PITTSBURGH, PA - Three days after their 38-14 Divisional Round defeat to the Houston Texans, the Pittsburgh Steelers returned to the locker room to pack up for the offseason. It was a bittersweet ending to a campaign that saw them take a step forward from last season's early playoff exit.
"Last year, we didn't even get out of the Wild Card," said linebacker Alex Highsmith, as he stuffed gear into a large duffel. "This year, we made progress. But at the end of the day, this one stings."
The defeat was a tough one to swallow. After a promising showing against the Buffalo Bills in the Wild Card round, the Steelers simply couldn't find their footing against the top-seeded Texans. Quarterback Paul Hayes threw three costly interceptions, while the defense gave up big plays early, including an opening-play pick-six.
Veteran running back Jaylen Warren offered one of the few bright spots, breaking off an 89-yard touchdown run in the third quarter and finishing with 154 rushing yards. "We just couldn't find a rhythm as an offense," said Warren. "I did what I could, but this one's on all of us."
Head coach Mike Tomlin was candid about the growth and the work that remains. "We're proud of the step we took this year," Tomlin said. "But we're not satisfied. We've got a core that's hungry and ready to put in the work to take that next step."
The offseason brings questions for some of the veterans, including center Ben Skowronek and linebacker John Simpson, who are both entering contract years. "I'd love to be back," said Simpson. "I believe in what we're building here."
As boxes were packed and helmets were tucked away, one thing was clear: this team, while disappointed, still believes the best is yet to come.
