Fans are well aware of this, but the Pittsburgh Steelers haven’t won a playoff game since 2016. That’s a smear on Mike Tomlin’s record, and he wants to change that this season. The Steelers went a little outside of their comfort zone to make some serious improvements during the offseason. People questioned how effective Russell Wilson would be for them, but through two games, it looks like he’s got some gas left in the tank. Former NFL safety Devin McCourty believes his presence makes the Steelers different this year.
“This is not the normal Pittsburgh team where they float around .500, a game above .500, and they’re gonna get to the playoffs and lose,” McCourty said Wednesday on Pro Football Talk. “We saw that the last few years.
“This team, being there in Pittsburgh, it felt like this is a playoff-style team that can go and win, either at home or on the road in the playoffs. That style of football travels anywhere. They could definitely be a dangerous team in the postseason.”
McCourty attended the Steelers’ Week 8 game against the New York Giants. He got a personal view of the way they want to play in their 26-18 win. Things weren’t perfect against the Giants, but the Steelers’ style was on full display. They want to run the ball, play incredible defense, and complete some big passes when they need to.
Also, McCourty played for the New England Patriots from 2010-2022, and he won a ton of playoff games. He knows exactly what a winning formula in the postseason looks like. The Steelers don’t have Tom Brady, but they do have Wilson, and he’s a major upgrade over what they have had at quarterback in recent seasons.
Outside of 2020, the Steelers have basically been what McCourty described over the last few seasons. They hover around nine or 10 wins, maybe sneaking into the playoffs but never posing a real threat. It’s been impressive because of how terrible their offense has been, but their standard should be higher.
This year, it looks like they might have at least an average offense. Matt Canada, along with Mitch Trubisky, Kenny Pickett, and Mason Rudolph, were holding the Steelers back. Wilson and OC Arthur Smith look like the exact opposite.
Wilson has only played two games, but he has elevated the Steelers’ offense. Smith’s scheme and play calling have looked great, whether it’s been Wilson or Justin Fields under center. With their defense still looking elite, and their run game rolling, maybe this will finally be the year the Steelers are more than just a scrappy underdog.
