I suppose I’m ‘that guy.’ I’m the one who, on a beautiful day where everyone is talking about how gorgeous the weather is, will mention that there’s always a chance of a rare pop-up thunderstorm. I believe “Debbie Downer” is probably suitable here but in regards to the Pittsburgh Steelers? I’m being 100% honest and realistic. The win over Baltimore to claim the AFC North Crown was big for Mike Tomlin and fans everywhere but this coming week? When the Wild-Card Round begins? That’s when things are going to get significantly bigger.
Every one of you knows that had Tyler Loop’s kick sailed through the uprights we’d be having very different conversations today. Is Mike Tomlin done in Pittsburgh? Is Aaron Rodgers coming back? Those are just a couple of the many discussions that we’d be having. In reality, all that last night’s win over the Ravens did was kick the can down the road for one week.
Most Steelers’ fans entered this season with one, realistic goal in mind… win a postseason game. While last night in the Steel City felt very much like a playoff game, the reality is that it was not. When the Houston Texans arrive on Monday night, we will have our playoff game and ultimately, it places us right back where we’ve been the last seven years plus. Ask yourself, did the win over Baltimore do anything to change your opinion of Mike Tomlin?
If you were on the “It’s time to go” bandwagon, did your thoughts change? If you were all-in on Tomlin regardless of last night’s outcome are you even more supportive today? Personally, I keep coming back to next week. Getting to the postseason – while never easy – seemed like a foregone conclusion. It’s that playoff game that always mattered hasn’t it? We’ve known for some time that Tomlin could keep the Steelers competitive and just a shade above .500 year in and year out but those are the standards we strive for.
Since the Steelers left the field in Baltimore last January the goal has been simple; get back, but win! The Black and Gold have now done that and beating the Houston Texans won’t be easy. If they aren’t able to do it, then we really are right back to square one yet again. So yes, as big as beating the Ravens was last night, it’s nothing compared to next week.
