The Pittsburgh Steelers successfully clinched a playoff berth with a 28–12 victory over the Cleveland Browns in its regular season finale on Sunday. Thanks to a little help, with Rex Ryan and the Buffalo Bills defeating Ryan's old team the New York Jets, the Steelers now claim the second wild card spot and sixth seed in the AFC playoff picture. There are several reasons to be excited as the Pittsburgh Steelers look to defeat division rival Cincinnati Bengals a one-and-done team in the post-season, but also several reasons to remain cautious.
Despite the significance and legitimacy of the struggles and miscues seen in the last two games, the Steelers are still the team that no one should want to come across in a playoff setting. The explosive, high-octane offense that defined the team this season can flip the switch at any time and dominate games if it keeps the mistakes and turnovers to a minimum. Team leader in receptions and receiving yards Antonio Brown continues to prove that he is simply the finest, most consistent, and most talented wide receiver in the league, while his supporting cast of Markus Wheaton, Martavis Bryant, and Darrius Heyward-Bey boast enough speed and athleticism to create their own play-making, game-changing opportunities.
The tight-end position remains solid with fan favorite Heath Miller continuing to produce as one of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger's most trusted and reliable options as back-ups Matt Spaeth and Jesse James shared a handful of moments in the spotlight themselves throughout the season. The running game is left in a more precarious position heading into the post-season however, as starter DeAngelo Williams' status is uncertain following an ankle injury in Sunday's game against the Browns. Throughout the season, Williams has played and produced marvelously for the Steelers after replacing Pro Bowl running back Le'Veon Bell in the starting role following the young star's season-ending MCL injury in Week 8. Without Williams, the current depth at the position could pose a problem against the Bengals next week with next man up Fitzgerald Toussaint unproven at best. Despite this predicament, the prolific scoring capacity of this offense in its passing game should compensate for any slack in the running game.
In regards to defense, things have improved significantly since last and previous seasons but are by no means perfect. The Steelers finished the season ranked 30th in passing defense and 5th in rushing, which should come as no surprise to anyone who has watched any of the team's game this season. Most notoriously the secondary continues to have its problems, but when the stars align this unit is capable of playing at a championship level, particularly when it comes to red zone defense and forcing turnovers. Namely, egregious tackling errors and miscues should be a major concern heading into the post-season as the Steelers have allowed over 120 yards-after-catch per game throughout the season. Takeaways, however, have been an atypical positive, with the defense boasting 15 interceptions and 11 fumbles on the season as its big play and game changer potential has slowly but surely been realized. If the Steelers want to continue their winning ways, the emphasis must be on the improvement of the secondary and addressing the unacceptable volume and consistency of open-field tackling.
As long as the offense can limit mistakes and stay out of its own way, the Pittsburgh Steelers will light up the scoreboard like we have seen all season long. The deciding factor in the Steelers' Super Bowl bid this season will be the capability of its defense to tighten up, make necessary tackles in open field, and continue to disrupt the pocket and force turnovers. Head coach Mike Tomlin will continue to take calculated risks and push the envelope when it comes to what this offense is capable of, and it is this attitude and confidence that will take the Steelers to their ninth Super Bowl appearance.
