The Pittsburgh Steelers are entering the postseason under significant pressure to break their playoff drought, which has lasted since 2016. Head coach Mike Tomlin, facing criticism for the team’s recent playoff struggles, emphasized that the burden of past failures is his to bear, not that of the current roster. This mindset is crucial as the team gears up to face the Baltimore Ravens as underdogs.
Tomlin’s decision to turn to veteran quarterback Russell Wilson, a former Super Bowl champion, adds another layer of complexity. Wilson, whose career took a downturn before joining the Steelers, initially showed signs of a resurgence but struggled as the team ended the regular season on a four-game losing streak. For Wilson, this playoff run is particularly critical as he approaches free agency and seeks a final contract before retirement.
Despite the challenges, there is optimism about Wilson’s future in Pittsburgh. According to Spotrac, editor Mike Ginnitti predicts that the Steelers will offer Wilson a three-year, $100 million contract this offseason. Ginnitti argues that while Wilson may not be the dominant force he once was, his fit within the Steelers’ system makes him a viable short-term solution for the team.
Both Tomlin and Wilson have much at stake in this playoff run. Tomlin’s legacy as one of the NFL’s most consistent coaches could be further solidified with a postseason victory, while Wilson aims to secure his future and prove he still has the capability to lead a team to success.
