The Pittsburgh Steelers are trending in the wrong direction ahead of the 2024 NFL playoffs. They are now 10-6 after starting the season 10-3. Their three straight losses aren’t inherently an indicator the skies are falling.
They’ve lost to the Philadelphia Eagles , Baltimore Ravens , and Kansas City Chiefs in consecutive weeks, three teams with top-five odds to win the Super Bowl according to DraftKings Sportsbook. Pittsburgh’s biggest problem is that they were completely uncompetitive in all three losses. Among other major issues, the Steelers will need to pick it up in the red zone on both sides of the ball if they want any chance of making noise in the postseason.
Steelers Red Zone Struggles Top of Mind Ahead of Playoffs Defense Has Fallen Apart The Steelers defense has been underwhelming (to put it mildly) during their three-game losing streak, especially in the red zone. Pittsburgh’s red zone struggles date back to their Week 9 bye. Since then, they have allowed opponents to convert 70% of their red zone trips into touchdowns.
For reference, only the Dallas Cowboys have allowed higher than a 70% red zone conversion rate on the season. Steelers red zone defense since the bye: Opponents finding the end zone 21 of 30 drives. That's 70%.
Unacceptable. #Steelers — Alex Kozora (@Alex_Kozora) December 25, 2024 There seem to be a host of problems contributing to the Steelers defensive red zone struggles recently. For starters, their communication has been an absolute d.
