Pittsburgh Steelers Clinch a Playoff Spot for the Fourth Time in Five Years
Despite losing to the Philadelphia Eagles today, the Pittsburgh Steelers have clinched a spot in the NFL Playoffs. With both the Miami Dolphins and the Indianapolis Colts also losing today, the Steelers were able to clinch. With a record of 10-4, the Steelers currently sit on top of the AFC North and have clinched a spot in the playoffs for the fourth time in five years. The Steelers' next step will be to clinch the AFC North.
The Steelers were not expected to be in this position from the preseason. The major question surrounding the team was the offense. The Steelers got two new quarterbacks in the offseason, Justin Fields and Russell Wilson. Wilson began the season with an injury and Fields started the first five games of the season winning three and losing two.
Since Wilson took over, the Steelers are seven and two with the two losses coming against the Browns and the Eagles. Wilson has thrown 13 touchdowns over those nine games and the offense has not been a problem for Mike Tomlin and the Steelers. One of his favorite targets is George Pickens who has three touchdowns and 55 receptions on the season. Pickens has missed the past two games due to a hamstring injury however hopes to be back next week against the Ravens.
A strong point for the Steelers so far this season is special teams. Chris Boswell has been sensational for the Steelers this season, making 36 of 39 field goals. Not only has the kicking been great for the Steelers but they have been blocking field goals, and punts, forcing muffs on kickoffs and punts, and returning the ball well. Calvin Austin III is the punt returner and has returned one punt for a touchdown.
The Steelers join the Chiefs, Bills, and Texans from the AFC as well as the Lions and Eagles from the NFC as the only teams who have clinched a spot. With eight total playoff spots open, the Steelers are in a great position to make a memorable season. The Steelers take on the Ravens who handled business against the Giants today and are currently only one game behind the Steelers. Then just a few days after that, the Steelers take on the Chiefs on Christmas Day.
