Playoffs arrive in Indianapolis, matching the Colts and Steelers in…

If the previous two games are any indication, firing offensive coordinator Matt Canada was not the answer to the numerous issues besetting the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offense.

Following a humiliating loss to Arizona at home and a defeat to New England at home, Pittsburgh ended a 58-game drought in which they had not gained 400 yards in a single game on November 26 at Cincinnati. Arriving at Acrisure Stadium as two-win teams, the Cardinals and Patriots emerged with unexpected victories.

The Steelers will have limited time to find the solution to the puzzle of how to improve the offense. The task in Saturday’s road game, which has huge playoff ramifications, is slowing down the Indianapolis Colts.

Six clubs in the AFC have 7-6 records, including the Steelers and Colts. With an 8-5 record, the Cleveland Browns hold the first wild-card slot in the AFC. Coach Mike Tomlin of the Steelers stated, “I’m not necessarily looking for power positive messages in an effort to build them up.”

“I’m presumably going in the other direction, emphasizing how critical these games and these weeks are because the path is becoming more constrained. Now that we’re approaching the middle of December, that’s simply admitting reality.

There are plenty of opportunities in these games to solidify your position. This is significant, both to them and to us.” Pittsburgh fell behind 21-3 before losing 21-18 to New England on December 7. With 1:55 remaining, backup quarterback Mitch Trubisky threw a pick on a fourth-down ball from the Steelers’ 49, ending their final realistic opportunity to mount a comeback.

It’s not just Canada and Tomlin’s detractors who have turned up the volume this week. Other fans have also been doing so. For former Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who won two Super Bowls and never had a losing season in his 18-year career, last week’s game was the last straw.

Roethlisberger questioned the players’ motivation and chastised Tomlin. On his podcast, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger stated, “I’ve felt that certain guys on the team aren’t in it for the team, they’re in it for themselves.” “Well, now some of the guys on the team are saying the same thing … maybe the tradition of the Pittsburgh Steelers is done.”

Against that backdrop, Trubisky gets another shot at quarterback because Kenny Pickett (ankle) is out again. Pickett underwent ankle surgery during the Steelers’ 24-10 loss to Arizona on December 3. Trubisky completed 22 of 35 passes for 190 yards with a score and an interception against New England.

Based on his recent performance, Indianapolis (7-6) probably feels better about its backup quarterback, Gardner Minshew. However, the Colts blew a chance to gain ground on Jacksonville in the AFC South by falling 34-14 in Cincinnati on Sunday.

If Steelers outside defenders T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith remain in concussion protocol, slowing down Minshew will be more tough. Highsmith suffered an injury in the first half of last Thursday’s game, while Watt experienced concussion-like symptoms and was placed in the league’s concussion protocol on Friday.

The Steelers, said to Tomlin, can only “rely on the medical experts in terms of their availability.” Minshew completed 26 of 39 passes for 240 yards, a touchdown, and an interception against the Bengals. Minshew has completed 61.7 percent of his passes with eight interceptions in 295 attempts since taking over for rookie Anthony Richardson in October. He has a season percentage of 63.2 percent.

According to wide receiver Michael Pittman, last week’s result has increased the Colts’ sense of urgency. “Last game, we just didn’t get it done,” Pittman admitted. “We were fortunate that everyone in the AFC South except Tennessee lost.” We’re in a similar position, but we did waste an opportunity to gain ground.” Pittman has eight receptions or more in each of his last six games. Pittman would become the sixth player in history to have at least eight receptions in seven consecutive games with one more game of at least eight receptions.

With Jacksonville only a game ahead in the division, a win for Indianapolis can aid it on two fronts. The possibility of a quick finish arises because none of the Colts’ remaining four opponents have a record better than 7-6. With eight straight victories, the Steelers lead the all-time series 21-6. They’ve won five straight games in Indianapolis, including a 24-17 victory last year.