Steelers Clinch Historic 21st Consecutive Non-Losing Season
The Pittsburgh Steelers have etched their name into the annals of NFL history, securing their 21st consecutive season without a losing record. With a decisive victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, they improved their season record to 9-3, tying the streak set by the legendary 1965-85 Dallas Cowboys.
This remarkable journey began in 2004, a year marked by the drafting of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger as the 11th overall pick. Roethlisberger, in his rookie season under head coach Bill Cowher, set an unprecedented tone by winning his first 15 regular-season starts between 2004 and 2005. His leadership set the Steelers on a path to sustained excellence, culminating in Super Bowl victories in 2005 and 2008, and another appearance in 2010.
The consistency of the Steelers can also be attributed to head coach Mike Tomlin, who has now achieved 18 straight non-losing seasons since taking the helm. Tomlin's resilience shone most brightly when the team faced bleak prospects, like their daunting 0-4 start in 2013. Even then, and again in 2022, when they found themselves 5-8 late in the season, Tomlin's guidance ensured the Steelers maintained their non-losing record streak.
Fastidious in close games, the Steelers boast the best record in games decided by a single score since 2004. Their ironclad defense has remained top of the league both in scoring and total defense over the years, amassing the most sacks in the NFL since 2004. Yet, their defensive dominance isn’t just confined to statistics. The Steelers have shown tenacity and heart, withstanding a formidable five-game losing streak back in 2009 to reinforce their resilience.
Throughout this historic period, Pittsburgh has carved a formidable reputation against division rivals, boasting a commanding 62-19-1 record over the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals. Despite this stronghold in regular season matchups, the Steelers face a dry spell of seven seasons without a playoff victory.
Interestingly, no active NFL player was on the field in 2004 when this monumental streak commenced. Over 450 players have contributed to sustaining this culture of excellence, establishing an enduring legacy as one of the NFL's most consistent franchises. The road ahead features new faces, with Kenny Pickett stepping in to succeed Ben Roethlisberger. While Pickett's journey is still unfolding, his initial struggle is highlighted by holding the lowest touchdown pass percentage in NFL history among quarterbacks with a minimum of 500 attempts.
The legacy isn't restricted to players alone. A unique father-son narrative threads through the timeline, with Joey Porter and his son, Joey Porter Jr., both having donned the Steelers jersey, representing a generational transition within the team's fabric.
Success for the Steelers is not just limited to the NFL stage. The franchise has consistently outperformed preseason Over-Under win total predictions in 14 of the past 20 seasons, a testament to their ability to exceed expectations under challenging circumstances.
As the Steelers continue to build on this legacy, the organization and its passionate fanbase look forward with hopeful anticipation. Whether setting records or nurturing new talent, the Pittsburgh Steelers remain entrenched as a beacon of sustained success in the NFL—proving again that in Pittsburgh, victory is as much a tradition as it is an expectation.