The Steelers’ playoff win drought extending to 7 years is hardly unexpected.

The Steelers’ playoff winless streak extended to seven years after their 31-17 loss to the Bills at Highmark Stadium on Monday evening.

Let’s get one thing straight: it’s been exactly seven years, not eight. The last time Pittsburgh won a postseason game was on January 15, 2017 — exactly seven years before Monday’s wildcard loss to Buffalo. Some might argue it’s been eight years because that victory was for the 2016 season, but here’s the logic: Monday’s loss was for the 2023 season, so the streak is seven years.

Now, I didn’t expect to go on this rant, but it gets under my skin when people make such errors. And don’t even get me started on how fans still spell Mason Rudolph’s name “Rudolf.” It’s right there in front of them — autocorrect can’t be blamed for that one.

Anyway, back to the point: the Steelers’ playoff win drought has now hit seven years, the longest stretch without a postseason win since the franchise became known for its success in the playoffs, starting in 1972.

Monday’s loss didn’t shock me, nor did it surprise most fans. But there was an immediate surge of calls for head coach Mike Tomlin’s firing. I get it — people wanted to see the team break the drought. But desiring something doesn’t mean you deserve it.

Did the Steelers play during the 2023 season like a team ready to end its postseason losing streak? Absolutely not. That’s why they barely made the playoffs, with a little help along the way. And it’s why they ended up facing the AFC’s number-two seed, the Bills, led by franchise quarterback Josh Allen.

This situation mirrors two years ago when they faced the Chiefs at Arrowhead. Another AFC number-two seed, another franchise quarterback — Patrick Mahomes — and another blowout loss.

For the Steelers to break their playoff drought and have success in January, they need to dominate in the regular season first — September, October, November, and December.

Since their last Super Bowl appearance following the 2010 season, the Steelers have only had one premium playoff seed: a number-two seed in 2017. They’ve made the playoffs eight times since 2010, but with mostly wildcard spots, it’s no surprise they’ve only won three playoff games in that span.

To end the drought, the Steelers need to start winning the division. They’ve only done that twice since the playoff winless streak began. Winning the division gives you a home game and a better shot at advancing — something Pittsburgh hasn’t been able to take advantage of, with a 1-3 record at home in their postseason appearances since 2011.

It’s time for the Steelers to focus on division titles, not just Super Bowl aspirations. A Super Bowl isn’t going to happen if they can’t even secure a playoff win. And to do that, they need to start winning regular-season games and stop relying on miracles to just get in.

Source: https://www.fansfirstsports.com/steel-curtain-network/its-no-surprise-the-steelers-playoff-winless-streak-has-reached-7-years/