Big takeaways from the Steelers playoff loss to the Ravens

Jan 11, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) reacts in the fourth quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers in an AFC wild card game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

The Pittsburgh Steelers season came to an end on Saturday with an ugly playoff loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Here are our big takeaways from Saturday.

The streak continues

Jan 11, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) runs against Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (39) and linebacker Nick Herbig (51) in the second quarter in an AFC wild card game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

Saturday’s game marked two streaks for the Steelers. The Steelers are now 0-6 in their last six playoff games and have now gone eight seasons without a playoff win.

It’s tough watching the Steelers get beat up

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – JANUARY 11: Derrick Henry #22 of the Baltimore Ravens dives for a touchdown against DeShon Elliott #25 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second quarter during the AFC Wild Card Playoff at M&T Bank Stadium on January 11, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

The hardest part of Saturday’s loss wasn’t losing the game. That wasn’t the most surprising thing at all. But watching the Steelers get pushed around by the Ravens for 60 minutes on both sides of the football was tough. the line of scrimmage really let the Steelers down but the fire just wasn’t there.

Watt and Heyward playing hurt says a lot

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – JANUARY 11: The Baltimore Ravens huddle up as T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on /d4 during the AFC Wild Card Playoff at M&T Bank Stadium on January 11, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

It would have been easy for Cameron Heyward and T.J. Watt to pack it in last night when both guys got hurt. But even when the game was out of hand, those two true professionals were still on the field, going hard.

Coaching decisions to come

Jan 11, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin looks on in the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens in an AFC wild card game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

At this point, Steelers ownership has to look at the coaching staff and make some tough decisions about who should stay and who should go if this team wants to get better. I wouldn’t put a significant share of the loss on coaching Saturday compared to execution and energy.

So many roster holes

Jan 11, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike (92) tackles Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) in the third quarter in an AFC wild card game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

One of the biggest problems exposed during this end-of-season losing streak has been how many spots on the roster desperately need an upgrade.