Here are five key takeaways from the Pittsburgh Steelers’ thrilling 26-24 victory over the Baltimore Ravens that secured their playoff spot:
1. **Hello, Houston**
With the AFC North title in hand, the Steelers will face the Houston Texans. Houston comes in hot, riding a nine-game winning streak. They’ve been tough on defense, allowing only about 19.3 points per game and just 286 yards. Impressively, they rank first in the NFL for fewest yards allowed and second in points. This season, they’ve become only the second team since 2021 to restrict opponents to under 200 passing and 100 rushing yards per game.
The Steelers’ offense, however, finished the season lower in the ranks, placing 25th for total yards gained and 15th for points scored.
2. **A New Era**
The Texans have turned things around since bringing in head coach DeMeco Ryans and quarterback C.J. Stroud in 2023. Under their leadership, Houston has gone from a struggling team to playoff contenders, marking a significant turnaround. Ryans and Stroud have joined an elite group in NFL history as the fourth head coach/quarterback duo to reach the playoffs in their first three seasons together. This feat speaks volumes about their impact on the team.
3. **Winning Mindset**
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin often talks about “hats and T-shirts” games, referring to moments where a division title is on the line. After Sunday’s win, the team celebrated with shirts that read, “Been there, won that.” Despite losing two previous title- clinching games this season, Tomlin has a solid record in such high-stakes matchups at Acrisure Stadium, improving his chances against the Ravens. His success in late-season division games has made the Steelers a force in the AFC North.
4. **Third-Quarter Dominance**
Interestingly, the Steelers only excelled in one quarter during their victory against Baltimore— the third. They outscored the Ravens 10-0 in that quarter, showcasing a trend of dominating play after halftime. Over the past month, the Steelers have maintained a perfect 26-0 scoring advantage in third quarters against their opponents. During this stretch, their defensive performance has limited teams to minimal offensive gains. It shows a crucial shift in momentum that could prove vital in future games.
5. **Tomlin’s Milestone**
Amidst the excitement, Coach Tomlin reached a significant milestone by earning his 193rd regular-season win, tying him with the legendary Chuck Noll. While Noll’s coaching tenure came with different challenges, Tomlin’s winning percentage is currently higher than Noll’s. However, Tomlin still aims to improve in the playoff realm, as Noll boasts more playoff victories and Super Bowl titles. This remains a goal for Tomlin moving forward.
As the Steelers prepare for the Texans, the journey ahead holds plenty of challenges and opportunities for growth. How they perform will be closely watched, especially given the stakes of the playoffs. For more insights into the upcoming games, check out reports from trusted sources like ESPN and NFL.com.
