Can the Steelers finally end their playoff win drought?

Hot off the heels of the Steelers practicing in pads in training camp, the idea is starting to emerge that this year’s team could be a strong contender. The Pittsburgh Steelers are traditionally recognized as one of the most iconic franchises in the history of the NFL.

Even with their distinguished history, however, the team has not secured a playoff victory since the 2016 season. Fans are becoming increasingly frustrated as a burning question persists this preseason: will the Steelers finally end the losing streak?

What’s been holding them back?

The Steelers performance has been subpar in the playoffs due to a number of reasons. They have been battered by injuries, inconsistency in the play of their quarterbacks, and a lack of offensive spark. The defense has always ensured that they stay competitive throughout the year, but often the offense has not performed in high-pressure games.

Pittsburgh has also had poor postseason matchups. In the past, the Steelers were known for being the aggressor but have found themselves up against top flight competition who were considered odds-on Super Bowl favorites such as the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and Baltimore Ravens.

Football is an unpredictable game — similar to daman colour prediction games, where a combination of observation and timing are key components to becoming successful. Unfortunately for the Steelers, their lack of playmaking has been predictable in these matchups.

What’s different this season?

This isn’t your father’s Pittsburgh Steelers. Once content and patient to build rosters through the NFL Draft, General Manager Omar Khan’s offseason message was clear: a rebuild was necessary.

From the top, Khan pursued former four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers to stabilize the quarterback position. He also went out and made aggressive trades to acquire WR D.K. Metcalf, TE Jonnu Smith and CB Jalen Ramsey. Khan also signed Darius Slay and extended T.J. Watt’s deal to make him the highest paid non-quarterback in NFL history.

Along with draft picks from the last two seasons, the Steelers look almost unrecognizable from the teams that failed to win a postseason game, save for a few familiar faces such as Watt and Cameron Heyward. The hope is this is one of the most complete teams the Steelers have fielded in years.

What needs to click?

Mike Tomlin is one of the most respected coaches in the league, and has never had a losing season. He is the best motivator in times of change, and no one can roll this ship in the right direction better than him.

That said, Tomlin’s hands will be full with a slew of new additions being added to the Steelers culture. Over half of the team’s starters on both sides of the ball have left from last season, so Tomlin will need to instill his “Standard” with the new faces.

Should Rodgers still have some magic left in him, the team could rise to new heights that will help them remain competitive, not only within their division, but against those conference opponents that stand in the way of not only winning a championship, but taking the necessary first step: winning a playoff game.

A new era or more of the same?

That’s the million dollar question. However, after seeing the early practices out of Saint Vincent’s College, it would appear the Steelers have regained their spark. Rodgers is zipping the ball around the field, finding Metcalf and Smith with dazzling throws. Jaylen Warren and Kaleb Johnson are making exciting plays out of the backfield as well.

The league’s highest-paid defense also looks stellar. Every level of the “D” looks tremendous, with rookie Derrick Harmon already looking his part alongside Heyward and Keeanu Benton. The linebacking group is deep, and the secondary, now with the additions of Slay and Ramsey joining Joey Porter Jr., could be one of the best units in the league.

Should the Steelers stay healthy, the have a chance to stun the league – and finally end their playoff winning drought.