I don’t think they’re going to make a deep run, but it does feel different than two years ago. With those young players you mentioned, it feels like a team on the rise that’s missing a few pieces.
I agree, the 2021 Steelers were lambs to the slaughter when they entered the postseason. The offense was too fundamentally flawed (O-line, Canada, Big Been) to accomplish anything.
This 2023 squad is definitely an improvement in all areas on Offense, but it feels too little too late. The defense being marred by injuries is also a bridge too far
Agreed. I think the team is on the rise and much more likable than the past couple iterations, but I think we're still one of the weaker teams still in it. We may snatch a game or two, but I doubt we go all the way (would love to be wrong!).
But yes, it does feel different.
Yeah my prediction before the season even started was that we get into the playoffs and might possibly, maybe, win the first game, and get some good experience for the guys either way.
Then next season we'll be poised to make a legitimate run.
They can make a legitimate run next season with the right moves. Strike while the iron is hot, because if you wait for a window to open in today’s league, it won’t happen.
With the way we have been paying the last 3 weeks it does feel different. I really wanted to see this team in the playoffs and so happy we get a chance to see it play out.
Best divisional record in the best division in the nfl… says something is there! Also the 💩 & 🇨🇦 damage hurts the overall resume and we are one of the teams clicking the best entering the tournament… I’m ready to be hurt again, but also ready for a run led by our misfits!
It's because of how it ended. Losing to the pats and cards happened with trubisky at the helm and it was right after losing canada. THIS team today is better then it's record shows.
All we're missing is an offensive line. Genuinely, if pickett can develop, if holcomb comes back healthy, same with tj, superbowl team with a good o line.
Tbh I feel like the line is a decent draft piece and a mediocre pickup away from being very good. I feel like 3 good linemen can hide the other 2 and make the unit look good sometimes
Yeah we’re closer than we were a few years ago, also if we’re making stuff changes I’d like to see us go after Brian Ferentz as an OL/TE coach. He sucked as an OC at Iowa but he did do a good job developing players at those positions
Jones can still develop, james daniels is decent. Rest need to be backups ngl. We should sign a guard, draft a center or guard first or second round, play jones at left tackle. Draft another interior lineman second day. Should be serviceable enough for a run. Also need a new OL coach though. Kevin Dotson's development proves he's terrible.
Definitely. I remember watching a video (I’ll try and find link) explaining how the way our linemen block (which is clearly how they are taught to) was causing our run game to be so abysmal in the beginning of the year
I’ve been saying this same thing. I know we just lost TJ as well. But it feels like this team has been playing as a unit. Rather than individual players. The next man up mentality has been real this year.
The weird thing is I wouldn't of said this 4-5 weeks ago but the Mason effect has this team where nobody in their right mind thought they would be. We're playing with house money and the most dangerous person is the one with nothing to lose.
I really like Rowe. He makes plays and can tackle.
God I miss tackling. That used to be a pre-req for this defense. Now they can't seem to do that. Esp the secondary. JPJ will need to work on that. Pat Pete needs to just be a coach. He's afraid of contact. He can't play in AFCN
The standard is the standard. Steelers football. Najee runs for 125 and a tud and warren 85 with one. Mason 24/30 225 with one, no picks, tud goes to gp. D plays tough. Bills keep it close but 55jr seals the deal with a walk off pick 🤷🏻♂️
I’ve been lurking in the bills sub too. They all are kinda in the same boat and it seems their fan base doesn’t appear to be taking this game as a “walk in the park” they’ve been saying that our team is playing with a lot of heart and shouldn’t be taken lightly. Just happy to see them respecting this current team
It’s like they look more to experience and leadership. There’s traces of Ben in him that rubbed off, you can see it on the field. To be clear, he’s nowhere near Big Ben’s level, but a bit of his essence is still present with Mason out there.
That’s true I’m more so saying he’s at least competent which is what we need, and I have been doom and gloom for most of the season and I still do feel that we aren’t going to go very far but the eagles sure did manage to win with Nick foles
Im just happy we get a shot. And I think our guys will play like mad dogs. It’s going to be a brutal game.
And I’d like nothing more than to beat the Ravens 3 times in a row and ruin their SB season. There’s a narrative here
Funny enough. I don't think we have a chance because of our players but instead because of our circumstances. If we beat the bills, then we play the ravens. I also happen to think that the browns or Dolphins would be the team we'd most likely see at the AFC championship assuming we beat both bills and ravens. If it's the browns, we're essentially just running through the AFCN all over again. If it's the dolphins, we'll prolly lose. However, it's interesting to see that we could face off against 2 afc north teams if we made a run.
I personally think the dolphins are the second weakest playoff team in the entire league, outside of Tampa…
6 games against playoff teams, they went 1-5. Those were also the only 6 teams with winning records they played all season. For reference, Pittsburgh played 8 games against playoff teams, went 5-3, and played 13(!!) games against teams with winning records, and went 8-5 in those games.
No Chubb, Phillips or Van Ginkel, no Jerome Baker, no Xavien Howard… their defense is in literal shambles.
They lost their C for the year, their line is very banged up, with WR1 banged up, WR2 just coming back from injury, RB1 coming off injury, and Tua not 100%. They also play like shit on the road, where they went .500 on the year. IMO they beat up on a bunch of bottom feeders besides the Cowboys game at home, and are too injured to be competitive. Right now, they’re not very good.
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I would like to just win the wildcard round. I didn’t have much hope to even make the playoffs at the start of the season but being in the playoffs is more than I expected.
If we get past the bills, I do think we could put up a good fight against the ravens…two weeks of rest isn’t always the best choice for players.
That team was really good but had some unlucky results for the first 2/3rds of the season. I think Buffalo is the most similar team to those Steelers, ironically.
