PITTSBURGH—The Steelers lost a game Sunday but clinched a playoff berth. Despite its 22-17 loss to the Jets, Pittsburgh (10-4) secured at least a wild-card spot in the postseason by virtue of a strength-of-schedule tiebreaker over a handful of other AFC teams.
Given their final two regular-season games—vs. the Panthers (2-12) at home Thursday night and at Cleveland (5-9) on Jan. 2—there’s still a possibility the Steelers could win the AFC North.
Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin stands on the sidelines. (AP photo) Still, Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger sounded cautious after Sunday's loss snapped a four-game winning streak.
“You ask me about how disappointing a loss is,” Roethlisberger said. “I think that speaks for itself, for you guys that know me. It’s a short week. We have to turn around and get ready to come back Thursday night and bounce back.”
The Steelers might have to bounce back without Troy Polamalu, their playmaking safety. A strained Achilles tendon and calf kept Polamalu on the sideline Sunday, and it’s unlikely he’ll be able to play Thursday.
Still, the Steelers still could beat out the Ravens for first place in the division, secure a first-round bye and go deep into the playoffs. They have one of the league’s toughest quarterbacks in Roethlisberger, a running game that produced 147 yards on 25 carries against New York and, of course, one of the best defenses in the league.
Just listen to a man who knows.
“That’s a heck of a football team,” Jets coach Rex Ryan said of the Steelers.
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