The Pittsburgh Steelers are looking to break their three-game losing streak before the playoffs start. They need this win if they want any sort of momentum or confidence for the games that mean the most. If they fall against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 18, it’s safe to assume that the Steelers will have their sixth straight embarrassing playoff loss; this time, it will be against their hated division rivals in the Baltimore Ravens. If so, then this would be yet another failed season ending in a blown opportunity.
Quarterback Russell Wilson spoke with the media after a practice leading up to Saturday. He spoke about his mindset about the whole situation and how he would respond to this adversity.
Wilson would know a thing or two about the mindset of a champion, considering the fact that he won a Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks. He will need to help the rest of the team to think and act like a champion, considering the fact that it’s been a while since the Steelers have even looked like champions, let alone won a championship.
Steelers Have Plenty Of Negatives To Dwell On
After DeShon Elliott ripped the defense after the losing streak, he said that he should have kept it in-house. However, he then went from focusing on one negative to complaining about another. Even if he is right about the NFL screwing the Steelers over with this terrible schedule, now is not the time to rip them apart. Now is the time to get focused.
Positives For Steelers To Focus On
The Steelers have dealt with injuries all season long, but that may finally be coming to a close. Joey Porter Jr. is healing up and is expected to play in Week 18. On top of that, three players have been designated to return from their respective reserve lists. While they most likely won’t play in the season finale, they may become available for the playoffs.
If the Steelers win their game, but fail to clinch the division, they will get a favorable matchup in the Wild Card Round. The Houston Texans have seemingly not played up to their ability throughout most of the season. They have their own questions and concerns about how legitimate they are. If the Steelers have a chance against any playoff team, it’s Houston.
Even for Mike Tomlin‘s recent issues, one thing that he is great at is motivating his players. There are plenty of times when the sky seems to be falling, but he turns it around at the last second and makes something out of nothing. He will have to do that yet again if he wants to end the Steelers’ current losing streak, as well as their playoff losing streak.