The Steelers get Week 9 off as they prepare for the second half of the season. Currently with a record of 6-2, there’s a lot of optimism around the team, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t any concerns to talk about.

Earlier this week, we polled fans about their confidence in the direction the team is heading, whether or not Pittsburgh is a playoff team, and whether the Steelers offense or defense is the most concerning. Here’s what they had to say:

Fans overwhelmingly believe the Steelers will make the playoffs

Despite a second half of the season that looks significantly tougher than the first, fans are incredibly confident that Pittsburgh will make the postseason. The math checks out — with a 6-2 record, the Steelers can afford to drop some matchups after their bye and still earn a playoff seed.

Still, that 95% is an unusually confident number,

Fans are more worried about offense than defense

…But it’s close. 57% of Steelers fans voted that the Pittsburgh offense is more concerning than the defense, while 43% are more worried by the latter. While most would agree that the Steelers’ defense is the better unit, the offense has been outperforming expectations recently while the star-studded defense hasn’t looked quite as watertight as it did earlier this season.

With the Steelers’ next two games against the Washington Commanders and Baltimore Ravens, its defense will have to step up to the challenge. And the offense needs to start turning field goals into touchdowns.

Fan confidence levels continue to rise

A whopping 93% of Steelers fans are confident in the direction of the team at midseason. Following a win last week over the New York Giants, confidence levels rose from 91% to 93%, surpassing the previous season high of 92% back before Week 3. The vibes are good in the Steel City.

Make sure to stay tuned to BTSC for Steelers news and discussion through the bye week.