The Pittsburgh Steelers are paying the tax of losing four straight games by having to go on the road in the first round of the playoffs to face off against the Baltimore Ravens. Just a month or so ago, the Steelers had a stranglehold on the AFC North, but all of that changed when the Steelers lost four straight. Mike Tomlin said it wasn’t time to get dramatic after the loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, but boy was he wrong. The good news is that every team gets a fresh start in the playoffs, as it's a new season.
Steelers star pass rusher TJ Watt has been playing through some injuries and hasn’t made the impact he typically makes, but he's still been a game changer. Even without his usual dominance, Watt’s presence on the field has been undeniable. His ability to change the course of a game remains one of the most dangerous aspects of the Steelers’ defense.
Watt spoke with the media ahead of the playoff game against the Ravens to detail his mindset. His words should fire up Steelers fans, as his confidence and calmness about the situation are exactly what the team needs. While the road to the playoffs has been rocky, Watt’s unwavering belief in his team could be the spark they need to reclaim control and make a deep run.
"We have had a h*** of a good year until these last couple of weeks," Watt said. "Honestly, we know that we have the talent. We have the coaching staff, we have the scheme. We have everything that a good football team requires to make a playoff push."
The Steelers have had an impressive 2024 season, but it’s been overshadowed by a tough four-game losing streak. If the schedule had unfolded differently, and the Steelers had clinched their playoff spot with a 10-7 record without that slump, the vibes would undoubtedly be much more positive.
Unfortunately, that’s not the reality they’re facing. Watt understands this, but he remains confident that his team can get back on track for the most important part of the season.
"It’s just a matter of playing good football collectively and we haven’t been doing that lately, but it doesn’t mean that we can’t get it back," Watt said. "It’s much easier to get something back than it is to build it from the start. We have had a great week, but I feel like I have said that a lot this year."
If the Steelers have any chance of slowing down Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry, they’ll need a huge performance from Watt and the defense. In their 34-17 loss to the Ravens earlier this season, the Steelers were in the game but two costly turnovers by Russell Wilson ultimately sealed their fate.
Steelers Have Confidence Despite Four-Game Losing Streak
The team got back to work this Tuesday with a spirited practice, a mosh pit designed to lift everyone’s energy. Pittsburgh is a strong football team, but the last four games have left doubts in the air. Despite being 10-point underdogs, this game is going to be much closer than that line suggests. If the Steelers can contain Jackson, Henry, and the Ravens' tight ends, they have a real shot at pulling off a major upset.
It’s exciting for Steeler Nation to hear from Watt with such poise and confidence. This team knows how to get the job done but hasn’t been able to put it all together. While many have pointed fingers at the coaching staff, Watt remains very confident in their leadership and schemes. It’s going to be a wild game, and Steelers fans are desperate for playoff success.
