2 Reasons the Steelers Can Make Noise in the Playoffs

Now that the Steelers are in the playoffs, they hope to make some serious noise. But what are the reasons for optimism, especially with T.J. Watt likely on the sideline for, at the very least, next week against the Buffalo Bills? Regarding the three positives, you can point to these items as part of the team’s identity, but specifically, their brand of offense is different from the rest of the NFL right now.

Steelers Ball Control Offense

The Steelers’ offense is not good, but what it does well is ball control. They have a style of play that can drag other opposing offenses down for the simple reason they are not on the field. That gives the defense more juice and opportunities to make an impact. But the formula since Mason Rudolph entered the fold is exactly how you win this brand of football.

You run the ball at a high level and dominate the time of possession. By running the ball well, the red zone offense takes a slight bump up from putrid to at least middle of the pack. Mason Rudolph has not thrown interceptions, and while they had two turnovers in the slippery weather in Baltimore, he has done well to protect the football. Lastly, Rudolph’s arm arrogance and willingness to throw the ball down the field has given the Steelers a blueprint for explosive plays.

All in all, that’s how they win. They get an explosive play or two from the passing game to change the game, the running game floats them into the time of possession game, and they do not turn the football over. Despite a bad performance by an undermanned defense against the Seahawks, they largely won that game because the offense kept Geno Smith on the sidelines. Seattle’s defense opened the door for that, and other teams can not let that happen if they want a comfortable win.

Turnovers on Defense

The Steelers’ defense is one of the most opportunistic defenses in the NFL. It’s a direct reflection on their front, who, even when they do not get home, have pressured quarterbacks into poor decisions. Josh Allen, for example, can undoubtedly overcompensate with some aggressive plays under pressure, leading to turnovers. And while the Steelers’ secondary has a lot of issues with a patchwork inside linebacker group in front of it, they are ballhawks. Minkah Fitzpatrick’s return should also give them a direct boost for that game.

Without T.J. Watt, the defense’s job becomes much more complicated, but Markus Golden and Nick Herbig can make noise. The emergence of Keeanu Benton is looming in this one, too. Pittsburgh’s defense can bend but not break throughout the postseason and create splash plays when needed to give their offense great starting field position. Even if the offense is subpar, the fact that they take care of the ball and force turnovers is one of the easiest formulas to even the odds in football. The Steelers do that well.