PITTSBURGH (AP)— Despite being written out in mid-December, the Pittsburgh Steelers are making their way back to the playoffs.
Pittsburgh secured a wild-card slot Sunday when Tennessee defeated Jacksonville, giving the Steelers (10-7) a postseason berth that appeared doubtful after a three-game slide that included losses to Arizona and New England.
After being blown out by Indianapolis on December 16, coach Mike Tomlin turned to third-string quarterback Mason Rudolph, who helped Pittsburgh win three straight games against Cincinnati, Seattle, and AFC North champion Baltimore on Saturday.
The Steelers will be either the sixth or seventh seed in the AFC, depending on the outcome of Buffalo’s Sunday night game against Miami. A Dolphins victory wouldsend Pittsburgh to Kansas City next weekend, while a Bills victory would bring the Steelers to Buffalo. If Miami and Buffalo are tied, the Dolphins will host the Steelers.
Pittsburgh has not won a playoff game since defeating Kansas City in the divisional round of the 2016 season. The Steelers have lost their last four playoff games decisively: New England in the 2016 AFC Championship, Jacksonville in the division round in 2017, Cleveland in the first round in 2020, and Kansas City in the first round in 2021.
Pittsburgh will have to go ahead without its great outside linebacker, T.J. Watt. The perennial All-Pro and Defensive Player of the Year candidate left the triumph over Baltimore with a knee injury that is anticipated to keep him out indefinitely.
J.J. Watt, T.J.’s retired brother, posted on social media that the Steelers’ premier pass-rusher had a Grade 2 MCL injury and will require a “couple weeks of rest/recovery.”
The Steelers have had a wild season, starting 6-3 despite being outgained in every game. They then lost four of five games, including a loss to Cleveland on November 19, which resulted in the resignation of offensive coordinator Matt Canada two days later.
