Pittsburgh Steelers Make History with 21st Non-Losing Season
The Pittsburgh Steelers have carved their name into NFL history, with their recent victory over the Cincinnati Bengals lifting them to a 9-3 record for the season. This win not only reflects their prowess on the field but also signifies a remarkable achievement—securing their 21st consecutive season without a losing record. With this feat, they tie with the legendary Dallas Cowboys of 1965-85 for the longest such streak in NFL history.
It all started back in 2004, an era rejuvenated by the drafting of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger as the 11th overall pick. Roethlisberger quickly became the cornerstone of the Steelers' offense, winning his first 15 regular-season starts over the 2004 and 2005 seasons. His immediate impact under the experienced guidance of then-head coach Bill Cowher and later Mike Tomlin, set the foundation for an unprecedented era of success in Pittsburgh.
Tomlin’s impact on the franchise cannot be overstated. Since taking over as head coach, he has remained a vigilant steward of the Steelers’ legacy, achieving 18 straight non-losing seasons. Despite a daunting 0-4 start in 2013, Tomlin and his squad managed to keep the streak alive, a feat repeated in 2022 when they clawed back from a precarious 5-8 position late in the season.
The Steelers’ domination is particularly evident in their division, boasting a 62-19-1 record against rivals the Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals since 2004. Their stellar performance, however, isn’t confined to their division. Pittsburgh has consistently defied odds, excelling in close contests and establishing the best record in games decided by a single score since 2004. They’ve consistently overwhelmed preseason win total predictions in 14 of the past 20 seasons.
Over this period, the Steelers’ defense became the bedrock of their success, leading the league in scoring defense, total defense, and sacks. Yet, as with any team, challenges persisted. Despite appearances in three Super Bowls during this era—2005, 2008, and 2010—resulting in two victories, the Steelers have faced a recent stretch of seven seasons without a playoff victory, highlighting the ever-competitive nature of the NFL.
The transition to the post-Roethlisberger era introduced new challenges. Kenny Pickett was drafted to take up the mantle from the veteran quarterback. Yet, under the intense scrutiny that accompanies replacing a legend, Pickett has struggled to make a significant breakthrough, bearing the lowest touchdown pass percentage in NFL history for quarterbacks with a minimum of 500 attempts.
Nonetheless, the Steelers’ culture of tenacity and resilience endures. This continuity is further embodied by the presence of Joey Porter Jr., who now dons the Steelers jersey like his father, Joey Porter, hinting at a legacy that spans generations.
An enduring testament to their success is the fact that no active NFL player remains from the year the streak began in 2004, a nod to the evolving nature of the league and the 450-plus players who have contributed to this journey. Each season brings a rotating cast of characters, yet the Steelers’ identity and ethos of excellence persist.
As the Steelers aim to further their legacy, fans and critics alike watch closely. The Pittsburgh faithful continue to hope for postseason success that mirrors their regular-season resilience, eager to transform these consistent performances into championship glory once more.