Pittsburgh Steelers fans have grown tired of watching this team not win playoff games. Under Head Coach Mike Tomlin, it is well known that the Steelers have not won a postseason game since the 2016 season, a drought that continues to hang over the franchise. As another playoff appearance seems to be incoming, all eyes are on Aaron Rodgers, Tomlin, and the rest of the roster, as Steeler Nation eagerly wonders if this could finally be the season Pittsburgh makes a legitimate playoff run.
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Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin smiles while walking off the field with quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
When it comes down to it, that hope starts with one simple step the franchise has failed to take for far too long, winning a playoff game. Tomlin can feel the pressure from the fans and has made it clear he is eager to turn the tide. He has said he happily totes those bags, meaning he accepts the blame, and he remains confident he can figure it out. Now, he has Rodgers, albeit at 42 years old, leading the offense.
Steelers legend Ben Roethlisberger addressed that very topic while speaking with Merril Hoge on his podcast Footbahlin on Thursday. It was a special day for Roethlisberger in Pittsburgh, as he was one of three former players inducted into the Steelers Hall of Honor, a reminder of the standard the franchise once set in January and February. During the conversation, Roethlisberger reflected on the mindset and urgency required to win when the games matter most, emphasizing that playoff success is built through leadership, preparation, and belief.
"Well, and everyone knows too, getting into this part of the season, especially in Pittsburgh with the weather, running the ball is so important," Roethlisberger said. "You run it and you establish the run and it opens up the passing game. Again, you talked about Miami and that is what they did coming in. They have been running the ball and they open up their game. The more that Pittsburgh can run the ball effectively and efficiently, it will open up so much because you got weapons down the field. They have tight ends and wide receivers."
Roethlisberger went a step further, explaining how the Steelers can not only end their playoff drought but also make a legitimate Super Bowl run in the 2025 season.
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Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin and then-quarterback Ben Roethlisberger celebrate after winning the AFC Championship Game to move onto the Super Bowl.
He stressed that the pieces are there, but accountability and execution must match the expectations that come with wearing black and gold. The Steelers have been known for being able to establish the run, but it's been murky as of late. Roethlisberger believes that if they can run the ball better, they can end the playoff drought.
"If you can run the ball and establish that at this time of the year, that is going to get you over the hump to a playoff win," Roethlisberger explained. "Which is just what everyone wants and from one playoff win, to another one, to a potential Super Bowl."
For a fan base starving for postseason success, Roethlisberger’s words served as both a challenge and a reminder that the path back to championship football is difficult, but one the Steelers believe they can walk again.
Steelers Ignite A Little Optimism From Steeler Nation
Questions remain, even after the Steelers bounced back with 3 straight wins to improve to 9-6 on the season. Those victories reignited belief within the fanbase, but they have not erased the doubts that come with recent postseason failures.
Matt Freed / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is throwing a pass in Week 15 win vs the Miami Dolphins.
For Tomlin and the Steelers, the challenge is no longer proving they can compete, but proving they can finally win when it matters most.
How far do you believe this Steelers team can go in the 2025 playoffs? Let us know in the comments below! Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and follow me. I will respond!
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