Are the Steelers Super Bowl Worthy?

The Pittsburgh Steelers seemingly have all the necessary components to be in the Super Bowl this year, with many fans speculating that the team is a strong contender. They are set to face off against the Bengals tomorrow afternoon, an opportunity to improve their already impressive record, which currently sits at 8-3. Throughout the past 12 weeks, the Steel City team has proven its ability to adapt to different conditions and opponents and currently sits at the number one spot in the AFC North Division. The combination of head coach Mike Tomlin’s strategy and the determination of key players have kept the Steelers incredibly competitive throughout the season and are the primary reasons why the Steelers have a shot at Super Bowl LIX. 

Tomlin, who has been the head coach of the Steelers since 2007, is proof that experience comes with time. His fondness for taking risks has been a constant theme throughout this season, and most of them have paid off. Aside from taking on veteran Russell Wilson, who had previously been benched by the Broncos, the Steelers recently traded for Preston Smith and Mike Williams, both of whom are considered older for the game of football. All three of these players have been pivotal since joining the team and have exhibited their talent on the field, tapping into their experience to assist in creating key plays. Tomlin has also been known to instill the Steelers’ legacy of grit and perseverance into his players, preparing them for the long road ahead to the Super Bowl. 

Though a solid coaching strategy is necessary for a team to be successful, it is largely the players’ responsibility to put up strong performances to move on to the Super Bowl. The Pittsburgh Steelers certainly have a few players who fulfill this responsibility each week, with two being George Pickens and T.J. Watt. Pickens, a wide receiver, currently averages just under 15 yards per run and has racked up 52 receptions this season. He was able to click instantly with Wilson, and the two have been an integral part of the Steelers’ offensive plays and victories. Watt, in his eighth season with the Steelers, has greatly contributed to the strength of the defense in recent weeks, accumulating 40 tackles and seven sacks this season. The linebacker has continually stopped aggressive opponents and is one of the most reliable members of the Steel City defense, and has proven himself to be Super Bowl material since Week One.