PITTSBURGH — Currently, the Pittsburgh Steelers hold the top position in the AFC North according to the standings, but the prevailing atmosphere surrounding the team feels far less secure. After suffering a 34-17 defeat against the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday, concerns have emerged regarding their previously firm grip on the division. The game was marred by two turnovers from Russell Wilson and a defense that is beginning to show signs of vulnerability, allowing the Ravens to extend their lead significantly.
Despite this setback, the Steelers are not making excuses for the loss and are aware that they need to move forward quickly. With the Kansas City Chiefs and their star quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, set to visit Acrisure Stadium on Christmas Day, there is no time for disappointment. “I’m not going to keep my head down,” Wilson remarked following the disappointing game, emphasizing the confidence the team holds in themselves and their capacity to bounce back from this tough performance.
For the Steelers to secure a home playoff game and reclaim the division title that has eluded them since 2020, they will need to pick up the pace. Their next challenge consists of facing the two-time defending Super Bowl champions with minimal rest before tackling the Bengals in their regular-season finale. This is particularly daunting given that the defense has allowed over 400 yards in back-to-back games for the first time since the 2019 season’s early weeks.
Winning against formidable opponents like the Ravens and Eagles is never easy, especially when facing them on the road. The Steelers struggled in their recent encounters and while Wilson’s turnovers played a role in their losses, it may be their inability to compete effectively in the trenches that poses a bigger challenge moving forward, especially if they can’t regain the physicality they exhibited earlier in the season.
Though the Ravens and Eagles boast the top two rushing attacks in the league, it’s clear that any team the Steelers might encounter in the postseason will likely attempt to replicate the effective game plans employed by Baltimore and Philadelphia. Pittsburgh’s condensed schedule — hosting the Chiefs will mark their third game in just 11 days — means they may need to focus on strategic adjustments rather than extensive practical drills to address the tackling woes they have recently faced.
The current situation may be far from ideal; however, the Steelers maintain optimism that all of their season objectives remain within reach. Wilson, who is familiar with performing well in high-stakes games this time of year, echoed this sentiment, stating, “We can’t allow a tough game to drag us down because there is still so much at stake, including the opportunity to win the AFC North. We just need to refocus and get back to work.”
In terms of performance metrics, there’s been success in creating disruptions within the red zone. Minkah Fitzpatrick’s late-game interception against Lamar Jackson marked his first in 26 games and contributed to the Steelers’ impressive tally of five takeaways within opponent territory this season, arresting the second highest total in the NFL.
Despite these positives, the Steelers are struggling in other aspects of red zone defense. They allowed the Ravens to score touchdowns on their first three drives that entered the Pittsburgh 20-yard line. Coach Mike Tomlin expressed frustration over players being left uncovered in critical moments, stating, “It is just too late in the year for that to happen. We must prioritize improving our performance in that area this week.”
Among the silver linings, Calvin Austin III has emerged as a key player, stepping up significantly in the absence of George Pickens. The 5-foot-9 receiver has notched nine receptions for 130 yards over the last two games. Wilson’s faith in Austin was evident even when a fourth-down throw to him fell incomplete, showcasing Wilson’s belief in the underdog receiver.
However, the team has also faced challenges related to complementary football. Previously, the Steelers thrived in all three phases, but recent performances show a decline. For instance, the Ravens capitalized on Wilson’s fumble with a swift 96-yard touchdown drive. While Fitzpatrick’s interception seemed promising, Wilson quickly negated that momentum with a poorly directed throw that allowed the Ravens to secure their win.
In the injury department, there is a glimmer of hope as Pickens could potentially return from a hamstring injury that has sidelined him for three games. Meanwhile, other players like safety DeShon Elliott, defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi, and cornerback Donte Jackson may also be back in action after missing the Baltimore game. Conversely, concerns loom for starting cornerback Joey Porter Jr. and wide receiver Ben Skowronek, who both exited the game and did not return.
Key statistics include a total of 39 field goals made by Chris Boswell this season, edging closer to the NFL record of 44 set by David Akers in 2011.
Looking ahead, the Steelers aim to recover quickly and not only end Mahomes’ undefeated streak against them but also enhance their playoff positioning moving forward in the season.