Last Sunday, the Steelers defeated the Detroit Lions 29-24 in a game that the national media, sportsbooks, and even yinzers gave them no chance in. The victory was their third straight, and another of its kind could wrap up the AFC North title and a playoff berth as early as this Sunday against the Cleveland Browns.
The Steelers control their own playoff destiny, a destiny that appeared far out of reach nearly a month ago as “Fire Tomlin” chants rang across the North Shore of Pittsburgh. Those chants and the subsequent disapproval of the playing of the beloved “Renegade” have since been muted. Not silenced, but muted by the man the Steelers faithful still yearn to have replaced, Mike Tomlin.
The crowd was loud for him to be replaced, and he acknowledged that he “shared their frustration”. Tomlin, built of rubber, repels all criticism from impatient Pittsburghers, but perhaps he heard as the team looks reenergized and poised for a playoff push. Through the criticism, Tomlin and his staff have turned the momentum upwards towards the playoffs, and as they deserved their criticisms before, now they deserve their flowers.
Arthur Smith
Ever since the seven-point stinker in week 13 against the Bills, the Steelers’ offense has finally found its groove. They are riding a three-game win streak, averaging 28 points per game during the stretch while posting 84 points total—their highest scoring output over any three consecutive games this season.
The third-quarter scoring had been a problem, which has now been remedied. In their first 12 games, they scored a total of 34 points in Q3 (2.8 PPG), but during the 3-game win streak, they have managed 8.7 points per game in the 3rd.
The run game has been resurgent, averaging 133 yards per game on the ground during the win streak, also their highest three-game total of the season. New looks, such as increased snaps from under center and deploying an I-formation with Connor Heyward at fullback, have contributed to the revitalized run game.
Arthur Smith, once celebrated for simply not being Matt Canada, fell out of favor at the midpoint of the season but has since won back over Steelers nation with his offense in December.
Teryl Austin
It’s forever unclear how involved Teryl Austin is in the defense, but we know he’s involved enough for Steelers fans to call for his firing at times over the last several seasons.
Many believe the defense is Tomlin’s baby, and that may be true, but Austin wields heavy responsibility as the gameday play caller. The defense that had a chance to be “historic” has been anything but. Inconsistency has been the staple of the Steelers’ defense thus far in 2025.
Allowing chunk plays in the run game had been the only constant for this defense until weeks 15 and 16. The Dolphins and Lions, who are 4th and 5th in rushing yards per attempt, were shut down on the ground in back-to-back weeks. The Steelers’ rush defense has quietly only allowed 10 touchdowns, 3rd third-best in the NFL.
During the win streak, the Steelers’ defense has been dominant through three quarters, allowing only 3.2 points per quarter, and then comes the final frame. During the 4th quarter, they are allowing 10.6 points per quarter. Although they have compiled wins, closing out games has been a task for the team. The 4th quarter woes will have to get patched up to hold their own against the AFC’s best in the playoffs.
Pat Meyer
Perhaps the most surprising turnaround comes from the coach fans most wanted fired: Offensive Line Coach Pat Meyer. Entering the season with a young, unproven offensive line was uncomfortable for most. The individual players had shown flashes, but not yet come together as a group.
The struggles of left tackle Broderick Jones were highly publicized, with a lot of the blame being pointed towards Meyer. Jones improved throughout the season, along with the entire offensive line, until he landed on injured reserve. Andrus Peat, then eventually Dylan Cook, replaced Jones at left tackle. Cook, tasked with protecting Aaron Rodgers’ blindside, has earned a respectable 80.2 pass blocking grade during his first NFL action.
Young draft selections such as Zach Frazier, Troy Fautanu, and Mason McCormick have come along nicely under the tutelage of Pat Meyer. The unit has earned a pass blocking grade of 71.0 for the season, 8th best in the NFL.
The offensive line should not be sold short in the turnaround of the team or the offense. Without Pat Meyer, it may not have been possible.
