1. See you in the fall …
If it’s the final regular-season game of the season and it’s at the venue now called Acrisure Stadium, history tells us it’s time for a Pittsburgh Steelers victory.
The Steelers have never lost a season finale at what once was called Heinz Field. They’re 11-0 in regular-season finales at home since they fell Jan. 2, 2000 (the 1999 season finale) to the Tennessee Titans … at Three Rivers Stadium.
The Steelers are 22-5 all-time when their regular-season finale has been at home. That includes 13 of their past 15 and 8-0 under Mike Tomlin.
Discounting for venue, the Steelers are an NFL-best 14-3 since 2007 (when Tomlin was hired) in regular-season finales (home or away). They have won 18 of their past 22 final games of the season overall.
If there is any caveat to the Steelers’ stellar record when closing out a season at home, it’s that they have far too often done so against the lowly Cleveland Browns. Seven of the 11 regular-season finales at Acrisure have been against the Browns. The only time the Steelers finished a season at Acrisure against a team with a winning record was in 2014. The Cincinnati Bengals that season finished 10-5-1. The Bengals, who wrap up the regular season Saturday night in Pittsburgh, are 8-8.
2. … But not all of you
Saturday could be the final regular-season game — and final appearance at Acrisure Stadium — for a number of Steelers players. Of the 47 expected to be in uniform against the Bengals, 18 are on expiring contracts, with 15 of those set for unrestricted free agency this spring. There are 20 free agents overall — 17 UFAs, one restricted free agent (Jaylen Warren) and two exclusive-rights free agents (Ryan McCollum and Jeremiah Moon).
Depending on what personnel package the Steelers open up in offense and defense (and if Donte Jackson is active despite a back injury), roughly 8-10 starters are soon-to-be free agents. And that doesn’t even count UFAs who are on season-ending injured reserve (offensive linemen James Daniels and Nate Herbig) or players whose contract for 2025 have a high enough salary and are likely to be cut (such as Preston Smith).
Those on the list of free agents range from the household names (Russell Wilson and Najee Harris) to dependable longtime starters (Dan Moore Jr.) to the little-known specialists (Tyler Matakevich), and from the well-paid (Mike Williams) to those making the minimum salary (MyCole Pruitt, Scotty Miller).
Some of the above will be Steelers in 2025. Others won’t be in black and gold again in a regular-season game in Pittsburgh.
3. Not Canton-like
Ask Steelers players about their well-liked teammate Cordarrelle Patterson, a common refrain is “he’s a future Hall of Famer.” That might be true — Patterson holds the NFL record for most career kickoff-return touchdowns with nine.
But what Patterson has brought to the Steelers at 33 in his 12th pro season hasn’t been Hall of Fame worthy.
Signed with intent after the NFL modified its kickoff rules in an effort to encourage more returns, Patterson has mostly been a dud. His 21.8-yard average on returns ranks second-last among any player in the league who has returned as many kickoffs as him (11). Every player who has that many returns has at least one of more than 35 yards — Patterson’s season long. Petterson has accounted for half of the returned deep kickoffs by the Steelers this season — and in regards to average, he lags behind the other two who have done so (Warren, 24.3, and Aaron Shampklin, 25.3).
The Steelers as a team rank dead last in the league in average kick return yards (22.5).
4. Chase-ing history
Ja’Marr Chase is on the cusp of becoming the fifth receiver since the 1970 AFL/NFL merger to lead the NFL in catches, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns. Chase heads into the finale atop the league in all three with 117, 1,612 and 16, respectively.
With 68 receiving yards against the Steelers, Chase would surpass Hall of Famer Randy Moss (5,396) for the third-most over a player’s first four seasons in NFL history. With a big game (184 or more yards) he can pass Michael Thomas for No. 2 all-time through four seasons.
Only current Minnesota Vikings star Justin Jefferson (5,899) is out of reach for Chase in that statistic.
Chris Adamski is a TribLive reporter who has covered primarily the Pittsburgh Steelers since 2014 following two seasons on the Penn State football beat. A Western Pennsylvania native, he joined the Trib in 2012 after spending a decade covering Pittsburgh sports for other outlets. He can be reached at cadamski@triblive.com.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have a long history of success in regular-season finales at home, with the team consistently performing well in these critical games. From thrilling victories to dominant performances, the Steelers have shown time and time again that they excel when it matters most.
One reason for the Steelers’ success in regular-season finales at home is their strong home-field advantage. Playing in front of their passionate fan base at Heinz Field, the Steelers feed off the energy and atmosphere to elevate their play. The crowd’s support can be a game-changer, helping the team to secure crucial victories and build momentum heading into the playoffs.
Another factor contributing to the Steelers’ success in regular-season finales at home is their depth and talent on both sides of the ball. With a roster filled with playmakers and proven veterans, the Steelers have the ability to make big plays when it matters most. Whether it’s a game-winning drive led by quarterback Ben Roethlisberger or a key defensive stop by the likes of T.J. Watt or Minkah Fitzpatrick, the Steelers have the talent and experience to come through in the clutch.
Overall, the Steelers’ track record of excelling in regular-season finales at home is a testament to the team’s resilience, determination, and ability to rise to the occasion. As the Steelers continue to chase greatness and strive for championship success, their ability to perform well in these critical games will be a key factor in their journey to the top.
Tags:
- Pittsburgh Steelers
- NFL regular season
- Home games
- Winning streak
- Game strategy
- Playoffs
- Home-field advantage
- Football statistics
- Sports analysis
- Team performance
#Steelers #Downs #Excelling #regularseason #finales #home #common
