Steelers Extend Disturbing Streak Against Struggling Teams
The Pittsburgh Steelers faced a monumental failure in Week 17, a misstep that left them reeling as they sought to secure their playoff hopes. With everything on the line, they had the opportunity to clinch a crucial victory against the Cleveland Browns, a team with only three wins to its name. Yet, in a stunning turn of events, the Steelers faltered, managing to score a mere six points and ultimately gifting the Browns a surprising victory.
This defeat now sets the stage for a high-stakes showdown in Week 18 against the Baltimore Ravens. The winner will not only claim the AFC North division title but also secure a coveted spot in the postseason, while the loser’s season will come to an abrupt end.
An Alarming Trend
This loss is particularly unsettling for the Steelers, as it underscores a troubling pattern that has emerged this season. Entering the game with an abysmal 3-12 record, the Browns were nine games under .500. Yet, the Steelers have now lost five consecutive games to teams that are at least eight games below .500, a statistic that is hard to ignore.
Doug Clawson from CBS Sports pointed out this alarming trend, highlighting the significance of the Steelers’ struggles against underperforming teams. Clawson noted on social media, “INSANE stat. Steelers are winless (0-4-1) in their past 5 games vs teams entering 8+ games below .500, tying the longest such streak in NFL history.”
Historical Context
The numbers tell a sobering story:
2020: Loss to 2-10-1 Bengals
2021: Tie with 0-8 Lions
2023: Loss to 2-10 Cardinals
2023: Loss to 2-10 Patriots
This streak marks a significant chapter in Steelers history, underlining a vulnerability that could have serious implications for the team as they push forward. As they prepare for the decisive clash against the Ravens, the Steelers are left to ponder how they can reverse this trend and regain their footing against teams they were expected to defeat.
