Add one other nationwide media skeptic to the rising listing of doubters surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers coming into the 2026 season.
While showing on The Arena podcast, longtime sports activities analyst and former ESPN and FS1 character Skip Bayless made it clear that he doesn’t imagine Pittsburgh will return to the postseason this yr.
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Bayless pointed to the Steelers’ late-season struggles and disappointing playoff efficiency as causes for his skepticism.
“They stumbled into the backdoor of the playoffs thanks to a missed 40-yard field goal by the Baltimore Ravens,” Bayless mentioned. “And they lost at home 30-6, and Aaron Rodgers stunk in that game.”
Bayless additionally questioned whether or not Pittsburgh has executed sufficient to maintain tempo in what many take into account one of many NFL’s hardest divisions.
“And now you’re telling me they’re just gonna magically be back in the playoffs in that division?” Bayless requested. “The Bengals are going to be way better. The Ravens are going to be way, WAY better. And the Steelers are the odd man out.”
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It’s a sentiment that has turn out to be more and more widespread amongst nationwide analysts this offseason. Despite Pittsburgh making a number of notable strikes, together with including veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers and buying huge receiver Michael Pittman Jr. to pair with DK Metcalf, many projections have the Steelers ending third in the AFC North.
Much of the optimism surrounding the division facilities on Cincinnati. The Bengals have been a well-liked breakout choose after addressing defensive considerations and including star defensive deal with Dexter Lawrence. However, predictions of a Bengals resurgence have turn out to be an annual offseason custom, and the outcomes haven’t at all times matched the hype.
Meanwhile, Baltimore stays the division favourite in many circles. The Ravens spent the offseason reshaping parts of their teaching workers and are anticipated to as soon as once more contend for the AFC North crown after one other sturdy season.
For Pittsburgh, the problem will probably be proving the doubters flawed. The Steelers have heard loads of criticism all through the offseason, notably after their one-and-done playoff look a yr in the past. Now, with Rodgers returning for what may very well be his last NFL season and a revamped offense round him, they’ll have a possibility to indicate that nationwide projections don’t at all times inform the complete story.
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Whether Bayless is correct stays to be seen, however for now, the Steelers proceed to be considered by many outdoors Pittsburgh because the third-best workforce in their very own division.
Let us know what you assume in the feedback. Be certain to bookmark Behind the Steel Curtain for all the most recent information, breakdowns, and extra!