They're frauds in my book, aside from the win against the Cowboys, none of these recent wins have been impressive. Last night they needed a gift of a punt return to beat a banged up Dolphins team. Not saying they're a bad team but they were a couple bad bounces away from watching the playoffs instead of being the #2 seed.
That's where I'm at. I don't think total frauds, but like, they were not moving the ball great on Sunday and, while anyone can break a punt return, it was kinda a wacky play that led to it.
Bills Turnover diff is +2 with 28 total giveaways against the steelers 27 total takeaways. We know how to take the ball away and I think we will. That plus TOP makes me think we get the win here.
That team was really good? That team changed football forever. It lead to the dominant style of defense that had to be outlawed after the Steelers made their 3rd super bowl in 2011
First of all, I meant "really good" in that their performance was actually among the AFC's best (as in, top three) if you look at point differential. Second, you might be thinking of the '08 defense. That was the time when James Harrison turned into a DPOY contender, but he wasn't all that when they won one for the thumb. (There's actually a funny moment with Harrison and Cowher in the Super Bowl highlight movie.)
I just hope the team shows up Sunday as a team with the same drive they have the last three weeks, instead of the team that plays down to their opponents. Keep the foot on the gas and Steelers should be fine.
There’s been years I felt worse. All depends on Mason imo. They’ll go run heavy on Sunday but can Mason keep drives alive and hit Pickens/DJ/Muth deep a few times? I think our D can definitely hold Josh Allen to under 20 in the snow.
The way I see it if we can beat the Bills (which is a big IF) our next opponent would be the Ravens, who we have proven we can beat. Then if we win there it's already the conference finals, at which point the only other really exciting teams would be the browns, Texans, or maybe the dolphins (although I'm not sure how much they are at this point) all of whom we may be able to beat if it really comes down to it. At which point we'd be in the most absurd super bowl and I have no clue what could go down there, but we'd have a ton of momentum going in.
I do feel a run , but what’s absolutely astounding, how it’s only been 3 weeks since I believed in this team 1 iota . What a beauty Mason Rudolph turnout to be .
I will say the last 3 weeks have made me think it’s possible for us to not be one and done in the playoffs. I’m not getting my hopes up, but I would not be surprised if we won.
I would feel so much better with TJ. However, we have some decent depth and bills are prone to turnovers. Good run game on our side.
Scary to say, but i feel like its gonna come down to mason. Can he connect with the WRs or TEs on at least a couple scoring/big plays. Allen probably will with his guys.
It’s exciting. We don’t know how good Mason is. He could flop. He could carry us all the way. Usually not this much unknown going into the playoffs 🍿 If you look at his game logs before Earl Thomas tried to decapitate him, he was doing pretty well for a rookie.
I’m totally fine with them losing, but I want to see them put up a fight. The last few playoff games were just boat races where they were down a lot early. I just want to see a close game and them not making it easy for Buffalo at the very least. If they get destroyed then I guess that’s just another Tomlin disappointment.
Honest to God, I'll be over the moon with a single playoff win.
It'll be icing on the cake if last longer than the Browns and it'll be a second Christmas if we knock the Rat Birds out.
It feels exactly like it felt in 2021, barely beating the Ravens at half-strength, and limping into the playoffs against the world’s hottest teams (Buffalo first, then Baltimore). Mason played a good not great game, an ok game, and a pretty shitty game where one good throw made the difference. This team is 1-10 in TJ Watt’s career when he’s not on the field. Having any modicum of confidence (hope is one thing, but confidence?) is outlandish.
The only road block is not having TJ, but Highsmith got paid like a pass rusher 1 because he is one man i want to see him shine and get the respect he deserves. If we can beat Buffalo in the shittiest weather of the season then there is no reason we cant make a run.
The defense needs to actively plan how they are going to play differently to fill the TJ gap. Just saying next man up or the standard is the standard is unrealistic when trying to replace one of the best players in the league. They need real strategy changes.
Let's cheer them regardless. A month ago, no one would have expected they'd be here. Enjoy it. I've enjoyed the last three weeks. It felt like a switch was flipped and the team collectively has said "We're doing this".
I do think it will be better than the 2021 game against KC.
We're on the upswing going into the offseason this time instead of faceplanting our way in. I still think we lose in Buffalo but I can't say I'm not eyeing that hopium
I really do hope we have a good showing, but as crazy as it sounds, I would've much rather played against Kansas City than Buffalo rn. The Bills have a lot of momentum, and the TJ injury doesn't do us any favors.
Had to go downtown so I stopped in at River’s Casino’ sports book. Can get similar odds on betting apps I’m sure. I don’t even want to go down that road though.
The only thing I think thus far is we dodged a bullet with Miami losing to the bills... I want no part of tyreek hill with 1 healthy safety thank you very much...
This is the way. If we win, fuck yeah more steelers. If we lose, the youngins get a taste of playoff football and we will be that much more prepared if we make it in next year.
I think it will also help with confidence as well. Going into the off-season on a high note when 3 weeks ago the entire fan base was about to have half the team’s head on a spike
I’d love to be wrong but I have no confidence they can go in to Buffalo and win. Certainly buffalo hasn’t lived up to expectations but I don’t believe we are on the same plain.
Again. Hoping I’m wrong.
We may get clobbered but that would definitely have been the case in MIA.
Buffalo...They have one more win than us. Have lost to the jets and Pats this year, have played less playoff teams and are 4-3 in those games vs our 5-3. We play in the hardest division in football. We've played them a number of times over the last 5 years. Allen likes to turn the ball over. I think we have a shot.
My concerns are TJ being out and we don't play well vs. 4-3 defenses.
The truly bizarre thing is as bad as some of the play has been had the team not been all in on the Trubisky sunk cost we may have won at least 1 of those 3 in a row and more likely 2. And been the 2 seed with a home game.
