The playoff entry may not have been how the Pittsburgh Steelers had envisaged in the preseason. And, of course, Tyler Loop’s foot may have played an important role in it, too. Nonetheless, the Steelers are back in the postseason mix for a third consecutive season, where they will hunt now for their first win in a decade.
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But then, the misfortune of the Baltimore Ravens’ kicker is just one factor, even though a decisive factor, in Pittsburgh’s 26-24 victory that led them to a 10-7 record for the season. The win earned them the first AFC North title since 2020 and the eighth of Mike Tomlin’s career.
Yes, we would be inclined to laud Tomlin and the system he created in Pittsburgh to be the major factor in how they edged out Baltimore in the high-stakes game. But, according to Colin Cowherd, the win is “not because of Tomlin” nor “the defense,” but rather the efforts of the 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers, who threw for 294 passing yards while maintaining a 65% completion percentage.
Even though he believes Rodgers can “drive people nuts” and is often “moody,” Fox Sports’ flagship personality had no choice but to admit that the former Green Bay Packer was “outstanding” on Sunday night. “He pulls it all together,” said Cowherd.
“He hasn’t thrown a pick since what, November? Second half of the season, with no D.K. Metcalf the last two weeks, 73% completion percentage, passer rating well over 100. PFF has the receiving corps at 29th. That was rated on the season with D.K. Metcalf… In the second half of that game, [he] he had his best half of the year,” he added.
Going as far as to suggest that Rodgers should be a lock for the Comeback Player of the Year award, Cowherd now seems to argue that the Steelers were always right to have entrusted their playoff hopes in his veteran hands. Even though this regular season could be his final one, he’s still got more than enough gas in the tank to will a desperate yet capable team toward a playoff win.
Of course, nothing is promised in the NFL playoffs, and even less is guaranteed when you’re forced to face off against a defense that’s as unforgiving as that of the Houston Texans. With a nine-game win streak and having only allowed the second-fewest points and the fourth-fewest rushing yards of any team in the league, the Texans are arguably the hottest team in the NFL right now.
It’ll now be solely up to Rodgers to make good on his preseason promise and deliver on the playoff hopes of a city waiting for it for years. Otherwise, the Steelers, as we know them, may very well collapse.
Rumors of a potential exit or even retirement are swirling around Tomlin, and with the same also being true for both Rodgers and several other key members of this franchise, it’s now or never for Pittsburgh. It’s just fitting that, for better or worse, their fate will get to be decided in front of their home crowd at Acrisure Stadium.
