Steelers' Playoffs Start Now, But Does It Even Matter?

The Steelers Are Down, But Not Out...Yet

The Pittsburgh Steelers are in a full blown tail spin, and for some reason can't straighten the aircraft.  Think about the scene from Top Gun when Maverick and Goose go down...thats what the Steelers are experiencing now.  After the Steelers' 27-24 Overtime loss to the Dallas Cowboys, Pittsburgh has dropped 4 of their last 5 games, and have dropped back-to-back games for the 2nd time this season.  Before this stretch, the Steelers hadn't dropped 2 games in a row since the dreadful 2009 season.  All of these shocking statistics can't explain this roller coaster season the Black n' Gold have been on after 14 games.

Think back to the horrendous start of the season.  Eventually 2-3 before rattling off 4 straight wins that was capped off by a HUGE win in the Meadowlands over the NY Giants.  Then the season took a turn like it was the Steel Phantom at Kennywood Park.  It was the OT win against the Chiefs where Ben Roethlisberger went down, followed by the 8 turnover disaster in Cleveland.  We all know what happens from there, but it isn't good.  The Steelers have been consistent at one thing...being inconsistent.  The offense will look solid for a quarter, and the defense will show flashes of dominance, but nothing that has been reliable this entire football season.  The roller coaster gets really rocky when it comes to turnovers.  The Steelers have been below the -10 turnover ratio for the last 4 weeks and its something that is absolutely killing this football team.  Ben Roethlisberger's INT in OT vs the Cowboys was big...it meant the game, but to me it was the Antonio Brown fumble that was the difference maker.  At that point in the game the Steelers had a 7 point lead, were about to start a drive that could have sealed a victory, but instead gave the Cowboys the ball within Steelers territory.  That turnover lead to the tying TD, and as they say "The rest is history." 

This 2012 Steelers team is still able to get into the playoffs.  If they can win their final two games (vs Cincinnati and vs Cleveland) they will be in the playoffs.  They still control their own destiny, and not relying on any "help" from other teams is what you want when you have playoff aspirations.  However, even with these next two games at home, does anyone think this team is a playoff contender??  Trust me, I have been the eternal optimist when it comes to the Steelers.  I pick them EVERY WEEK regardless of a possible gut feeling telling me otherwise.  I always see them as a "glass half full" team, but the past 5 games have me in the same tail spin that the team is in.  Sure, they could surprise everyone and win out and make the postseason.  However, barring a miracle, if they get in they won't be playing at games at Heinz Field, but on the road.  Right now, the teams they could play would either be Baltimore or Denver.  Those top 3 spots could certainly juggle around, but can the Steelers go into New England, Denver, or Houston and win?  There was a time when I'd say yes, but I'm not so sure anymore.  The offense isn't "clicking" and the defense is banged up beyond belief. 

The loss to the Cowboys stings, and it will sting for the next day or two until SteelerNation turns their attention to the MUST WIN game against the Bengals at Heinz Field on Sunday.  As bad as it is, the Steelers aren't out of it...but the playoffs start now...not in 3 weeks.