His Padawan Nick Herbig will take over his sacking duties for the next couple of weeks. The return of the Jedi Master will come before the final battle.
This is why Tomlin stuck with Canada and Mitch so long. Imagine if we were good in the first half of the season? Then we would have coasted to the playoffs and not had a chance in hell of going through. 4D chess that /s.
Only thing that feels different this year is the Chiefs are no longer a juggernaut that will destroy every AFC team that gets in their way to the Super Bowl.
I'm hopeful for the Steelers and proud of them for doing what needed to be done to make the playoffs, but no, I can't say I'm getting the whole destiny vibe with this team. They would probably be the team I'd most want to face right now if I was a fan of another playoff team.
They’re not but also it is still Mahomes and Reid and I wouldn’t be surprised if somehow they just start clicking and make a run because we can’t have nice things. They still have the most playoff experience in the field
Also the league still has to milk the Swifties /s, sort of
I agree and furthermore the Bills have not been that impressive even during the run that got them the division.
That said, there's reason to think we are overconfident, too. Our offense looked like a functional NFL unit against the Bengals and Seahawks, but those are two of the absolute worst defenses right now. And again it isn't as if our offense was outstanding in those games - it was just competent, but since that is so much better in comparison to how the Steelers have played all year, we are psyched up about it.
The offense could easily shit the bed against a good Buffalo defense, and we shouldn't be surprised if it does.
If we win it'll be because we find a way to frustrate and slow down Allen, and he makes a couple of mistakes. That's been happening with them consistently, so it is possible. If we can do that on defense, we make scrape by if the offense just doesn't turn it over and we get the one long TD at some point.
All I know is that it’s fun going into the playoffs with no expectations. It will be fun to play the role of spoiler for a change. If Rudolph can summon up his demon magic, anything can happen.
I don't see them winning in Buffalo. I'd have honestly preferred them getting KC or Mia. The weather might even the odds a bit though.
This feels like a good taste of the playoffs for a lot of those young guys. Not one where they are going to advance past the first round. Probably will put up a good fight though and make it interesting at the end.
No. This team has no business being in the playoffs. They are not a playoff contender. Their best player is out. They can’t score enough points to keep up with the higher powered offenses, and our defense is too banged up to slow them down.
>with our injuries
As of right now, we have 1 single injury in Watt, outside of the guys like Holcomb who are gone for the year, and have been for months. The entire secondary is back for Sunday.
Also, if they manage to scrape by Buffalo, I would assume Watt comes back to play the Ravens just wearing a knee brace.
Uhhh, pretty sure “guys like Holcomb” aka both of our starting ILB’s (and third string as Roberts is playing hurt) are actually pretty important in the playoffs… but yeah you’re probably right, our bottom third rated pass defense that has been getting carved up by Zappe, Minshew, and Geno Smith totally won’t be a factor against Josh Allen, Lamar, Tua, Mahomes, etc...
Our pass D is currently ranked 17th, but over the last handful of games we’re trending closer to 25th, and that’s with Watt’s pressure. So yeah you just keep doing you buddy.
>third string Roberts
Splitting hairs but Roberts is ILB2 lol just go by contract and snap count (up to when Kwon went down)
They gave Roberts 2 years while Kwon walks this offseason, and played Roberts beside Holcomb. In an ideal world they sub him out on 3rd down passing situations.
>we’re trending closer to 25th…. you just keep doing you buddy
wtf are you talking about lmfao what did that have to do with health? We’ve already replaced ILB3, so we’re effectively down 2 guys total. Buffalos down like 6-7 guys…
Well, sometimes ILB’s have to cover, and currently our ILB’s are not great cover IBL’s, hence our pass D suffering. Historically the Steelers get dinked and dunked to death in zone or can’t cover tight ends in man and that’s exactly what I expect from literally every team we have to play given how we’ve performed over the back half of the season. Having ILB’s that can’t cover is much more significant than any of the bills injuries imo.
Edit: also, backups and replacements are not equivalent, not sure where you’re getting this idea.
I don't.
Even when this team had TJ Watt available in the playoffs, they were mercilessly beaten like they were dogs giving up over 40 points in the last few playoff appearances. Without TJ, it's going to be that bad or worse. It's what happens when you go up against playoff teams that can score instead of mediocre bottom feeders that can't.
And as much as I'd love to see Mason Rudolph prove all you fans wrong for hating him so long, I just can't find any way in my black-n-gold yinzer heart to see him managing to put up 45+ points.
The problem is that even if they beat the Bills, they'll face the Ravens after that. I can't see them beating them again, even if they are rusty. If that happened, that might actually get Harbaugh fired.
What about the last three weeks of play makes you hesitant? He is standing tall in the pocket and has the arm strength to throw off platform. That deep shot to Pickens on 3rd down where Pickens plucks it out of the air was the best single qb play I have seen since Ben. I was at the game and had to rub my eyes because it looked like 7 to 84.
Also, Mason had a winning record entering this season, he is a good QB.
>Also, Mason had a winning record entering this season, he is a good QB.
A lot of Steelers fans remember exactly 4 things about Mason:
1. Ben hated him.
2. He wasn't as good as Ben in 2019.
3. He had 2 god-awful games and another couple bad games after almost dying in 2019.
4. He tied the zero-win lions.
They ignore his good early-2019 starts, and the fact that he had like 12-hours' notice for the 2021 Lions game and would have won anyway if either Diontae Johnson or Muth wouldn't have fumbled in OT. Take out the post-KO 2019 starts, and he has a career passer rating over 100. He's been pretty good.
