Pittsburgh, a city with a rich football history, is currently witnessing the Steelers' intense pursuit of excellence. The team, which has shown great promise in the preseason, is now facing the real challenges of the regular season. With a record of 10-3 and a first-place standing, the Steelers have had a successful start, but they know that the real test lies ahead.

Unraveling the Steelers' Path to Victory

Preseason vs. Real Work

Preseason games are often seen as a warm-up for the real season. But for the Pittsburgh Steelers, preseason is now a thing of the past. The team has shifted its focus to the challenges that lie ahead. With six victories against teams with losing records and four solid wins against tougher opponents, the Steelers have proven their mettle. However, they know that these wins are just a stepping stone. As safety DeShon Elliott said, "It's just going to show us how good we can be."The upcoming 11-day sprint is a crucial period for the Steelers. They will face NFC juggernaut Philadelphia, a rematch with the Ravens, and a Christmas Day showdown against the Chiefs. This stretch will test the team's resilience and determination. Wide receiver Calvin Austin III, who needed to be reminded about the tough schedule, understands the importance of these games. He said, "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."

What's Working

One of the things that are working well for the Steelers is Russell Wilson's determination to get every eligible skill position player involved. In the past week against the Bengals, he connected with 10 different players. In the rematch with the Browns, it was eight, including veterans like Mike Williams and Scotty Miller. Coach Mike Tomlin's weekly tunnel vision creates a focused environment where players like Miller can shine. After an acrobatic 20-yard third-down grab, Tomlin greeted Miller with "this isn't a lightning strike," emphasizing the importance of hard work. As Miller said with a smile, "If you could tell him that, that'd be great."

What Needs Help

George Pickens' maturity is an area that needs improvement. Despite his talent and importance to the team, Pickens still frequently finds himself in trouble with the league. He has been fined for unsportsmanlike conduct and unnecessary roughness. His teammates respect his talent, but they hope he can "cut out the stupid stuff" before the playoffs. Watching the team win without him while nursing a hamstring injury might be a wake-up call for Pickens.

The Future

The Steelers have a 99% chance of reaching the postseason for the fourth time in five years. But their ultimate goal is to do something they haven't done in nearly 60 years: beat the Eagles on the road. Pittsburgh's most recent victory in Philadelphia was on Oct. 24, 1965. This upcoming game against the Eagles will be a tough test, but the Steelers are ready to rise to the occasion. As they move forward, they will continue to work hard and strive for excellence. Injuries have been a concern, with defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi leaving in the second quarter with a groin injury. However, defensive tackle Montravius Adams is trending toward playing for the first time since October and could be available in Philadelphia. The Steelers' turnover margin of plus-28 since the start of the 2023 season is tops in the NFL, giving them an edge in close games. With their sights set on the playoffs, the Steelers are determined to make history.