Steelers' DeShon Elliott Is "Ready To Check That Box" Of A First Ever Playoff Game By Any Means Necessary

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been in a playoff win drought for several years. They have not won during the postseason since before Patrick Mahomes was a member of the Kansas City Chiefs during the 2016 season. Many key players have been a part of the black and gold their whole career and have never won a playoff game, like T.J. Watt. Then there are others, like DeShon Elliott, who are new to the Steelers, but share a similar playoff situation. 

Elliott has played safety in the NFL since he was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in 2018. The Ravens intended to use Elliott as a backup. However, due to multiple injuries in their secondary, he was frequently thrust into a starting role over his four seasons in Baltimore. He signed with the Detroit Lions in 2022, where he stayed for a single season before spending a year with the Miami Dolphins. The Steelers signed him to a two-year deal in March of 2024, and he has been a major contributor to the defense. 

During his time in the league, Elliott has never won a playoff game, and he is chomping at the bit. The Steelers will head to Baltimore on Saturday to face his old team in the Wild Card Round. Elliott was asked if it matters to him that they are playing the Ravens in this game. He said that as far as he is concerned, it is just nameless, faceless jersey numbers; he just wants to walk away with a victory for himself and the team.     

"I've heard this organization hasn't won a playoff game in a while, so it's not about who we play; it's about just winning this game and on to the next," shared Elliott. "Obviously in our divisional matchup, so we understand who we're playing, but it's about coming out with a win by any means. In my seven years, I haven't won one either. This is my fourth time going to the playoffs. I haven't won, so I definitely want to check that box, and it starts Saturday."

Elliott is having arguably the best season of his career in Pittsburgh. Through the 15 games he's played, he has six passes defended, two forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, 108 total tackles, four tackles for loss, and an interception. 

During the four-game losing streak to end the season, it was clear that Elliott was very upset with how some of his teammates were playing. He called them out for allowing their opponents just to be wide open. He also criticized the NFL for "screwing the Steelers" by forcing them to play three games in 10 days. While the Ravens and the Chiefs also played that same schedule, they did not have the same caliber of opponents as Pittsburgh. 

The Steelers' defense seemed to return to where they had been in their final regular season game against the Cincinnati Bengals. They must bring their A-game to stop the high-powered Ravens offense. 

Steelers' Offense Needs To Catch Up To Their Defense

While the Steelers have always subscribed to the concept that "defense wins championships," they must also get their offense firing on all cylinders to beat the Ravens. Before the losing streak at the end of the regular season, the Steelers seemed to be clicking on both sides of the ball. They were 10-3 and were being considered Super Bowl contenders. 

The offense has been a concern all season, thanks to its inconsistent offensive line and the lack of weapons. Regardless, Russell Wilson managed to move the ball down the field and score. However, it appeared the Steelers' offensive plan shifted near the end of the season. Some believe that Head Coach Mike Tomlin is so determined to control the offense's personality that he is hindering the work that Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith is doing. Now Wilson and Smith must design a game plan that may put the former Super Bowl winner out of his comfort zone. 

What impact does Elliott have on this defense? Click to comment below. 

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