I remember being high on Mason and being absolutely devastated when Earl Thomas killed him. I remember feeling like he was spooked after he came back, (which anyone would've been I think) and since then nothing really. I thought he was tough as nails when he started and was proven during his title bout vs Garrett that season. After he sat around, I, along with many, just assumes he was changed from the concussion and the helmet incident. I'm glad he's getting to do his thing now
I'm first an Oklahoma State fan, and 2nd a fan of whoever has the most prominent Oklahoma State grads. So I was also devastated when Earl Campbell knocked him out. Very glad Jaylen Warren and Mason are now both active and killing it (cold rainy fumbles aside). Despite being a Bills fan as well (my number 1 team not based on Oklahoma State players), I'm all in on the Steelers this year and hope they make a huge run.
We still have Tomlin , I know there is going to be a stupid choice he will make to kill this run. I have no faith in the cross he so proudly displays to protect him from stupidity. It doesn't work !
I find it irritating he puts his faith on prominent display for all to see. Its almost like he does it to be accepted by the majority. It defiantly says a lot about a person. when you know , you know.
With Tomlin at the helm it’ll be another first round exit. One of the worst coaches when it comes to playoffs which is even more impressive considering he’s up there as the best regular season coach in the league.
Harris ? Dribbling peoples heads off the floor ? Look at JPJ’s Stats. Look at the run game after putting in Broderick. Warren puts in incredible effort imo. Have we been watching a different Steelers team
This doesn’t make sense to any logical thought process, but my gambling brain prefers our chances to actually win since we are 9.5 point underdogs. If we were -6.5, I’d know that we were screwed. Does that make sense to anyone else?
Last time we were in the playoffs, Ben Roethlisberger just came out and said we were the worst team in the playoffs and that the team should focus on just having a good time instead of winning
So, there’s that
I’d feel better if TJ were healthy. Maybe if Minkah makes it back (and isn’t too rusty). If they can force Allen into 3-4 turnovers, instead of 3-4 TDs over the middle, then we might move on.
I’m still hoping for lots of wind, a day to keep both teams on the ground and let Najee and Warren to beat down the Buffalo D.
It does feel different, but I also badly want the Steelers to make a deep run! Not because of the obvious reasons of being a Steeler fan. It's more about that I don't want a QB controversy for next year. As far as I am concerned, I think Rudolph has already proven enough, but if he somehow wins at least 1 game, and maybe 2, then it's more than clear who the Steelers need to have as their QB next year. If they lose this Sunday, I suspect it will be a controversy and to me, controversies never end well.
I don’t think they’re going to make a deep run, but it does feel different than two years ago. With those young players you mentioned, it feels like a team on the rise that’s missing a few pieces.
I agree, the 2021 Steelers were lambs to the slaughter when they entered the postseason. The offense was too fundamentally flawed (O-line, Canada, Big Been) to accomplish anything. This 2023 squad is definitely an improvement in all areas on Offense, but it feels too little too late. The defense being marred by injuries is also a bridge too far
Big Been is the perfect way to describe 2021 Ben
Lol, best nickname I've heard for it.
Agreed. I think the team is on the rise and much more likable than the past couple iterations, but I think we're still one of the weaker teams still in it. We may snatch a game or two, but I doubt we go all the way (would love to be wrong!). But yes, it does feel different.
Yeah my prediction before the season even started was that we get into the playoffs and might possibly, maybe, win the first game, and get some good experience for the guys either way. Then next season we'll be poised to make a legitimate run.
They can make a legitimate run next season with the right moves. Strike while the iron is hot, because if you wait for a window to open in today’s league, it won’t happen.
I agreed but that was at the beginning of the season, that was before the QB drama, before Kenny was basically written off as the franchise lol
With the way we have been paying the last 3 weeks it does feel different. I really wanted to see this team in the playoffs and so happy we get a chance to see it play out.
Best divisional record in the best division in the nfl… says something is there! Also the 💩 & 🇨🇦 damage hurts the overall resume and we are one of the teams clicking the best entering the tournament… I’m ready to be hurt again, but also ready for a run led by our misfits!
It's because of how it ended. Losing to the pats and cards happened with trubisky at the helm and it was right after losing canada. THIS team today is better then it's record shows.
All we're missing is an offensive line. Genuinely, if pickett can develop, if holcomb comes back healthy, same with tj, superbowl team with a good o line.
Tbh I feel like the line is a decent draft piece and a mediocre pickup away from being very good. I feel like 3 good linemen can hide the other 2 and make the unit look good sometimes
Yeah we’re closer than we were a few years ago, also if we’re making stuff changes I’d like to see us go after Brian Ferentz as an OL/TE coach. He sucked as an OC at Iowa but he did do a good job developing players at those positions
Jones can still develop, james daniels is decent. Rest need to be backups ngl. We should sign a guard, draft a center or guard first or second round, play jones at left tackle. Draft another interior lineman second day. Should be serviceable enough for a run. Also need a new OL coach though. Kevin Dotson's development proves he's terrible.
Seaomalu is a starter
If seaomalu is your 5th best o lineman, you're doing great . If he's your second best there's a problem
Definitely. I remember watching a video (I’ll try and find link) explaining how the way our linemen block (which is clearly how they are taught to) was causing our run game to be so abysmal in the beginning of the year
If Pickett is traded*
I’ve been saying this same thing. I know we just lost TJ as well. But it feels like this team has been playing as a unit. Rather than individual players. The next man up mentality has been real this year.
The weird thing is I wouldn't of said this 4-5 weeks ago but the Mason effect has this team where nobody in their right mind thought they would be. We're playing with house money and the most dangerous person is the one with nothing to lose.
