Steelers' Playoff Woes: Early Collapse Cycle

The Pittsburgh Steelers' recent playoff history is marked not by close contests, but by rapid, early collapses. Four consecutive postseason losses against Cleveland, Kansas City, Buffalo, and Baltimore were characterized by significant deficits incurred before halftime, often exacerbated by multiple turnovers within the opening minutes. These early mistakes create sudden-change situations that put the Steelers in a difficult uphill battle.

This cycle of early deficits and subsequent struggles has become the Steelers' postseason identity. When forced to abandon a balanced offensive approach due to being behind, their predictability increases, their defense tires, and opponents gain a critical psychological advantage. This pattern has consistently led to multi-score deficits that are too difficult to overcome in the playoffs.

As the Steelers prepare to face the young and fast Houston Texans, this recurring issue poses a significant threat. Houston thrives on pressure and opportunistic plays, making them adept at capitalizing on early mistakes. For Pittsburgh to break this trend, the focus must be on ball security and avoiding situations that give the opponent an early, insurmountable lead.