For a team that boasts six Super Bowl wins in eight appearances and countless Hall of Fame players, going to the playoffs is no longer a sign of success. Pittsburgh Steelers fans find it unacceptable (as they should) that they have zero to show for being playoff contenders year in and year out.
The dangerous teams go into the postseason with momentum. The Steelers were laughable after losing four straight to end the regular season, and no opponents viewed them as a threat.
For a franchise built on a tradition of excellence, making the playoffs without advancing isn’t enough. As NBC Sports’ Dan Patrick said on his Monday show, “It’s just not good enough in Pittsburgh where you’re making the playoffs.” Steelers Nation knows this better than anyone.
The issue isn’t just making it to the postseason—it’s how you arrive there. Momentum is key, and the Steelers, who stumbled into the playoffs after four straight regular-season losses, lack the intimidation factor needed to succeed. Opponents no longer fear Pittsburgh, and that’s a problem for a team with a championship pedigree.
To regain their edge, the Steelers need impactful strategic and personnel changes. Whether through revitalized coaching strategies, aggressive talent acquisition, or a complete overhaul in philosophy, the goal has to be to win big games when it matters most–something Mike Tomlin‘s teams are known for botching.
For Steelers Nation, postseason participation without hardware isn’t just disappointing—it’s unacceptable.