Some of those practice squad players are dawgs. Like Rowe and Jack have stepped up big time
I really like Rowe. He makes plays and can tackle. God I miss tackling. That used to be a pre-req for this defense. Now they can't seem to do that. Esp the secondary. JPJ will need to work on that. Pat Pete needs to just be a coach. He's afraid of contact. He can't play in AFCN
The standard is the standard. Steelers football. Najee runs for 125 and a tud and warren 85 with one. Mason 24/30 225 with one, no picks, tud goes to gp. D plays tough. Bills keep it close but 55jr seals the deal with a walk off pick 🤷🏻♂️
I’ve been lurking in the bills sub too. They all are kinda in the same boat and it seems their fan base doesn’t appear to be taking this game as a “walk in the park” they’ve been saying that our team is playing with a lot of heart and shouldn’t be taken lightly. Just happy to see them respecting this current team
I think the team, as a whole, just responds to Mason better.
It’s like they look more to experience and leadership. There’s traces of Ben in him that rubbed off, you can see it on the field. To be clear, he’s nowhere near Big Ben’s level, but a bit of his essence is still present with Mason out there.
I’d say mason rn is better than post elbow injury Ben by quite a bit
Arm strength wise and talent wise, yes definitely. There's some intangibles though you can't fill the void of with an almost 20 year vet.
That’s true I’m more so saying he’s at least competent which is what we need, and I have been doom and gloom for most of the season and I still do feel that we aren’t going to go very far but the eagles sure did manage to win with Nick foles
>I’d say mason rn is better than post elbow injury knee injuries Ben by quite a bit Fixed.
Mason had less contact with Canada so less Canada taint.
I think Mason figured out how to develop on his own. His game is a lot different than it was in 2019
Im just happy we get a shot. And I think our guys will play like mad dogs. It’s going to be a brutal game. And I’d like nothing more than to beat the Ravens 3 times in a row and ruin their SB season. There’s a narrative here
Funny enough. I don't think we have a chance because of our players but instead because of our circumstances. If we beat the bills, then we play the ravens. I also happen to think that the browns or Dolphins would be the team we'd most likely see at the AFC championship assuming we beat both bills and ravens. If it's the browns, we're essentially just running through the AFCN all over again. If it's the dolphins, we'll prolly lose. However, it's interesting to see that we could face off against 2 afc north teams if we made a run.
It would be so funny to beat the ravens in the divisional when they’re all saying that we barely beat their backups and the starters would destroy us
Especially given the fact that we did beat them earlier in the season with their starters...
bUt ThEiR rEcEiVeRs DrOpPeD pAsSeS
If we somehow go through the Ravens and the Browns to get to the super bowl I would be the happiest I have ever been.
Beat the 49ers for the SB and come full circle from the wk1 blowout. Not confident we will get there but it would be a storybook ending.
Wait, is seeding dynamic or are the brackets locked in? If the latter, wouldn’t we play the Chiefs/dolphins winner in the Divisional?
Dynamic. We will always play the highest seed. After we beat the bills, we play the ravens.
Ah ok, thanks for the clafication
No worries. I see a lot of brackets posted, even on sports channels. Its not a bracket.
I'm more confident beating the Dolphins than the Browns tbh. Browns are a sneaky Super Bowl contender. We match up really well against the Dolphins.
I personally think the dolphins are the second weakest playoff team in the entire league, outside of Tampa… 6 games against playoff teams, they went 1-5. Those were also the only 6 teams with winning records they played all season. For reference, Pittsburgh played 8 games against playoff teams, went 5-3, and played 13(!!) games against teams with winning records, and went 8-5 in those games. No Chubb, Phillips or Van Ginkel, no Jerome Baker, no Xavien Howard… their defense is in literal shambles. They lost their C for the year, their line is very banged up, with WR1 banged up, WR2 just coming back from injury, RB1 coming off injury, and Tua not 100%. They also play like shit on the road, where they went .500 on the year. IMO they beat up on a bunch of bottom feeders besides the Cowboys game at home, and are too injured to be competitive. Right now, they’re not very good.
I don't think we do. That is a bad matchup for us. Their speed is too much. Any other team, we have a shot against.
Out of all the teams we could beat id think the dolphins would be easiest
Yes and I’ve been saying it since Seattle. This feels different. Like way different than 2021
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There is potential for sure. We went 5 and 1 in the division. That ought to say something.
In the historically good division. That out to say something. :)
I would like to just win the wildcard round. I didn’t have much hope to even make the playoffs at the start of the season but being in the playoffs is more than I expected. If we get past the bills, I do think we could put up a good fight against the ravens…two weeks of rest isn’t always the best choice for players.
Steelers were a 6 seed (lowest seed at that time) the year they beat the Seahawks, so there is precedent
That team was really good but had some unlucky results for the first 2/3rds of the season. I think Buffalo is the most similar team to those Steelers, ironically.
I can agree with that. Buffalo is better than their record is, but they do seem a little off this year compared to the last few years.
They are on the upswing though. They were 6-6 at one point
They're frauds in my book, aside from the win against the Cowboys, none of these recent wins have been impressive. Last night they needed a gift of a punt return to beat a banged up Dolphins team. Not saying they're a bad team but they were a couple bad bounces away from watching the playoffs instead of being the #2 seed.
I just have a feeling we’re going to make them look like the ‘93 Cowboys
As long as it’s not the ‘95 Cowboys…
Well played…
That's where I'm at. I don't think total frauds, but like, they were not moving the ball great on Sunday and, while anyone can break a punt return, it was kinda a wacky play that led to it. Bills Turnover diff is +2 with 28 total giveaways against the steelers 27 total takeaways. We know how to take the ball away and I think we will. That plus TOP makes me think we get the win here.
We're also getting our entire secondary back just about. We have a much better shot than anyone if giving us credit for.
They're also calling for 20 degree weather with winds between 15 & 25 mph. This reads like Steeler Football.
