...
By James Brizuela
Contributing Writer
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
There might be nothing worse in the NFL than being a middle-of-the-road team that cannot make noise deep into the postseason. Yes, there are teams that constantly underwhelm, but the teams that remain talented and in purgatory hell might be worse off.
More news: Pittsburgh Steelers Make Head-Scratching Roster Cut
One such team is the Pittsburgh Steelers, who are constantly loaded with talent on both sides of the ball. The organization also has one of the best coaches in the modern era of football.
Read More on NFL
Even with all that, the Steelers still find ways to flounder out when it matters most. That said, Pittsburgh is now at the top of the list in terms of teams that cannot get over that postseason hump.
In a new report from The Athletic, Mike Jones, Dan Pompei, Jeff Howe, Jourdan Rodrigue, and Jacob Robinson break down the biggest teams that constantly make it to the playoffs, but can't seem to get past their own undoings.
...
More news: NFL Makes Massive Decision on Tom Brady's Involvement With Raiders
Mike Jones wrote about the Steelers' trouble, specifically not winning a playoff game since 2016, and being one-and-done in the postseason for multiple years running.
"Coach Mike Tomlin has never had a losing season in 18 years at the helm. However, his team hasn't won a playoff game since the 2016 season. Five one-and-done showings have followed in the eight years since.
A lack of elite quarterback play is often highlighted as a reason for those repeated failings. However, that's actually a myth. The quarterbacks haven't been half bad. The greatest weaknesses? Porous defense and sputtering rushing attacks. It's ironic, given how Tomlin and company pride themselves on toughness and physicality. However, in the playoffs, it hasn't happened," Jones writes.
The Steelers remain an anomaly in this regard, simply due to the type of team that is put together year after year. Still, Pittsburgh has not quite found its answer at quarterback past when Ben Roethlisberger hung up his cleats.
There was a ton of hope with Russell Wilson, but the Steelers allowed him to move to the New York Giants, along with potential franchise option Justin Fields.
Fields posted a 4-2 record before being benched. He now plays for the New York Jets.
The Steelers' answer to mediocrity was to bring in 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers. Despite his age, Rodgers remains a massively talented quarterback and one who should be a shoo-in for the Hall of Fame.
Despite his accolades, his age has been showing on the field, and the Steelers think they have a team that can "win now" with Rodgers at the helm.
Sure, that could be the case. Especially with Jonnu Smith, DK Metcalf, and Calvin Austin III taking passes from Rodgers. The defense also has Jalen Ramsey and T.J. Watt, but is that enough?
The Steelers oddly cut Robert Woods, but retained four quarterbacks heading into the 2025 season. Rodgers, Mason Rudolph, Will Howard, and Skylar Thompson are on the 53-man roster.
It is strange to dump a potential weapon in Woods to retain four quarterbacks. Thompson could be a huge trade chip, which may be the thinking there, but the Steelers have not indicated that it is the plan.
Simply put, apart from having a talented team, the Steelers make some questionable decisions that may point to the team not getting past their postseason woes. Will this be their year to prove doubters wrong? Maybe, but signs are pointing to a quick postseason exit.
For more on the Steelers and NFL, head to Newsweek Sports.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines