The Pittsburgh Steelers were dealt a brutal blow when safety Damontae Kazee was suspended for three games following a supposed illegal hit during their 2023 Week 15 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Kazee's punishment put Pittsburgh into a shorthanded situation, especially with Minkah Fitzpatrick going down with an injury in the first half of the same Colts game. After the Steelers found themselves as one of the 2023 playoff teams, more good news followed as Kazee rejoined his teammates.
Steelers' Kazee Brings A Much Needed Stability
During the three weeks where the Steelers didn't have Kazee at their disposal, they put together a patchwork secondary that managed to do the job and held the fort. That doesn't mean the situation was ideal in any way. Just because the Steelers won their final three games of the 2023 season, doesn't mean they wouldn't rather have had their usual safeties available.
It isn't just a punishment based on his play; the NFL took a shot at Kazee's character by essentially labeling him a dirty player. On Monday, following Kazee's return to the franchise facility, it was apparent how overjoyed he was at being back around the other players on Pittsburgh's roster. With Patrick Peterson and Eric Rowe handing in notable efforts in Kazee's absence, there was the question about where the safety will be playing for Pittsburgh's playoff game against the Buffalo Bills.
"It felt good. I got my job back, so it's good to see everybody back here... Wherever they put me at, that's where I'm playing. You know, I don't care if I'm on special teams, you know? I'm gonna be around that ball, regardless!"
That is exactly the kind of attitude you want from a key player returning from suspension. Kazee could have come back with the expectation that his job would just be waiting there for him, but instead, there is a true sense of team in his words. The Steelers have the week to determine which mix will work best against the potentially dangerous Buffalo offense, led by Josh Allen. Wherever Kazee plays, there is one thing that Steelers' fans know for sure: he is going to bring everything he has.
Steelers Preparing For Another Cold Weather Game
It was a rollercoaster of a Week 18 for the 2023 Steelers. After a bruising, wet, and cold AFC North battle, Pittsburgh handed the Baltimore Ravens a 17-10 defeat to give themselves a chance at making it into the postseason. Thanks to a dreadful series of three losses to some truly bad football teams, the Steelers had to rely on other teams to help them out.
The Tennessee Titans answered the call and defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars in a major upset, both eliminating the Jaguars and giving the Steelers one of the final Wild Card spots. Pittsburgh's Week 18 game in Baltimore had dreadful weather that made any form of air attack practically impossible. Ahead of Sunday's playoff game, the Steelers could be right back in bad weather yet again.
Media outlets in New York are looking at a Wild Card game that won't just be cold; there will most likely be snow. On Monday, the weather called for highs of 23 degrees, with snow showers on Sunday, which would mean another game with handcuffs on any high-flying passing game. After Najee Harris bowled the Ravens over with his 112 yards and a touchdown during Pittsburgh's Week 18 victory, the prospect of another cold, wet game might not be the worst thing.
Four weeks ago, entering Week 16, few people believed that the 2023 Steelers would be able to scrape back any sense of pride in their season. Kenny Pickett was injured, Mitch Trubisky proved yet again why he wasn't the franchise quarterback for the Chicago Bears, and there was little hope. Thanks to the most unexpected resurgence behind Mason Rudolph, Pittsburgh earned their Wild Card slot and are fully prepared to defend it.
The 2023 Steelers might not be a Super Bowl team, and they might not make a deep postseason run, but they have already succeeded far more than many believed they were capable of doing. Mike Tomlin showed why doubters were foolish and somehow, despite a slew of challenges that would have brought lesser coaches to their knees, navigated the franchise back to the playoffs. Pittsburgh is living on borrowed time right now, so they are simply enjoying the time while it's here. If that includes a few playoff wins, then all the better!
Are you excited to get Kazee back on the field for a possible postseason run?
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