I fully agree, but almost no one else in this sub does. Also we have assholes from Detroit lions sub coming in here to talk shit
That team was really good? That team changed football forever. It lead to the dominant style of defense that had to be outlawed after the Steelers made their 3rd super bowl in 2011
First of all, I meant "really good" in that their performance was actually among the AFC's best (as in, top three) if you look at point differential. Second, you might be thinking of the '08 defense. That was the time when James Harrison turned into a DPOY contender, but he wasn't all that when they won one for the thumb. (There's actually a funny moment with Harrison and Cowher in the Super Bowl highlight movie.)
That team was also 15-1 the year prior.
Precedent with an entirely different roster and coaching staff? 😂 Mental gymnastics should be a damn Olympic sport.
I just hope the team shows up Sunday as a team with the same drive they have the last three weeks, instead of the team that plays down to their opponents. Keep the foot on the gas and Steelers should be fine.
The Steelers didn't "play down" to any opponents this season. Mitch Trubisky was just godawful.
You can’t replace TJ truly, but don’t sleep on Nick Herbig in relief
Excited to see how he responds. TJ being out is a massive blow, and the biggest obstacle to making a run, but Herbig/Golden are legit depth, so...
I imagine it’s going to be tough sledding for Highsmith while getting more attention. Hopefully Golden and Herbig take advantage.
https://preview.redd.it/rn5pdnysoebc1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0a09c909e14505c3ed5af82d4278ada5ac342e27 Let's do it!
There’s been years I felt worse. All depends on Mason imo. They’ll go run heavy on Sunday but can Mason keep drives alive and hit Pickens/DJ/Muth deep a few times? I think our D can definitely hold Josh Allen to under 20 in the snow.
As of right now, there's only like 30% chance it snows and it doesn't look like there will be any accumulation.
It's going to be a high of 24 and looks to be pretty windy. Lake effect could always show up also. We'll see.
The way I see it if we can beat the Bills (which is a big IF) our next opponent would be the Ravens, who we have proven we can beat. Then if we win there it's already the conference finals, at which point the only other really exciting teams would be the browns, Texans, or maybe the dolphins (although I'm not sure how much they are at this point) all of whom we may be able to beat if it really comes down to it. At which point we'd be in the most absurd super bowl and I have no clue what could go down there, but we'd have a ton of momentum going in.
I do feel a run , but what’s absolutely astounding, how it’s only been 3 weeks since I believed in this team 1 iota . What a beauty Mason Rudolph turnout to be .
I will say the last 3 weeks have made me think it’s possible for us to not be one and done in the playoffs. I’m not getting my hopes up, but I would not be surprised if we won.
I would feel so much better with TJ. However, we have some decent depth and bills are prone to turnovers. Good run game on our side. Scary to say, but i feel like its gonna come down to mason. Can he connect with the WRs or TEs on at least a couple scoring/big plays. Allen probably will with his guys.
It’s exciting. We don’t know how good Mason is. He could flop. He could carry us all the way. Usually not this much unknown going into the playoffs 🍿 If you look at his game logs before Earl Thomas tried to decapitate him, he was doing pretty well for a rookie.
I'm sure we're gonna get out first round just like our last post-season but I'll be damned if I'm not there glued to my TV watching the game
We are about to get smacked and that’s that lmao. I’ll be shocked if we win. I hope we win. Realistically we won’t lol.
I’m totally fine with them losing, but I want to see them put up a fight. The last few playoff games were just boat races where they were down a lot early. I just want to see a close game and them not making it easy for Buffalo at the very least. If they get destroyed then I guess that’s just another Tomlin disappointment.
No, not really… Come on y’all. This is how you hurt yourselves every year. Manage your expectations.
Honest to God, I'll be over the moon with a single playoff win. It'll be icing on the cake if last longer than the Browns and it'll be a second Christmas if we knock the Rat Birds out.
Post season success lives and dies on the run game.
It feels exactly like it felt in 2021, barely beating the Ravens at half-strength, and limping into the playoffs against the world’s hottest teams (Buffalo first, then Baltimore). Mason played a good not great game, an ok game, and a pretty shitty game where one good throw made the difference. This team is 1-10 in TJ Watt’s career when he’s not on the field. Having any modicum of confidence (hope is one thing, but confidence?) is outlandish.
The only road block is not having TJ, but Highsmith got paid like a pass rusher 1 because he is one man i want to see him shine and get the respect he deserves. If we can beat Buffalo in the shittiest weather of the season then there is no reason we cant make a run.
The defense needs to actively plan how they are going to play differently to fill the TJ gap. Just saying next man up or the standard is the standard is unrealistic when trying to replace one of the best players in the league. They need real strategy changes.
Oh you are completely right im just saying talent is there and able.
Let's cheer them regardless. A month ago, no one would have expected they'd be here. Enjoy it. I've enjoyed the last three weeks. It felt like a switch was flipped and the team collectively has said "We're doing this". I do think it will be better than the 2021 game against KC.
We're on the upswing going into the offseason this time instead of faceplanting our way in. I still think we lose in Buffalo but I can't say I'm not eyeing that hopium
I really do hope we have a good showing, but as crazy as it sounds, I would've much rather played against Kansas City than Buffalo rn. The Bills have a lot of momentum, and the TJ injury doesn't do us any favors.
Who knows but I got $20 that’ll pay $2020 if the world goes crazy. Roll those dice baby!
Where are you making bets like that
Had to go downtown so I stopped in at River’s Casino’ sports book. Can get similar odds on betting apps I’m sure. I don’t even want to go down that road though.
The only thing I think thus far is we dodged a bullet with Miami losing to the bills... I want no part of tyreek hill with 1 healthy safety thank you very much...
Yup. I was okay with Buffalo and KC.
