Steelers Secure Division Title: 5 Key Takeaways from Season Finale Win

The Pittsburgh Steelers clinched the AFC North division title following a nail-biting 26-24 victory against the Baltimore Ravens. This decisive win, held on Sunday night, allowed the Steelers to secure their place in the playoffs. Here are five key takeaways from this season finale.

1. Upcoming Challenge Against Houston

With the division title secured, the Steelers are set to face the Houston Texans in the upcoming playoff round. The Texans, who have been on a remarkable nine-game winning streak since early November, present a formidable challenge. During this streak, Houston’s defense has allowed an average of just 19.3 points and 286.0 total yards per game.

• Houston ranks first in the NFL for defensive yards allowed, averaging 272.2 yards.
• They are also second in points allowed, with a season average of 17.4.
• Notably, the Texans are one of only two teams since 2021 to restrict opponents to fewer than 200 passing yards and 100 rushing yards per game.

2. Rise of a New Era in Houston

The Texans have transformed under the leadership of coach DeMeco Ryans and quarterback C.J. Stroud, both of whom joined the franchise in 2023. Their arrival has marked a significant turnaround for a team that had previously struggled, recording only 11 wins over three seasons from 2020 to 2022.

• Ryans and Stroud made NFL history as the fourth head coach/quarterback duo to reach the playoffs in their first three seasons together.
• Stroud’s 28 wins place him second among quarterbacks taken in the top two picks of their draft classes over the initial three seasons.

3. Mike Tomlin’s Division Success

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin emphasized the significance of clinching division titles during the game. The official locker room shirts celebrated the victory with the phrase “Been there, won that.” This win improved Tomlin’s record to 5-0 at Acrisure Stadium in games where a division title was on the line.

• Tomlin’s historical performance against AFC North rivals shows a 42-16 record in late-season games over his 19-year tenure.

4. Dominance in the Third Quarter

Despite a rocky start, the Steelers displayed remarkable efficiency in the third quarter. They outscored the Ravens 10-0 during this period, despite being outscored 24-16 in the other three quarters combined.

• In the last four games, the Steelers have outscored opponents 26-0 in third quarters.
• During this stretch, they have limited opponents to a mere four first downs.

5. Tomlin’s Milestone Victory

The significance of this win adds to Mike Tomlin’s impressive coaching resume. His victory total reached 193, tying him for ninth in NFL history, alongside Steelers legend Chuck Noll.

• Tomlin holds a winning percentage of .628, higher than Noll’s .566.
• He ranks second among active coaches in total wins, trailing only Andy Reid.

As the Steelers prepare for their playoff matchup against the Texans, they bring not only momentum but also a legacy of success under Tomlin’s guidance. With both a strong defense to face and a coach seeking to cement his legacy, the upcoming game promises to be a thrilling encounter.