Mark Madden's Hot Take: Here's how the Steelers can reach the playoffs

There are plenty of reasons the Pittsburgh Steelers won’t make the playoffs.

But if they do, here’s why:

• Mitch Trubisky excels. He might. Trubisky had an excellent preseason. His arm looks terrific. He’s got the pedigree of a No. 2 pick overall. He was better in Chicago than you think. Trubisky is mobile and looks adept at using offensive coordinator Matt Canada’s moving pockets to somewhat negate problems caused by that woeful offensive line. He’s got weapons to work with. If Trubisky fails, Kenny Pickett can’t come in and save the season. The season will be already lost.

• The defense excels. It might. T.J. Watt, Cameron Heyward and Minkah Fitzpatrick rank among the best at their positions. Despite the injury to Damontae Kazee, there’s depth at defensive back beyond Fitzpatrick. No standouts, but decent. Malik Reed provides depth at edge rusher. The defensive line is excellent. Whoever the defensive coordinator really is might be able to assemble schemes to make up for inadequacy at inside linebacker. The takeaways and sacks could flow. (You need stops, too.)

• The schedule obliges. It might. The tough part is early, but some of those foes look flawed. Cincinnati could have a Super Bowl hangover and needs its much-changed offensive line to jell. No one is sure who New England’s offensive coordinator is. Cleveland has backup Jacoby Brissett at quarterback. The New York Jets are bad, and starting QB Zach Wilson will be out. What if the Steelers start 3-1, not 1-3? (At Cleveland Week 3 is must-win. Lose to Brissett, and you’re done.)

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You could break things down more precisely and add things more picayune. A ton of luck has to be involved.

But right now, everybody is 0-0. It’s optimism’s last stand before being dashed on the cold, hard coral reef of reality. Mostly by that offensive line, which will be the NFL’s worst.

Brilliant coaching won’t save the day. It hasn’t for a long time now.

Everybody says how great Mike Tomlin is, but nobody can say why beyond a “record” that means nothing close to the bluster manufactured on its behalf. Maybe this season, Tomlin will be as smart as he thinks he is. (Probably not.)

Trubisky likely will be above-average, then hurt. The defense will be top 10, but not top five. The Steelers will probably start 1-3, 2-2 at best. The AFC North is too tough for the Steelers.

They won’t make the playoffs.

Week 2 at home vs. the Patriots is a great matchup: New England’s gang of offensive coordinators against the Steelers’ gang of defensive coordinators. The winner will be whoever is least confused.