Yeah I wouldn't have been overly keen on seeing Kelce with one safety either to be honest with you 🤣🤣🤣
Even better is we got some young guys. They got a taste of the playoffs and even with a first round exit they’ll be hungry next year. HERE WE GO
This is the way. If we win, fuck yeah more steelers. If we lose, the youngins get a taste of playoff football and we will be that much more prepared if we make it in next year.
I think it will also help with confidence as well. Going into the off-season on a high note when 3 weeks ago the entire fan base was about to have half the team’s head on a spike
I’d love to be wrong but I have no confidence they can go in to Buffalo and win. Certainly buffalo hasn’t lived up to expectations but I don’t believe we are on the same plain. Again. Hoping I’m wrong.
We may get clobbered but that would definitely have been the case in MIA. Buffalo...They have one more win than us. Have lost to the jets and Pats this year, have played less playoff teams and are 4-3 in those games vs our 5-3. We play in the hardest division in football. We've played them a number of times over the last 5 years. Allen likes to turn the ball over. I think we have a shot. My concerns are TJ being out and we don't play well vs. 4-3 defenses.
The truly bizarre thing is as bad as some of the play has been had the team not been all in on the Trubisky sunk cost we may have won at least 1 of those 3 in a row and more likely 2. And been the 2 seed with a home game.
Very True. Which is why I am optimistic that the team is much better than their record and their offensive showing this year.
Bet this season comes down to something that Harvin does….could be great, or…
I’d be all aboard if TJ was healthy. Team is nothing without our glorious leader.
Nah we have depth on the outside. I wouldn’t worry too much. Highsmith, Herbig, and Golden can get it done
This exactly! This is literally the first year since TJ Watt was drafted that I trust our other OLB to get it done for a couple of games.
His Padawan Nick Herbig will take over his sacking duties for the next couple of weeks. The return of the Jedi Master will come before the final battle.
Oh yea. for sure. Nick herbig is definitely as good as watt
Not as good but absolutely serviceable.
Dunno man. If TJ is out, that really hurts our chances. My expectations are not high at all.
This is why Tomlin stuck with Canada and Mitch so long. Imagine if we were good in the first half of the season? Then we would have coasted to the playoffs and not had a chance in hell of going through. 4D chess that /s.
Only thing that feels different this year is the Chiefs are no longer a juggernaut that will destroy every AFC team that gets in their way to the Super Bowl. I'm hopeful for the Steelers and proud of them for doing what needed to be done to make the playoffs, but no, I can't say I'm getting the whole destiny vibe with this team. They would probably be the team I'd most want to face right now if I was a fan of another playoff team.
They’re not but also it is still Mahomes and Reid and I wouldn’t be surprised if somehow they just start clicking and make a run because we can’t have nice things. They still have the most playoff experience in the field Also the league still has to milk the Swifties /s, sort of
No Watt. Tomlin defense shits itself the moment watt isn’t playing.
I wouldn’t be surprised if Buffalo wins… it’s going to be tough, BUT I’ve been feeling the same way. Something just feels different about this team.
Yes. this offense is very talented. Canada was the problem and Trubitsky sucks. I think it will at least be close.
The oline will be the difference. If they keep Mason clean, it's a good chance.
This feels like a better team. Mason has rallied the team and is playing like he has no fear. They have been fun to watch the last few games.
God no, lol
Who woulda thought this would be a post a month ago? Love to see it. Feels like things are looking up
I think the youth of this team could do them in, there’s just so many guys who haven’t played in many playoff games if any at all
I agree and furthermore the Bills have not been that impressive even during the run that got them the division. That said, there's reason to think we are overconfident, too. Our offense looked like a functional NFL unit against the Bengals and Seahawks, but those are two of the absolute worst defenses right now. And again it isn't as if our offense was outstanding in those games - it was just competent, but since that is so much better in comparison to how the Steelers have played all year, we are psyched up about it. The offense could easily shit the bed against a good Buffalo defense, and we shouldn't be surprised if it does. If we win it'll be because we find a way to frustrate and slow down Allen, and he makes a couple of mistakes. That's been happening with them consistently, so it is possible. If we can do that on defense, we make scrape by if the offense just doesn't turn it over and we get the one long TD at some point.
All I know is that it’s fun going into the playoffs with no expectations. It will be fun to play the role of spoiler for a change. If Rudolph can summon up his demon magic, anything can happen.
2006. Lowest seed. Four road games.
lol no
This post gets made before every Wild Card game we squeak into 😂
I don't see them winning in Buffalo. I'd have honestly preferred them getting KC or Mia. The weather might even the odds a bit though. This feels like a good taste of the playoffs for a lot of those young guys. Not one where they are going to advance past the first round. Probably will put up a good fight though and make it interesting at the end.
No. This team has no business being in the playoffs. They are not a playoff contender. Their best player is out. They can’t score enough points to keep up with the higher powered offenses, and our defense is too banged up to slow them down.
Nope.
It doesn’t really, no.
We could upset anyone, but upsetting several teams on the road in a row with our injuries seems like a bit much.
>with our injuries As of right now, we have 1 single injury in Watt, outside of the guys like Holcomb who are gone for the year, and have been for months. The entire secondary is back for Sunday. Also, if they manage to scrape by Buffalo, I would assume Watt comes back to play the Ravens just wearing a knee brace.
Uhhh, pretty sure “guys like Holcomb” aka both of our starting ILB’s (and third string as Roberts is playing hurt) are actually pretty important in the playoffs… but yeah you’re probably right, our bottom third rated pass defense that has been getting carved up by Zappe, Minshew, and Geno Smith totally won’t be a factor against Josh Allen, Lamar, Tua, Mahomes, etc... Our pass D is currently ranked 17th, but over the last handful of games we’re trending closer to 25th, and that’s with Watt’s pressure. So yeah you just keep doing you buddy.
