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After a strong 10-3 start to the 2024 NFL season, Pittsburgh’s playoff buzz was back. The Steelers’ defense was dominant, the offense found its rhythm, and Chris Boswell continued his kicking excellence.
But a recent four-game losing skid has dampened some of that excitement, reminding fans of previous seasons: such as the 2020 season when the Steelers started 11-0 and fizzled out with a one-and-done playoff appearance.
Fans are now concerned of the same fate for a team that has appeared in, but hasn’t won a postseason game since the 2016 season. Despite this slump, the 2024 Steelers have reasons to inspire optimism and, according to many pundits, there are four reasons that make this a team to watch in the playoffs.
The Steelers are (mostly) healthy
One of the biggest reasons for Pittsburgh’s late-season collapses in recent years is injuries. Going back to 2016, that was the first postseason where RB Le’Veon Bell was healthy and played. The result? Bell broke two single-game franchise records on their way to the AFC Championship – a game Bell would get injured in and the Steelers would lose.
In 2017 the team’s defense suffered a major blow when Ryan Shazier was injured. Similarly, the 2020 season saw Devin Bush and Bud Dupree lost for the year. And who could forget last season’s late struggles when Kenny Pickett went down, Mitchell Trubisky was benched and Mason Rudolph led a three-game charge to get the team into the tournament.
Last year’s team had even more issues, as T.J. Watt was hurt in the final game against Baltimore with a defense already playing street free agents such as MyCal Walker and Eric Rowe, plus Myles Jack (who came out of retirement midseason.)
While the injury bug started to bite the Steelers during this recent slump, it would appear they are entering next weekend largely healthy. CB Joey Porter Jr.’s recent knee issue only cost him a game, while T.J. Watt continued to play hurt and others such as DeShon Elliott, Larry Ogunjobi and George Pickens all returned to the lineup in Week 18 against the Bengals.
The Steelers also hope to get CB Donte Jackson back for the playoffs.
Dominant running back duo of Harris and Warren
Pittsburgh’s one-two punch in the backfield is perhaps its greatest weapon heading into the postseason. The combination of Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren has been formidable throughout the season. Even in the recent loss to Kansas City, the duo combined for 145 rushing yards against one of the NFL’s top defenses.
The offense will need to run the ball effectively to keep possession for extended stretches. That will be a key factor for playoff success, as the Steelers got away from establishing the run against the Bengals.
Harris has consistently proven his reliability, becoming the first running back since Chris Johnson to rush for over 1,000 yards in each of his first four seasons, and the only back to do so over the same time period. Meanwhile, Warren adds a mix of power and versatility, giving Pittsburgh a dynamic duo capable of taking over games.
With Harris’s ability to grind out tough yards and Warren’s quick burst, the Steelers’ ground game has been a blueprint for success in all of this year’s victories.
A star-studded defense led by T.J. Watt
The Steelers have one of the league’s most talented defenses, anchored by former Defensive Player of the Year T.J. Watt. During their 10-3 run, the unit allowed 18 points per game and led the league in turnover margin with +17. While injuries and communication breakdowns hurt them in recent weeks, there’s no denying this defense’s potential when healthy.
Despite being on the field for 38 minutes, the Steelers defense held the Bengals to a single touchdown and 19 points. It goes to show what the group is capable of when healthy.
Alongside Watt, the Steelers boast veteran stalwarts like Cameron Heyward and Minkah Fitzpatrick. (Heyward is arguably playing his best football at 35-years-old.) Edge rushers Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig join Watt to form one of the league’s most fearsome pass-rushing groups.
With Joey Porter Jr., Donte Jackson, Cory Trice, Beanie Bishop (who has a knack for creating turnovers) and DeShon Elliott pairing with Fitzpatrick, this could be the best secondary the Steelers have had deep into January. Add inside linebackers Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson to the mix, the the group has the talent to hold any offense in check.
The way this group performs will be pivotal, of course. If the Steelers’ defense maintains its dominant early-season form, they’re a nightmare matchup for any AFC team come playoff time. Steelers fans, on the other hand, are licking their lips at the thoughts of seeing this defense in action in SuperBowl LIX.
Chris Boswell’s clutch kicking
Special teams might not grab the headlines, but it does when you’re discussing the Pittsburgh Steelers. Danny Smith’s group has been spectacular all season long and could be the formula to winning playoff games.
Having a reliable kicker can make all the difference too. Enter Chris Boswell, who has been nothing short of spectacular this season. Boswell made history earlier this year as the first kicker in NFL history to have multiple games of six field goals in one season. He fell short of David Akers’ single season record of 44 field goals. (Boz made 41 of 44 this season.)
Boswell’s field goal conversion rate of a hair under 93% is a critical asset as the Steelers prepare for high-pressure playoff moments. His clutch performance this season also gave him his first Pro Bowl nod since 2017.
Also, Boswell is no stranger to postseason success. He holds a perfect 17-of-17 record on playoff field goal attempts, including clutch performances in 2015 and 2016 that carried the Steelers to victories. With Boswell’s precision, Pittsburgh can feel confident in close, low-scoring games where every point matters.
Can the Steelers go all the way?
The Steelers may have hit a rough patch late in the season, but their balance of talent and resilience proves they’re far from done. Their physical health, threatening running game, elite defense, and reliable kicking give them a solid foundation for a strong playoff run. While the Super Bowl might seem far off now, the Steelers have the tools to make a legitimate push.
For fans, the dream of lifting the Lombardi Trophy once again is alive. Buckle up—this postseason could hold something special for Pittsburgh and Steeler Nation.
Four reasons the Steelers can shake up the NFL playoffs appeared first on Steel City Underground.