The Pittsburgh Steelers are moving on to the playoffs after defeating the Baltimore Ravens in the regular season finale and winning the AFC North. Getting to this point was not easy, as it seemed like everything in and out of the team's control tried to slow them down and end the season earlier than it needed to. Untimely breakdowns, poor decisions, and other issues plagued the season, but all of that can be forgotten if this team can finally go on a deep postseason run for the first time since the 2016 campaign.
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Steelers' Mike Tomlin prior to a playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens.
One of those issues came in Week 17, which set up the do-or-die game against the Ravens in the first place. With a chance to lock up the division against a lowly Cleveland Browns team, the offense completely busted. Only two field goals were scored as numerous chances were squandered. The worst part about it was that Steeler Nation saw it coming from a mile away and was not surprised.
During his weekly Q&A chat, insider Gerry Dulac was asked about this recent sequence of games. He explained what he heard from many people from within the facilities about that loss to the Browns leading into the Ravens game.
"I will tell you there were people in that building who thought the Cleveland stinker could be a wake up call and get the players back focused on games that matter," Dulac said. "Well, that's kind of what happened. The way the offense bounced back -- without Metcalf, after the performance in Cleveland -- was impressive."
There were definitely some distractions going on before that game in Northern Ohio. Between TJ Watt trying to recover from a punctured lung, to DK Metcalf getting suspended for his altercation with a fan, it was hard to stay focused on a 3-12 opponent. That was proven to be the case, but that embarrassment let the team know that it had to lock in, or else this would be the end of its 2025 story.
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DK Metcalf of the Pittsburgh Steelers grabs a fan aggressively confronts him during a professional football game in Detroit, MI.
The offense was definitely concerning in the first half, but after that, they ran all over a weak Ravens defense. The Steelers scored 23 of their 26 points in the second half, when they needed to the most. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers went from a slow start, to being the leader that he was signed to be in the first place.
Winning the AFC North and smoking victory cigars is great, but the focus should be adjusted quickly. The Wild Card Round is here, and numerous doubters are pointing to the Steelers' recent history of postseason failures as a reason why there is not chance that they can pull off the home upset. They got the wake up call in Week 17; they can't fall back into old traps, or else the haters and doubters would be proven right once again.
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Steelers' TJ Watt stands on the field during a road game against the Houston Texans during the 2023 season.
There are no more opportunities to lose and get that "wake up call" that they apparently needed to end the season. The Steelers can't allow any more distractions to come in and ruin any chance they have of winning. Watt and Metcalf are back, so that's two less things that they have to worry about. It's postseason victory or bust for Pittsburgh. A loss here would be considered another failed season.
Steelers Still Have One Distraction Swirling Around Them
Rumors have been spreading like wildfires about how Head Coach Mike Tomlin could leave the team after the season to pursue a new challenge, like broadcasting on TV or coaching a different team. The players still have a ton of respect for him, and they probably don't want to lose him. They will have to find a way to shut out the noise and focus on winning for Tomlin.
What do you think about the Steelers treating the Browns loss like a wake up call? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.
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