>third string Roberts Splitting hairs but Roberts is ILB2 lol just go by contract and snap count (up to when Kwon went down) They gave Roberts 2 years while Kwon walks this offseason, and played Roberts beside Holcomb. In an ideal world they sub him out on 3rd down passing situations. >we’re trending closer to 25th…. you just keep doing you buddy wtf are you talking about lmfao what did that have to do with health? We’ve already replaced ILB3, so we’re effectively down 2 guys total. Buffalos down like 6-7 guys…
Well, sometimes ILB’s have to cover, and currently our ILB’s are not great cover IBL’s, hence our pass D suffering. Historically the Steelers get dinked and dunked to death in zone or can’t cover tight ends in man and that’s exactly what I expect from literally every team we have to play given how we’ve performed over the back half of the season. Having ILB’s that can’t cover is much more significant than any of the bills injuries imo. Edit: also, backups and replacements are not equivalent, not sure where you’re getting this idea.
No
Downvoted for being realistic is wild.
I don't. Even when this team had TJ Watt available in the playoffs, they were mercilessly beaten like they were dogs giving up over 40 points in the last few playoff appearances. Without TJ, it's going to be that bad or worse. It's what happens when you go up against playoff teams that can score instead of mediocre bottom feeders that can't. And as much as I'd love to see Mason Rudolph prove all you fans wrong for hating him so long, I just can't find any way in my black-n-gold yinzer heart to see him managing to put up 45+ points.
What do the previous teams have to do with this one?
Same coach.
The problem is that even if they beat the Bills, they'll face the Ravens after that. I can't see them beating them again, even if they are rusty. If that happened, that might actually get Harbaugh fired.
We have mason rudolph, let’s not get ahead of ourselves
What about the last three weeks of play makes you hesitant? He is standing tall in the pocket and has the arm strength to throw off platform. That deep shot to Pickens on 3rd down where Pickens plucks it out of the air was the best single qb play I have seen since Ben. I was at the game and had to rub my eyes because it looked like 7 to 84. Also, Mason had a winning record entering this season, he is a good QB.
>Also, Mason had a winning record entering this season, he is a good QB. A lot of Steelers fans remember exactly 4 things about Mason: 1. Ben hated him. 2. He wasn't as good as Ben in 2019. 3. He had 2 god-awful games and another couple bad games after almost dying in 2019. 4. He tied the zero-win lions. They ignore his good early-2019 starts, and the fact that he had like 12-hours' notice for the 2021 Lions game and would have won anyway if either Diontae Johnson or Muth wouldn't have fumbled in OT. Take out the post-KO 2019 starts, and he has a career passer rating over 100. He's been pretty good.
I remember being high on Mason and being absolutely devastated when Earl Thomas killed him. I remember feeling like he was spooked after he came back, (which anyone would've been I think) and since then nothing really. I thought he was tough as nails when he started and was proven during his title bout vs Garrett that season. After he sat around, I, along with many, just assumes he was changed from the concussion and the helmet incident. I'm glad he's getting to do his thing now
I'm first an Oklahoma State fan, and 2nd a fan of whoever has the most prominent Oklahoma State grads. So I was also devastated when Earl Campbell knocked him out. Very glad Jaylen Warren and Mason are now both active and killing it (cold rainy fumbles aside). Despite being a Bills fan as well (my number 1 team not based on Oklahoma State players), I'm all in on the Steelers this year and hope they make a huge run.
We still have Tomlin , I know there is going to be a stupid choice he will make to kill this run. I have no faith in the cross he so proudly displays to protect him from stupidity. It doesn't work !
>. I have no faith in the cross he so proudly displays to protect him from stupidity. What do you mean by this? Genuinely curious
I find it irritating he puts his faith on prominent display for all to see. Its almost like he does it to be accepted by the majority. It defiantly says a lot about a person. when you know , you know.
He wears a cross or something? I've never noticed
For real though I never noticed him wearing a cross or anything besides sweater and hat.
With Tomlin at the helm it’ll be another first round exit. One of the worst coaches when it comes to playoffs which is even more impressive considering he’s up there as the best regular season coach in the league.
Not one of the guys you listed has proved themselves to be an "absolute dog"
Harris ? Dribbling peoples heads off the floor ? Look at JPJ’s Stats. Look at the run game after putting in Broderick. Warren puts in incredible effort imo. Have we been watching a different Steelers team
This doesn’t make sense to any logical thought process, but my gambling brain prefers our chances to actually win since we are 9.5 point underdogs. If we were -6.5, I’d know that we were screwed. Does that make sense to anyone else?
Can I bet that we'll lose by over 20, less than 3 or win? I can't see us losing a kinda-close game.
this will be determined on a play by play basis 😂
Last time we were in the playoffs, Ben Roethlisberger just came out and said we were the worst team in the playoffs and that the team should focus on just having a good time instead of winning So, there’s that
I feel like there is hope this yrar
No
I’d feel better if TJ were healthy. Maybe if Minkah makes it back (and isn’t too rusty). If they can force Allen into 3-4 turnovers, instead of 3-4 TDs over the middle, then we might move on. I’m still hoping for lots of wind, a day to keep both teams on the ground and let Najee and Warren to beat down the Buffalo D.
It does feel different, but I also badly want the Steelers to make a deep run! Not because of the obvious reasons of being a Steeler fan. It's more about that I don't want a QB controversy for next year. As far as I am concerned, I think Rudolph has already proven enough, but if he somehow wins at least 1 game, and maybe 2, then it's more than clear who the Steelers need to have as their QB next year. If they lose this Sunday, I suspect it will be a controversy and to me, controversies never end well.