The Pittsburgh Steelers may have stumbled into the playoffs on a four-game skid, but they’ve defied expectations to secure the No. 6 seed in the AFC. Despite their late-season struggles, they’ll have a shot to turn things around in a high-stakes clash against the surging Baltimore Ravens on Saturday night.
While not much was expected from Pittsburgh heading into the 2024 season, they delivered a surprising 10-7 record, powered by a revitalized Russell Wilson at quarterback and one of the league’s premier defenses. When firing on all cylinders, the Steelers have proven they can compete with anyone. However, their recent slump has highlighted significant vulnerabilities.
Every playoff team carries its flaws, and for the Steelers, those weaknesses have been glaring in recent weeks. Entering the postseason on a losing streak is less than ideal, and while Pittsburgh has the potential to rebound, one critical shortcoming threatens to derail their Super Bowl aspirations.
Steelers’ Fatal Flaw: Lack of Offensive Firepower
The Steelers’ knack for grinding out wins has been admirable, but playoff football demands something extra—especially on offense. Over the past month, Pittsburgh’s offensive unit has faltered, with no one stepping up to deliver game-changing performances. The pressure of postseason football requires stars to rise to the occasion, but the Steelers have struggled to find that spark.
Even with George Pickens and Russell Wilson showing flashes of brilliance earlier in the season, the offense has sputtered at the worst possible time. Their inability to consistently produce explosive plays could prove fatal against a high-flying Ravens team.
While the Steelers’ defense remains a formidable force, the offense’s inability to keep up in shootouts or deliver in crunch time makes them vulnerable. Unless Pittsburgh can rediscover its offensive rhythm, this postseason run could be short-lived.
