Following the Miami Dolphins' Week 14 defeat to the Kansas City Chiefs, the Steelers earned a postseason berth for the first time since 2017 and clinched their first AFC North championship since 2017 with a Week 16 victory against the Indianapolis Colts. The season saw the return quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who had been out for 14 games the previous season. He responded by throwing for 2,071 yards and 18 touchdowns against eight interceptions.
Prior to the 2018 season, the Steelers were predicted to finish second in their division behind the Browns. Instead, they finished ahead of both teams - providing some relief for long-time fan bases in Pittsburgh and Cleveland that are still smarting from recent losing streaks. The Steelers opened up the year with victories over the Ravens and Jaguars before falling to the Patriots in New England. Their campaign came to an end at MetLife Stadium where they lost to the Giants. With the win, New York clinched its first winning record in five years - and also won the NFC East.
The 2019 season was marked by controversy as quarterback Mason Rudolph was sacked seven times in his first game in a Steeler uniform. However, he would go on to lead the team to a 9-7 record and fourth place finish in the AFC North. This marks the Steelers' highest finish in the conference since 2007 when they also finished with a 9-7 record. They will play the Los Angeles Chargers in the Wild Card round.
Pittsburgh has made the playoffs nine times - most recently in 2016.
Following the Steelers' finest playoff run in 42 years, the club became the first in the franchise's 42-year history to win a league title. The Steelers seemed to be in terrific form following two playoff appearances, finishing the preseason as the NFL's only unbeaten team. They started the season 13-0 before losing their final game of the 1973 season at Miami. The following year they won their second straight championship after defeating Oakland in the playoffs.
The Steelers have had only two losing seasons during this period and have won at least 10 games every year except 1971 when they finished with 9 wins and 7 losses.
They have also made the postseason every year except 1970 when they fell one game short of making it to the Super Bowl. Last year was their sixth trip to the playoffs since 1972 and first since 2010. The Steelers are now 3-3 in those postseasons.
Their last Super Bowl appearance came in 1969 when they lost to San Francisco 24-7.
The Steelers have always been known for their powerful offensive line and Hall of Fame quarterback Terry Bradshaw was no exception as he led the team to multiple championships. Bradshaw went over 200 passes without an interception during these years and has already become one of the most prolific quarterbacks in NFL history. He is also among the top 5 all time in yards passing with 23,144 yards scored.
The Steelers remained unbeaten after completing a season sweep of their AFC North foe Ravens on Wednesday (yes, Wednesday). The Steelers, the NFL's last unbeaten club, now hold a one-game lead over the reigning champion Chiefs in the fight for the AFC's top slot.
They've done it before, and they could do it again this year. Here's how: Win your division. That's it! No need to win any more games than that. As long as you meet that minimum requirement, you're in great shape going into the playoffs.
In 1964, the Steelers went 15-0 and won the championship. In 1998, the Cowboys also went 15-0 but lost the title game to the Giants. So yes, an undefeated season has been accomplished before. It can be done again this year if the Steelers remain undefeated after finishing their regular season this week against the Browns.
Here are the other teams still standing: Patriots, Packers, Seahawks, Broncos. Yes, even though they both lost this week, the 49ers can still make some noise in the race by beating the Cardinals next week. And then there's Dallas... The Cowboys lost tonight but they have a chance to beat Philadelphia next week so they're not out of the running yet. Heck, they might even get back in it if Seattle loses its final two games.
With the Dolphins' loss against the Chiefs, the Pittsburgh Steelers clinched a playoff spot in 2020. This means they will be heading to New York for a match up against the undefeated Patriots.
The playoffs will be held on January 12th at 8:15 PM EST on NBC. The winner will advance to play the Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl 50. The Steelers have made it past the first round of the playoffs each of the last three years, losing to the Jaguars in 2019 and beating the Browns in 2018 and 2016.
Pittsburgh has also made the postseason eight out of the last nine years, going 90-60 during that span. They are one win away from reaching 1000 in their franchise history.
They'll need some help getting there, as there's no way out of the top seed with a record of 9-1. However, they do have some tough games left against Baltimore and Cleveland before the season's out. If they can get through those, then sure, anything's possible.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have had a turbulent 2020 NFL season. Despite all of COVID-19's difficulties, this squad managed to win its first 11 games. The Steelers play their first playoff game since the 2017 season this week, and they do it in practically full health. They'll be heading into January with plenty of momentum as they look to defend their title.
Pittsburgh has always been an offensive powerhouse, but under head coach Mike Tomlin they've really taken advantage of the extra year to prepare for next season. Running back Miles Sanders is a perfect example - he rushed for more than 1,000 yards this year before being lost for the season with a knee injury. He should be back in time for training camp in July.
They may not have Ben Roethlisberger for the start of the season due to retirement, but there's no doubt that they will be just as dangerous without him. Antonio Brown is still very much alive in NFL history, having scored 100 or more points nine times in his career so far. He'll be looking to continue his amazing run right after Big Ben goes down for the year.
Even though they're done playing this season, don't count out these Steelers just yet. With Tomlin at the helm and their roster filled with young talent, there's no reason why Pittsburgh shouldn't be considered one of the top teams in football again soon.
Copyright © 2020 - 2023 Sportsmanist Inc.
