The Pittsburgh Steelers not only have one of the toughest 2024 schedules ahead of them, but they will also have a killer few weeks to wind things down. During a three-game stretch near the end of 2024, the Steelers have to face the Philadelphia Eagles, the Baltimore Ravens, and the Kansas City Chiefs in succession. While it is certain to produce some heart-stopping football, Mark Kaboly isn't looking forward to those games for more than one reason.
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T.J. Watt scoops up a loose ball against the Kansas City Chiefs.
From Week 15 to Week 17 of Pittsburgh's 2024 campaign, they will square up against three of the NFL's toughest opponents, two of which will occur in hostile territory. The Steelers will travel to Philadelphia and then Baltimore before hosting the Chiefs in their second-to-last game of the season. Wednesday, on 93.7 The Fan, Kaboly was quite candid on how he felt about the stretch of games that could end up determining the Steelers' season.
"Yeah, it looks like a tough schedule, apparently. Especially those, what, four days in between at Baltimore... at home with the Kansas City. That's kind of, uh, a slap in the face. I mean, it's all -- all in the process of making money, right? Of having a game on a Wednesday that you're going Saturday to Wednesday, that's the toughest part, it looks like to me, but yeah, you're gonna have to get off to a good start if this plays out like it is, 'cause if not, you're battling uphill the entire way, and that's what they did last year too..."
During the 2023 season, the Steelers managed to eke out more than a few dramatic finishes that helped get them into a Wild Card game. While a playoff appearance was unexpected, considering how frustrating of a year 2023 had been, the bar is set much higher for 2024.
The Steelers limped through 2023 with Matt Canada and Kenny Pickett running the offense, but after a complete overhaul, including Arthur Smith, Russell Wilson, and Justin Fields, Pittsburgh wants to contend in the NFL again for a Super Bowl. The best way to truly test whether a rebuilt roster is up for the task is to go up against the best that the league has to offer. Not only will the Steelers be doing just that, it will be done in a tight window with virtually no turnaround time.
Wilson has Super Bowl experience and will be expected to bring that to the table when things get tough, especially with that stretch waiting for them. His leadership and presence in a locker room were big parts of why the Steelers acquired him during the 2024 offseason. In order to make his time with the Steelers worthwhile, leading them through those three impactful games victoriously would be a great way to make your mark on both the team and the city.
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Former Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (#3) scrambles out of the pocket during a professional football game.
Steelers Are Built For The Rough Spots
After investing heavily in the right places, the Steelers are hopeful that they have done enough to position themselves for success in 2024. With Isaac Seumalo, Broderick Jones, Zach Frazier, James Daniels, and Troy Fautanu creating a formidable offensive line, Pittsburgh is ready for the grittier moments of an NFL season. The three-game stretch that has the Steelers battling the Eagles, Ravens, and Chiefs will be won or lost in the trenches, and Pittsburgh's blockers will surely be up to the task.
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Former University of Washington offensive lineman Troy Fautanu prepares to block a Michigan Wolverine player during the College Football Playoff.
Despite not picking up his fifth-year option, the Steelers will still have the bruising style of Najee Harris to complement Jaylen Warren. Pittsburgh's two-pronged rushing attack ended up being a key part of the 2023 late-season push, which resulted in the Wild Card game against the Buffalo Bills. Pittsburgh knows that if an oft-injured, creatively lacking team as they fielded in 2023 could accomplish what it did, the 2024 group should be able to soar well beyond that point.
Mike Tomlin won't be satisfied with another season defined by a non-losing record. The bar has been raised for the Steelers, and if they have assembled the roster they believe they have, 2024 should be a launching point for a successful future in Pittsburgh.
How will Pittsburgh perform against the Eagles, Ravens, and Chiefs at the end of 2024? Comment below!
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