When the Steelers acquired quarterback Russell Wilson in the offseason, it was with games such as the one they'll play in on Saturday at Baltimore in mind.
A 13-year veteran, Wilson has won a Super Bowl and been to another, making him just one of five overall active quarterbacks who have been to and won an NFL championship.
And he's also a quarterback with 16 career playoff starts under his belt in his 13 seasons. For a Steelers offense that includes two rookies and several other second- and third-year players, that experience was important.
Saturday's Wild Card game against the Ravens (12-5) won't be any different.
It's not just Wilson, but players such as wide receivers Van Jefferson and Ben Skowronek, as well, who have Super Bowl experience. But Wilson is the quarterback, the guy with the ball in his hands on every play. And he's the leader of the offense, a responsibility which he does not take lightly.
"For me, it's being poised in those moments, looking forward to it, knowing that it's going to be a four-quarter game, it's going to be a battle, and we're looking forward to the opportunity of it, and I've been fortunate, to hold the trophy and everything else and do some special things in the playoffs, and the moments of that," Wilson said. "We want to use all that experience that we have, and some of the guys in this locker room too.
"Guys like Van Jefferson and Ben Skowronek and guys have played at the highest level too, and moments and teams and those help."
It's not a crutch. The playoff experience – both positive and negative – won't necessarily win or lose the Steelers a game against the Ravens. But it also doesn't hurt.
The results recently haven't been what the Steelers (10-7) have wanted, but having a veteran quarterback who is able to move on and understands the urgency in a one-game, winner-take-all situation can be helpful.
"We're appreciative of this opportunity," said Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, who will be coaching for the third time in his three overall seasons as a coordinator against the Ravens in the postseason.
"And that's the thing is you can let negativity creep in, but if you have that mindset, then you'll have a self-fulfilling prophecy. It's like, 'Alright, how do we problem solve?' And don't forget to be excited. It's awesome to be a part of the playoffs, and don't lose that joy either. We've got to go and execute and make plays and put up touchdowns and go win this game."
Wilson is 9-7 in 16 playoff starts, which doesn't sound great until you consider his nine playoff wins are the second-most of any quarterback in this year's field behind only Patrick Mahomes (15). He's also one of just 17 quarterbacks in NFL history with more than 10 playoff starts who is at least two games over .500.
The nine playoff wins are tied for eighth-most in NFL history.
Playoff wins don't come easily, as Baltimore's Lamar Jackson knows all too well. Despite being a two-time league MVP, he's just 2-4 in the postseason.
Wilson is 3-1 in Wild Card weekend games alone.
"I've been fortunate to play a lot of playoff games, a lot of moments, and I think to be able to use that experience and to talk to guys about what it feels like, what it is, and the moments that can forever change your life," Wilson said. "So, we're living it. We're right in the middle of it right now, and we're excited about that opportunity to go show who we can be. And again, that's the fun part of it."
It's also understanding the gravity of the situation and knowing that anything that needs to be done, any play that hasn't been utilized or any player that can help lead to victory is in play.
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"We're not going to leave anything left, no stone left unturned," Smith said. "It's what the playoffs are. You get through the drama, the ups and downs of the season, and however you shake it, you're in a single-elimination tournament. I use that analogy. Let's burn the boats, because you've got to win to stay in, survive and advance. And so we'll use everything at our disposal, assuming it's the appropriate thing to do."
That doesn't mean to expect the Steelers to come out and try a bunch of crazy things, but utilizing a play they've been saving for a special moment, or backup quarterback Justin Fields in situations isn't that.
"I don't think I'm going to put the wishbone in and open the game with seven double-reverse passes," said Smith. "No, we're not going to do anything like that. That's stupid. But just some things that were probably working well for us early, they haven't trended that way. I'm not going to die on that hill. So that's kind of what I mean."
Wilson understands that as well as anyone.
He just wants to win and advance.
"I think that there's some things that we're doing really well, and we want to make sure we focus on those things and do those things and make sure that we multiply that a few times over," Wilson said. "I think that's a big thing.
"I think the most important thing is us being able to execute certain moments and doing that at a high level. And that's the opportunity we get, and this is our chance to do it, and we're excited about that, and I think that's our focus. Let's keep repeating the things we're doing well and get rid of anything that's not so good. I think that we've got a chance to do that."
