cylinders which has helped both phases (running and passing game) open up. This has helped Harris and Jaylen Warren put up significant numbers on the ground.
Like in Baltimore, the Steelers will have to play in elements that could significantly impact the game against the Buffalo Bills. The city of Buffalo is expecting frigid, windy, and snowy conditions for the upcoming Wild Card matchup. The projected forecast of the game is to be in the 20s with 20 to 30mph winds at times and also the possibility of a lake effect snow which could bring significant snow accumulation to the area.
Lindsey Wasson / AP
Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) has had a sudden burst over the course of the last few weeks. The stellar play by Mason Rudolph (2) has opened up significant opportunities in the running game.
If this were to be the case, the weather would be giving the Steelers a tremendous break on offense and defense. Offensive Coordinator Eddie Faulkner made it a point of emphasis in his Thursday press conference that the weather will not affect the Steelers' game plan in Buffalo and they will continue to focus on running the ball.
"We have such commitment to the things that we already need to do in the game. We need to run the ball. So that won't change from that aspect. But of course, we have some conversations that we need to that are relevant in this situation, so that's what we will do. But obviously, we got to go out there and compete and play our best ball regardless."
The Steelers' defense will also catch a break. Bills quarterback Josh Allen is currently fourth in the entire NFL in passing. The weather will play a tremendous factor in the Bills' ability to get their playmakers such as Stefon Diggs and Dalton Kincaid involved on Sunday.
Abigail Dean | Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers rookie Nick Herbig (51) coming off the edge to put pressure on Bills QB Josh Allen (17) during Week 2 of the 2023 preseason. Herbig will be asked to play a significant role in this week's Wild Card matchup.
The Steelers' Week 18 Matchup May Pay Significant Dividends For Them In The Wild Card Round
Thankfully the Steelers were limited last week offensively due to the weather. The near monsoon made it extremely difficult for either team to be able to gain yards through the air and the Steelers showed that is exactly the way they like it. It will be interesting to see how the offensive line will hold up against a strong front seven the Bills provide.
The Bills are currently 15th in rushing yards allowed on defense, right behind the Ravens who the Steelers saw a week ago. The one-two punch the Steelers have shown us all year with Harris and Warren will be put to the ultimate test with the season on the line.
Do you think the Steelers are going to be able to stick to their guns on the ground and sneak out of Buffalo with an upset victory? Comment below!
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