The preseason is finished. Now, the real challenge begins for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
While the Steelers (10-3) have had a strong and productive few months, many of their wins have come against teams with losing records. Six of their victories have been against teams that are likely not going to make the playoffs. The other four wins, against teams like Denver, the Chargers, Washington, and Baltimore, are impressive, but none of these teams are leading their divisions.
Pittsburgh’s success has helped some of these teams fall behind in the standings. However, things are about to get tougher for the Steelers. On Sunday, they will travel to face the powerful Philadelphia Eagles, starting a challenging 11-day stretch.
This stretch also includes games against the Ravens and a Christmas Day matchup with Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs, the two-time defending Super Bowl champions.
“It’s just going to show us how good we can be,” said safety DeShon Elliott.
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin’s focus on each week helped wide receiver Calvin Austin III forget about the tough stretch ahead after Pittsburgh’s comfortable 27-14 win over Cleveland.
“Who do we play again?” Austin asked, only to laugh when reminded about facing three teams with Super Bowl ambitions.
Pittsburgh Steelers players celebrate after a touchdown in 2nd half
“That’s a tough little stretch, but at the end of the day it’s a five-star matchup as Coach T says because we’re in it,” Austin said. “We know that when we’re out there, it’s going to always be a big-time performance.”
After a solid victory over the Browns, where Cleveland hurt itself with penalties, missed field goals, and turnovers, Austin and his teammates believe they are ready for tougher opponents in the coming weeks.
The Steelers have set themselves up for a chance to do something they haven’t done in a while. They are aware that their season will truly be defined by what happens next.
Although they would appreciate more rest, the tight schedule leaves them no choice but to keep pushing forward.
“I feel like the league kind of hates us already, man,” Elliott said. “It’s all right. We’re going to go out here, play those games, work our butts off, go out and be 3-0.”