The Penguins have missed the playoffs the past two seasons, The Pirates continue to struggle and the Steelers haven’t won a playoff game in seven years.
If you’re a Pittsburgh sports fan, there hasn’t been much to cheer about over the past several years, but with the Steelers off to a 3-0 start, things are looking up.
The Steelers did go 11-0 to start the 2020 season, but even when they were winning, it didn’t feel like this team could be a real threat in the playoffs and, that was proven during a blowout loss to the Browns at home.
But now, the defense looks like they’re going to be the best the team has had in almost 15 years and the offense continues to improve with new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith and young quarterback Justin Fields.
While it looks like the Steelers could, once again, be crowned the kings of the AFC North, it’s still way too early with too many variables before Steelers Nation starts celebrating.
We aren’t trying to be downers, but we’re just looking at what could happen before we get too excited.
It’s early:
The Steelers are undefeated but it’s only been three game. Pittsburgh still has a brutal second-half schedule against teams like the Chiefs and Eagles.
Not to mention, the Steelers don’t play a divisional opponent until November 17 when they host the Ravens.
Division opponents:
The other teams in the AFC North may not be what the powerhouse it was expected to be with the Ravens and Browns 1-2 and the Bengals now 0-3, but no matter what the records are when the Steelers play a division rival, its usually a tight game.
The Steelers play the Ravens on November 17 then are at Cleveland, at Cincinnati and then host the Browns over four straight weeks. They then play in Philadelphia before heading to Baltimore. They host Kansas City and then finished the season at home against the Bengals.
Take the Bengals for example. They’re 0-3 now, but the Steelers don’t play the Joe Burrow Bengals until December 1. They could be a completely different team by then.
Injuries:
Injuries can derail any time. Just look at the Steelers schedule without T.J. Watt, 1-10.
Hopefully Watt and the rest of the defense stay healthy through the season, but they’re already dealing with injuries to OL Troy Fautanu, OLB Alex Highsmith with a groin injury and running backs Jaylen Warren and Najee Harris are reportedly dealing with something.
Hopefully, no other serious injuries affect the Steelers, but they are part of the game.
Offense still unproven:
The Steelers offense looked impressive on Sunday against the Chargers, highlighted by a 55-yard touchdown from Calvin Austin III and a strong running game.
But over three games the Steelers have only scored three touchdowns.
The trend developing trend in the NFL this season appears to be low-scoring games, but the Steelers offense will need to be more dynamic if they ultimately want to win a playoff game against Buffalo or Kansas City.
While those are some things that can go wrong, it could continue to trend up for the Steelers.
I guess that is what makes the NFL the most popular sport in America, you never know how things are going to play out.