Looking back on the 2024 regular season, the Pittsburgh Steelers fell from being the likely #3 seed in the AFC playoff picture and securing the AFC North to the #6 seed in just four weeks. Following four straight losses, Steeler Nation is frustrated. There is no doubt in my mind that the players and coaching staff also have to be frustrated.

Over the past four weeks, the defense has not been playing up to the black and gold standard. Several long drives have been sustained by opponents to close out games in which the Steelers defense could not get off of the field. Communication issues have been a problem, and big plays have been given up. Offensively, Pittsburgh continues to get off to slow starts. The running game has not been nearly as effective, and Russell Wilson is seeing a lot of pressures. George Pickens has been injured, and while he is in the lineup, his effort and attitude have certainly been called into question at times. Where does this leave the team in terms of their Super Bowl hopes?

In my opinion, there is a very slim chance at this point for Pittsburgh to make a playoff run. They are not playing good football right now, and they have no momentum heading into the postseason. With that being said, any given Sunday, right? There are some things that I feel need to happen for a win in Baltimore for the Steelers this week.

Offensively, Pittsburgh needs to get off to faster starts. Perhaps this happens during the first drive with some play calls that are varied from their normal script to try and catch Baltimore’s defense off guard. Instead of handing the ball off on first and second down, maybe it is as simple as mixing in play action or getting the running backs involved on swing routes or screens instead. Could this partly be a mental block on the part of the players over the past few weeks? I think it could absolutely be possible. Mental toughness will come into play this weekend on both sides of the ball for Pittsburgh. In an ideal world, I would love to see the running game be more effective, opening up more opportunities in the passing game.

Defensively, communication needs to be key to help avoid giving up the big play frequently. Getting off of the field on crucial third downs, especially late in the game, is priceless and must happen if the Steelers are to have a chance against a potent Ravens offense. In an ideal world, the Steelers would sustain their offensive drives longer to keep their defense from tiring in the 4th quarter.

I must admit that my hopes for a win this weekend are bleak. Fast offensive starts, better communication on defense, and defending third down efficiently will be key for those bleak hopes to be realized. On a positive note, Steelers fans have at least one more game to watch this season. Here’s to another weekend of Steelers football.