Pittsburgh Steelers Continue Legacy of Excellence
The Pittsburgh Steelers have once again etched their name in the annals of NFL history by securing their 21st consecutive season without a losing record. With a decisive victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, the Steelers improved their season record to 9-3, reinforcing their reputation as one of the most resilient franchises in football.
This remarkable streak, which began in 2004, has now tied the Steelers with the 1965-85 Dallas Cowboys for the longest such run in NFL history. The inception of this era of consistency coincided with the drafting of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger as the 11th overall pick, marking the beginning of a new chapter under the leadership of then head coach Bill Cowher.
Roethlisberger's immediate impact was profound. He won his first 15 regular-season starts through 2004 and 2005, setting the tone for what would become a legacy of success. Under Cowher and then Mike Tomlin, who assumed the mantle in 2007, the Steelers have maintained this streak, with Tomlin joining the elite ranks by achieving 18 straight non-losing seasons as head coach.
Even when faced with challenging situations, such as their ominous 0-4 start in 2013, the Steelers have displayed an indomitable spirit. In both 2013 and 2022, they struggled mid-season, standing at 5-8, but managed to secure non-losing records each time. This resilience has contributed to an impressive cumulative record against AFC North rivals, with a 62-19-1 tally against teams like the Browns and Bengals since 2004.
Throughout this era, the Steelers made Super Bowl appearances in 2005, 2008, and 2010, emerging victorious in 2005 and 2008. These triumphs, paired with their outstanding defensive performances — boasting the most sacks and the top scoring and total defense since 2004 — underscore the franchise's commitment to excellence.
Such success, however, has been a collective effort. With contributions from over 450 players, the Steelers have maintained their high standards through dynamic team play and strategic acumen. Notably, three players from this era have been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, a testament to the caliber of talent that has donned the black and gold.
Despite this success, the team has faced its share of challenges, including a stretch of seven seasons without a playoff victory. Nevertheless, their striking record in games decided by a single score since 2004 highlights their ability to perform under pressure. Strikingly, the Steelers have played 62 games as underdogs, emerging victorious in 58 of these encounters.
The Steelers have also been a thorn in the side of odds-makers, outperforming preseason Over-Under win total predictions in 14 of the past 20 seasons. This consistent defiance of expectations speaks volumes about their organizational strength and foresight, even as they transition to new leaders like Kenny Pickett, who was drafted to succeed Ben Roethlisberger.
As the Steelers look to the future, there are both challenges and opportunities ahead. Pickett, while talented, faces the daunting task of building on Roethlisberger's legacy. He currently holds the lowest touchdown pass percentage in NFL history among quarterbacks with a minimum of 500 attempts, highlighting an area ripe for improvement.
The narrative of the Steelers is rich with family connections and history. The presence of Joey Porter and his son, Joey Porter Jr., both serving the team, bridges the past and future. As one era of Steelers glory gives way to another, the enduring spirit instilled by Tomlin and the longstanding fraternity of players promises continued success.
No active NFL player today was on the field in 2004 when this streak began, yet the ethos of those years permeates the locker room. As the Steelers continue to write this extraordinary chapter, their hallmark resilience and unyielding pursuit of excellence remain their guiding principles.