If I told you three weeks ago that the Pittsburgh Steelers would make the postseason how hard would you have laughed? Back to back home losses to the lowly Arizona Cardinals and New England Patriots (and a brutal defeat in Indianapolis) had most fans thinking the playoffs would be a miracle. Well, as Al Michaels once said, “Do you believe in miracles?” The 2023 Steelers are indeed in the playoffs following their win over Baltimore yesterday coupled with Jacksonville’s loss to Tennessee.
There is no question that the turnaround started with a change at quarterback. When Mitchell Trubisky struggled Mike Tomlin made the move to Mason Rudolph and it has paid off in spades. Any thought of going back to Kenny Pickett right now is ridiculous. The offense is playing as well as they have in two seasons and there is absolutely no reason to change the formula that has worked recently. If Mike Tomlin wants to re-visit the quarterback situation in the offseason -something I’m sure he’ll do- then that’s fine. Now is not the time however.
There will no doubt be fans of the Black and Gold who will be less than enthusiastic about being in the playoffs. They will see past postseason failures and “one and done’s” which I totally understand. Whether the Steelers play in Buffalo or Kansas City, they will be significant underdogs. They’ll also be without their best player in T.J. Watt and they’ll still be playing musical chairs at LB and possible in the secondary too.
But for a minute just remember this; it’s about having a chance. This team was literally left for dead when they Indianapolis several weeks back. Now? They are in the postseason and as a player or coach or fan that’s all you can ask and no one is laughing now.
