The Pittsburgh Steelers have become accustomed to being overlooked by national media personalities. Despite the rich history and consistent expectations of competing for championships, there always seems to be some skepticism surrounding the team. That has certainly been the case in recent years, particularly because of Pittsburgh's struggles to find success in the postseason under former head coach Mike Tomlin. However, there comes a point when certain comments from prominent analysts and reporters seem a little off-putting.
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Former Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin roams the practice field as his team works out on the playing surface during a 2025 training camp practice at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
There is plenty of talent throughout the AFC, and several organizations have legitimate aspirations of competing for a Super Bowl in 2026. Some franchises have earned the benefit of the doubt because of their recent success, while others are working to prove that they belong in the same conversation. The Steelers fall into the latter category, but they aren't alone.
The Buffalo Bills are one of the teams hoping to finally get over the hump. Quarterback Josh Allen has established himself as one of the NFL's premier players, but postseason runs have been difficult to come by. Buffalo knows how important home-field advantage can be, especially when facing some of the conference's toughest opponents.
ESPN's Sal Paolantonio discussed that very subject on Sunday NFL Countdown while previewing Buffalo's matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. However, the reporter made an interesting decision when identifying the potential roadblocks standing between Allen and an AFC Championship Game appearance at home.
"[Allen] knows what's at stake," Paolantonio said. "[The Bills] want to get home-field [advantage] throughout; play the AFC Championship Game [in Buffalo]. Not go to Kansas City, or Cincinnati, or Baltimore."
It was an odd collection of teams to mention, particularly because Paolantonio completely ignored the Steelers, Denver Broncos and Jacksonville Jaguars, all of whom are sitting with just two losses.
The Kansas City Chiefs, Cincinnati Bengals and Ravens have all been significant forces in the AFC over the years. There is no denying that; however, the conference isn't limited to those three franchises, and the Steelers certainly have aspirations of being involved in the postseason picture.
Pittsburgh wasn't the only organization that Paolantonio appeared to slight. Denver and Jacksonville were also excluded from his comments, despite both teams having reasons to believe they can compete with the AFC's best.
It's possible that the ESPN reporter was simply referencing teams that Allen has become familiar with during his postseason career. Kansas City has been a particularly frustrating opponent for Buffalo, while Cincinnati has also presented challenges.
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Steelers' Patrick Queen looks to tackle Josh Allen during the 2025 season.
Baltimore is another familiar opponent, and Sunday's matchup made the Ravens an obvious team to discuss. However, Paolantonio's comments went beyond the immediate game. He specifically referenced potential AFC Championship Game destinations, which made the omissions rather noticeable. For Steelers fans, hearing Baltimore mentioned while Pittsburgh gets completely ignored is nothing new, but still odd given the current AFC North standings.
The division rivals have spent years competing against one another, and there is no shortage of bad blood between the organizations. The Steelers have also struggled to earn respect from national analysts because of their lengthy postseason drought. That criticism is understandable to an extent. Pittsburgh hasn't done enough in January to demand the same recognition as teams that have consistently advanced deep into the playoffs.
However, the Bengals haven't exactly established themselves as an annual postseason powerhouse, either. Their previous success doesn't automatically guarantee that Cincinnati should receive more consideration than other organizations attempting to compete for the conference crown.
Paolantonio wasn't necessarily predicting which teams would reach the AFC Championship Game. His comments were more about Buffalo's desire to avoid difficult road environments. Nevertheless, mentioning only three potential destinations makes it seem as though the rest of the conference isn't worth considering. That is where Pittsburgh, Denver and Jacksonville have every reason to take exception.
Steelers Can Make Paolantonio Regret Overlooking Pittsburgh
The Steelers have a simple way to respond to comments like Paolantonio's. Winning football games, particularly against quality opponents, would force national reporters to take Pittsburgh more seriously. There is no guarantee that the Steelers will find themselves hosting a playoff game, let alone competing for an AFC Championship. The same can be said for several other organizations throughout the conference.
However, completely overlooking Pittsburgh, Denver and Jacksonville while discussing potential postseason destinations seems premature. Allen and the Bills certainly want to avoid traveling for another conference championship game. Pittsburgh would love nothing more than to become one of the destinations Buffalo has to worry about when January arrives.
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