Steelers fans might still be tasting that Bears loss like bad cafeteria meatloaf, but Sunday brings another chance to reset, refocus, and remind everyone that NFL is a week-to-week league, and the Steelers are of the extreme. This week the Steelers return home to host the Buffalo Bills, and while the matchup is tough, the opportunity is real.

Start with the Mike Tomlin stat everyone should tattoo on their brain. Since 2007, he owns just under a 63% winning percentage following a loss, BEST in the NFL during that span. The man responds. His teams respond. Sure, the past couple years delivered losing streaks that tested everyone’s faith, but historically his locker rooms do not stay down for long.

Buffalo enters with the number one passing defense in football, allowing only 182.8 yards per game, some of that is inflated due to teams leaning on the run against them. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh is giving up 277.6, the most in the league. That is a harsh contrast, the kind you wish was a typo. But mismatches on paper do not automatically translate on the field, especially when the Steelers play at home. And historically, the Bills have struggled in Pittsburgh, sitting 3 to 10 all time in the city.

The run game adds another layer. Buffalo comes in with the league’s best rushing attack, averaging 147.2 yards per game. Pittsburgh ranks 27th at 97.1, but has quietly surged to 123.3 per game over the past three weeks. That uptick is real progress, and it matters. Controlling the ground game is the surest way to keep Josh Allen from turning the game into a fireworks show.

On the defensive side, Buffalo struggles against the run, ranking 30th in rushing yards allowed per game at 148.9. Pittsburgh sits 15th at 105.7, but the loss of Derrick Harmon is a real blow to that strength. He has been essential in plugging gaps and limiting big plays. The early rule out hurts, and with Broderick Jones also unavailable, depth gets tested on both sides of the ball.

But here is where the Steelers can potentially take advantage. Bills Head Coach Sean McDermott has ruled out LT Dion Dawkins, RT Spencer Brown, LB Terrel Bernard, and WR Curtis Samuel for Sunday. That is not minor. Missing both starting offensive tackles is like showing up to a heavyweight fight without gloves. It changes protections, timing, play calling, everything. Bernard is their defensive nerve center. Samuel is one of their matchup creators. Also, one of Josh Allen’s favorite targets, stud TE Dalton Kincaid is questionable for Sunday’s game as well. These are not luxury pieces. These are structural pieces.

Meanwhile, outside of Harmon and Jones, the Steelers will have everyone else available. Joey Porter Jr, DK Metcalf, Ben Skowronek, Alex Highsmith, and others who were banged up will suit up. A healthier roster, a loud home crowd, and a wounded opponent is a legitimate advantage.

Buffalo still carries strong efficiency numbers, ranking third in yards per drive differential while Pittsburgh sits at 29th. But that stat loses some of its shine when half your offensive line is in street clothes. If the Steelers pass rush ever needed a “statement week,” this is it. They need to get after Allen, similar to the Houston Texans over a week ago.

None of this guarantees a win, but it does create a blueprint. Run the ball against a defense that struggles to stop it. Test an offensive line missing both tackles. Keep the offense on schedule. Finish drives. And give Josh Allen as few chances as possible to become Josh Allen.

Every season features a moment that defines whether a team folds or fights, some seasons have multiple. The Steelers have been punched, mocked, doubted, and buried by half the league this week. Perfect. That is usually when Tomlin teams wake up.

This game is winnable, and Pittsburgh has every reason to show up with urgency.

Sunday is a chance to flip a bad narrative. Time to see if they will.

Continue to check out The Steel Curtain Network for Steelers news and updates. Follow me on “X” @CGillis2021. Stay Blessed and Stay Positive… “Here We Go”