Steelers’ playoff hopes rely on Russell Wilson’s leadership amidst key injuries
The Pittsburgh Steelers are preparing for one of the NFL season’s most difficult stretches in 2024. Given their impressive 10-3 record, it’s safe to assume that the Steelers have their sights set on the AFC North title and can clinch a playoff berth with a win on Sunday. However, as they get ready to play the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 15, things won’t be that simple.
The Steelers are depending on quarterback Russell Wilson’s performance and leadership because of some recent injuries, and the stakes are bigger than ever. If you thought the cost and experience of attending Minnesota Vikings games wasn’t something to miss, the Steelers’ upcoming schedule is anything short of those expectations around the league.
The Importance of Week 15
The Steelers go head-to-head with the Philadelphia Eagles this Sunday as the first of three games during an eleven-day stretch that ends on Christmas Day against the Kansas City Chiefs. Philadelphia is a formidable opponent, having won nine straight games on their way to an 11-2 record. The Eagles already clinched their playoff berth last weekend too. If the Steelers want to prove that they are a legitimate contender for the title, they need to bring their A-game in FOX’s America’s Game of the Week.
This game could set the tone for the upcoming battles against the Ravens and Chiefs, which are also being played on short weeks. A win would go a long way in securing the AFC North over division rival Baltimore, but it’s imperative that the Steelers not only come out of this weekend’s game healthy, but also with momentum.
Injuries
With a setback to star wide receiver George Pickens, all eyes are now set on the heart of Pittsburgh’s offense, Russel Wilson. Wilson is still proving his doubters wrong that the 35-year-old veteran quarterback is far from washed up and has plenty of steam left in his engine.
Pickens, who had a great season so far, suffered a hamstring injury late last week which caused him to be a game-time scratch against the Cleveland Browns. On Tuesday, head coach Mike Tomlin informed reporters that Pickens’ injury was more severe than first thought based on an MRI, supporting a report by Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that he had a grade two hamstring strain that might keep him out of action for a few weeks.
The Steelers are also monitoring the progress of defensive starters DeShon Elliott and Larry Ogunjobi, each of whom are also ailing from ligament injuries and have not practiced this week. Their participation on Sunday is also doubtful at this time.
Adjusting the Game Plan
With these injuries creating a setback for the Steelers, they will have to adjust with each game. We saw the initial adjustments without George Pickens last week against the Browns, as Wilson spread the ball around to veteran receiver Mike Williams and also utilized tight end Pat Freiermuth more in the passing game.
Williams is an intriguing “next man up” as the he was brought in at the trade deadline in order to provide a “WR2” next to Pickens: and also as an insurance policy should Pittsburgh face a scenario where Pickens would be unavailable.
The time is now for Williams, who caught three passes for 36 yards in last week’s win against Cleveland. Calvin Austin, who was limited to a single catch for four yards last week, will need to step up as well. Coincidentally, Austin has one more touchdown catch (4) than Pickens on the season (3) while Freiermuth leads all pass catchers with five.
The Mental Aspect
The team is under a lot of pressure to make up for the absent teammates, especially in an important game, like against the Eagles.
Wilson has done well with the hand he’s been dealt since returning as the Steelers starting quarterback, typically distributing the football to as many as nine or ten receivers throughout the game. Mentally, all players will need to be ready for their number to be called through the next few weeks.
‘We made the prudent decision in terms of shutting him down and not allowing a small problem to become a bigger one postgame,” Tomlin said, according to Steelers.com.
Russel Wilson will be under significant pressure to see if he can hold down the team, and lead them to a victory against Eagles.
Looking Ahead
The outcome of the upcoming game against the Eagles could have a significant impact on the Steelers and their postseason positioning. If they win, they are one step closer to the division title and a home playoff game. They also get to run neck-and-neck with the equally 10-3 Buffalo Bills, as both chase the Chiefs for the AFC’s top seed and a first round bye.
However, if the Steelers lose, they risk allowing the Baltimore Ravens a chance to get closer to closing the gap in the North, with a pivotal rematch looming next week that could give the Ravens a chance to tie the Steelers record.
Regardless of the outcome, the Steelers are prepared to give their all while their adversity and adaptability get tested.
“As we always do, we won’t waste a lot of time focusing our energies on those not available to us. We’ll appropriately focus our energies on those that are and how we divide that labor up and how we can best position them to perform and play winning football individually and collectively.” said coach Tomlin.
The only thing left to do now is sit tight and wait for the Sunday’s game where we will be able to see how the Steelers manage without some key players.
