An explosive statement from a former PFF analyst has cast doubt on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ recent success, claiming the team has been relying on sheer luck rather than skill to secure wins. The analyst, who previously worked with Pro Football Focus, argued that the Steelers’ victories under head coach Mike Tomlin and quarterback Kenny Pickett were more a product of fortunate circumstances than actual dominance on the field.
The analyst pointed specifically to three games where the Steelers escaped with wins they “should have lost.” He cited Pittsburgh’s narrow victories over the New York Jets, Washington Commanders, and Baltimore Ravens as prime examples. In each of these matchups, the Steelers faced significant challenges but managed to come out on top, often in dramatic fashion.
Against the Jets, the Steelers were outplayed for much of the game but benefitted from late-game mistakes and a lack of execution from New York. Similarly, in the contest with the Commanders, Pittsburgh appeared sluggish and ineffective at times but capitalized on a few key breaks to secure the win. The analyst even went as far as to call the Ravens game a “fluke,” highlighting Pittsburgh’s inability to consistently control the game, yet somehow managing to edge out a victory when the Ravens faltered in crucial moments.
The analyst’s harsh critique doesn’t stop at individual games. He contends that the Steelers’ overall season has been inflated by lucky outcomes, rather than sustained excellence or strong coaching adjustments. “They haven’t shown the consistency you’d expect from a playoff contender,” the analyst remarked. “If anything, their record is more of an indictment of the teams they’ve beaten than a testament to their ability.”
While these comments will undoubtedly spark debate among Steelers fans and analysts alike, the criticism raises interesting questions about Pittsburgh’s true identity this season. Are the Steelers a legitimate contender, or have they simply benefitted from circumstances beyond their control? One thing’s for sure: if they want to make a deep playoff run, they’ll need to prove that their success isn’t just a matter of luck.
