The Pittsburgh Steelers has been a staple of excellence in the National Football League for over 80 years. The organization has 6 Super Bowl trophies as well as 8 AFC titles and 23 Divisional championship. The organization rarely changes its coaching as the last three coaches (Chuck Noll, Bill Cowher and Mike Tomlin) account for 51 years at the position. This high level of patience is one of the reasons why this extraordinary franchise has been successful. The current regime led by Coach Tomlin is undefeated. Boasting a stingy and aggressive defense, this year’s success rest on the arm of veteran quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.
Coming off an injury where many football experts thought the savvy veteran would retire, the former Super Bowl champion has tweaked his overall game this season. Known having a “big arm” and headiness to make plays off schedule, the 2020 version of Big Ben has him getting rid of the football rather quickly. In fact, he’s delivering passes in 2.3 seconds. This allow quicker reads and getting the ball to Steelers’ playmakers while they are running in stride. No longer does Roethlisberger sit in the pocket and wait for the big play. His understanding of defenses and quick release is keeping opponent off their heels. His wide receiver corps is comprised of Pro Bowler JuJu Smith-Schuster, Diontae Johnson, free agent signing Eric Ebron and rookie sensation Chase Claypool who’s already has 10 touchdowns this season. Ben’s emergence has been key, but it’s the play of the team’s defense is why it’s undefeated.
“We stick to our standard,” Coach Tomlin states to the media following a road victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars. That standard is respecting your opponent; regardless of record and unleashing its top rated defense on the other team. The Steelers leads the league in sacks (38), takeaways (17), quarterback hurried and scoring defense . As the season goes along, this unit has simply gotten better. Cameron Heyward is playing at an All-Pro level. Ballhawk Minkah Fitzpatrick (int: 4) continues to be force in the secondary and the team’s edge rushers Bud Dupree (sacks: 8) and T. J. Watt (sacks: 9) are reckoning havoc on opponent’s offense.
The fact is that since Coach Tomlin took over as head coach in tbd, he’s never had a loosing record. Through the organization’s patience and commitment to excellence under this coach’s vision is why they are undefeated and in contention for this year’s Super Bowl. Defense wins championships and Steelers has the best in the business right now.
Cover photo: Streeter Lecka/Getty Images
