The Pittsburgh Steelers have etched another significant milestone in their storied history, elevating their season record to 9-3 following a decisive victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. This achievement underscores the franchise’s extraordinary consistency, marking their 21st consecutive season without a losing record. This impressive feat places them alongside the 1965-85 Dallas Cowboys for the longest such streak in NFL history.
The origins of this remarkable run trace back to 2004, a pivotal year for the Steelers. It was the year they drafted quarterback Ben Roethlisberger as the 11th overall pick. Roethlisberger quickly demonstrated his potential by securing victories in his first 15 regular-season starts across 2004 and 2005. During his rookie year, the team was led by head coach Bill Cowher, who laid the foundations for what would become an era of enduring success.
Mike Tomlin assumed the head coaching role following Cowher and has steadily guided the team through 18 non-losing seasons since. Tomlin’s tenure has been marked by the ability to steer the team through turbulent waters, such as overcoming an ominous 0-4 start in 2013 and a challenging position at 5-8 late in both the 2013 and 2022 seasons, maintaining the team’s non-losing record streak each time.
Consistent Dominance
The Steelers’ dominance over their division rivals is a testament to their consistent excellence. Since 2004, they boast a remarkable 62-19-1 record against the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals. This era of excellence has seen three players inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, accentuating the talent that has graced the team’s roster.
The Steelers have also graced the Super Bowl three times since the streak’s onset, appearing in 2005, 2008, and 2010, capturing victories in 2005 and 2008. However, despite this storied past, they are currently in a stretch of seven seasons without a playoff victory, a drought they aim to end soon.
The franchise has recorded the best results in games decided by a single score since 2004, a statistic that underscores their grit under pressure. Their defense has been a cornerstone of their success, leading the league in scoring and total defense since the streak began in 2004, and accumulating the most sacks in the same period.
Even with formidable defensive showings, the longest losing spell the Steelers faced during this streak was a five-game slide back in 2009. Yet, their resilience shone through, maintaining competitiveness in every season. Of note, they have played as underdogs in 62 games, winning 58 of those contests, illustrating their ability to rise to the occasion against the odds.
A New Era Beckons
With the era of Ben Roethlisberger now in the rearview mirror, the team has ushered in a new chapter with Kenny Pickett, drafted to be Roethlisberger’s successor. Though still crafting his narrative, Pickett has stumbled with the lowest touchdown pass percentage in NFL history among quarterbacks with at least 500 attempts. However, the Steelers’ leadership remains committed to allowing him the space to develop into their next franchise quarterback.
The legacy of the Steelers is further enriched by familial connections, such as Joey Porter and his son, Joey Porter Jr., both donning the black and gold during their respective careers. This familial continuity highlights the storied nature of the Steelers' organization, as they continue to weave new chapters in their illustrious history.
It's a testament to the franchise's strength and vision that, despite the churn and evolution inherent in professional sports, over 450 players have contributed to this incredible streak. Yet, no active NFL player was on the field back in 2004 when this exceptional run of non-losing seasons started, a clear testament to the team’s enduring focus and adaptation.
The Steelers' ability to outperform preseason Over-Under win total predictions in 14 of the past 20 seasons is a clear indication of their consistent outperformance of external expectations. The enduring presence of the Steelers as a perennial powerhouse serves as a beacon of stability in the ever-turbulent seas of NFL seasons.
The Pittsburgh Steelers, with their eye towards continuing this unparalleled streak of success, remain a formidable force within the NFL. With the support of their fervent fan base and a history of turning adversity into opportunity, the Steelers have laid the groundwork for continued triumphs. The legacy set by players, coaches, and the entire organization propels them not only to maintain their historic streak but to once again reach the pinnacle of NFL success.