The Pittsburgh Steelers are staring at another potential lost season thanks to a collapse. After the Steelers' fifth late-season meltdown in seven years, they are once again looking to figure out how to dig themselves out of their own hole. Even though they can still clinch the division, that seems highly unlikely with the current AFC North-leading Baltimore Ravens entering the final week of the season as three-possession favorites. At very least, the Steelers can control which team they go on the road to face in the Wild Card Round.
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Steelers' Mason McCormick blocks for Justin Fields during Week 3 against the Chargers.
Steelers' rookie guard Mason McCormick was asked about the team digging themselves out of this hole. He responded by putting all the focus on this Week 18 game, even if it doesn't mean much to the team's playoff seeding in the end.
"We got to attack this week," McCormick explained. "I mean, that's what we can do. I think guys are ready to attack this week. Everything moves fast. We got a big game this week, and it's what we can control."
Both AFC North games happen on Saturday, but the Ravens play first. There is a legitimate chance that the Steelers kick off on their game with division winner already crowned, meaning they are only playing to determine who gets the 5 seed and who gets the 6 seed, which could take the wind out of their sails quickly.
However, as McCormick mentioned, this game means more to the Steelers than playoffs. They started the season on the right foot, but now, they have to end it on the right foot. It doesn't matter who you play in the playoffs if you go in on a four-game losing streak and no hope. A win against the Cincinnati Bengals is more important than what meets the eye.
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Troy Fautanu (76) and Mason McCormick (66) work out during Organized Team Activities (OTAs) in 2024.
If the Steelers do lose and fall to the 6 seed, they will go to Baltimore on a four-game losing streak. The Ravens already won convincingly against Pittsburgh earlier in the disastrous three-week span. Going back there with no momentum may just be a death sentence for the Black and Gold.
A win is key for the Steelers if they want any chance of performing well in the playoffs. If they win, but stay in the 5 seed, they will play the Houston Texans, who have had their own issues. They have lost back-to-back games against the top AFC teams, and they have struggled to play up to their ability all season long. This would be the Steelers' chance to finally end their playoff win drought.
As the players and coaches have said repeatedly, the Steelers have to focus on what they can control. For now, they can control how they enter the postseason: as winners on a high note, or as losers with no direction. Their playoff lives depend on this primetime game against the Bengals, who need a win themselves just to have a chance of making the playoffs.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Mike Tomlin looks on during Week 13 game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Steelers Have An Ace Up Their Sleeve For This Game
Even with his problems on gameday, Head Coach Mike Tomlin is one of the greatest coaches in terms of motivation and player relation. Tomlin has managed to motivate his teams out of these massive losing streaks before, so there is no reason to think that he can't do it again in this situation.
Even though Tomlin is the main party digging these deep holes for the Steelers, he is great at digging them out of it as well. The only question is if he can lead this team to a playoff win. If so, he will regain the respect of the media and many fans. If not, it will be a long offseason.
What do you think about this Week 18 game being more crucial for the Steelers' playoff hopes than just seeding? Let us know in the comments.
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