After the Steelers emerged victorious with a 27 - 14 win over the Browns, they found themselves at 10 - 3 and gearing up for a significant game against the Philadelphia Eagles. This matchup served as a crucial measuring stick as the playoffs neared. With a strong regular season performance, Pittsburgh secured the rights to a home playoff game in the wild - card round. However, their recent defeat against the Eagles exposed some concerning flaws.

Uncovering the Steelers' Playoff Challenges

The Absence of George Pickens

The Steelers have been feeling the void left by top wide receiver George Pickens, who has been sidelined for the past two weeks due to a hamstring injury. This absence has had a significant impact on their offensive performance. According to TruMedia data, in the games without Pickens, the Steelers have ranked 29th in success rate (34.5%), 30th in offensive expected points added (-24.1), and 27th in dropback success rate (36.4%). Their wide receiver depth has long been a known issue, but the complete collapse of the offense without Pickens is a worrying sight. The team now realizes the importance of having a reliable wide receiver in their lineup.

Without Pickens, the Steelers have struggled to generate consistent offensive plays. Their average yards per play and per dropback have significantly decreased, and they have managed only a limited number of explosive plays. This has put a lot of pressure on the rest of the offense and the defense to carry the team. The absence of Pickens has exposed the team's weaknesses and forced them to reevaluate their strategies.

The Steelers need to find a way to address this issue and bring Pickens back to full strength as soon as possible. His presence on the field could make a significant difference in their offensive performance and give them a better chance of success in the playoffs.

The Eagles' Dominance

Jalen Hurts and the Eagles showcased their dominance over the Steelers, particularly in the second half of their 27 - 13 victory in Philadelphia. The Eagles' defense, which has been arguably the best in football for most of the season, proved why once again. In the first half, the Steelers were completely stifled offensively, averaging only 2.7 yards per play and 2.9 yards per dropback. They managed to produce only one explosive play, highlighting their inability to keep up with the Eagles' defense.

Without the support of their defense and special teams, the Steelers would have struggled to score even the 13 points they managed. The absence of Pickens made it even more difficult for the team to establish a downfield presence. Without a reliable wide receiver, the Steelers found it hard to create big plays and move the ball effectively.

The Eagles' ability to control the game and play keep - away in the second half was a major factor in their victory. The Steelers' defense, which is usually one of the best in the league, let the Eagles run out the clock and secure the win. This loss has raised questions about the team's ability to handle tough opponents and close out games.

The Run Defense Woes

The Steelers' run defense has been a bit shaky this season, and they faced a tough challenge against an excellent rushing team. In the final quarter of the game, they were unable to get off the field for almost a full quarter, allowing the Eagles to milk the clock and close out the game. This is an astoundingly bad performance and shows the team's vulnerability in this area.

While the run defense has been a concern throughout the season, this game highlighted just how crucial it is to be able to stop the opposing team's rushing attack. The Steelers need to address this issue and find ways to improve their run defense in order to be more competitive in future games.

The fact that they gave up such a long drive in the final minutes of the game is a wake - up call for the team. They need to work on their defensive strategies and communication to prevent similar situations from happening in the future. Without a solid run defense, it will be difficult for the Steelers to win games and make a deep playoff run.