The Steelers are not dead yet. In fact, they're in perfect position to turn their fortunes around.
Following their much-needed victory over the Broncos, the Steelers are now 2-3, saving their playoff chances. And their record should soar above .500 in the coming weeks. At least three of the next four games should be wins, beginning with Sunday night's contest against the Seahawks, who will be running out the ultimate jag Geno Smith at quarterback for the injured Russell Wilson.
So far, the Smith era hasn't gone well. Seattle dropped its Thursday night game to the Rams.
After that, the Steelers will embark on a postseason matchup with the Browns. While that should be a difficult game, Baker Mayfield is dealing with a partial tear in his left shoulder. The fourth-year passer lit it up against the Chargers Sunday; however, he struggled last week against the Vikings. T.J. Watt has the potential to make his life very comfortable.
Ditto for Justin Fields, who might wilt when he sees Watt, Cam Heyward and Devin Bush barreling towards him (provided Bush is healthy). The Steelers are playing the Bears in Week 9. Then after that, they have a date with the winless Lions.
As we've learned, football games are won on the field, and the Steelers are capable of losing to just about anybody — especially if Ben Roethlisberger regresses to throwing balls behind the line of scrimmage.
But the Steelers also showed us their winning formula Sunday: Roethlisberger manages the game, and Najee Harris wreaks havoc in the open field. It's a recipe that could propel them back to playoff contention, with some hapless opponents thrown in.
