The Pittsburgh Steelers, a team with a storied history and a reputation as a perennial 10-win franchise, find themselves at a crossroads. Despite aggressive moves in free agency and significant investments in their offensive line, the team has experienced a playoff win drought since 2017. While the Steelers boast a respectable 56-29-2 (.655) record from September through November during this period, their performance drops to 24-21 (.533) in December and January, highlighting a pattern of faltering when it matters most.
In recent years, the Steelers have taken a more aggressive stance in free agency, partially due to underwhelming results in the draft. The team has struggled to capitalize on first-round picks, with only one successful selection in the past five years. This has led to increased pressure to bolster their roster through other means. Notably, the Steelers have invested heavily in their offensive line, which has yielded some positive results this season.
Despite these efforts, the Steelers' playoff aspirations have been thwarted by inconsistent quarterback play and an offense that struggles to complement their strong defense. Quarterback Kenny Pickett was traded after just two years, underscoring the team's ongoing search for stability at the position. The defense, however, remains a bright spot, with investments in players like cornerback Joey Porter Jr. and center Zach Frazier showing promise.
The Steelers' struggles extend beyond player performance on the field. The team has not hosted a home playoff game since the 2017 postseason and has developed a reputation for blowing leads in December and January. This inconsistency has frustrated fans who expect more from a franchise with such a rich legacy.
Head coach Mike Tomlin, who was considered a realistic candidate for Coach of the Year in 2023, faces mounting pressure to reverse these trends. While the Steelers have made strides in improving their special teams unit, including the return of Justin Strnad to the defense in 2024, the overall inconsistency of the team remains a concern.
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