Whether you realize it or not, Steelers fans received a gift in the way the 2019 season turned out. Here’s why Pittsburgh’s season was more than just a lost cause.
The Steelers were at the center of misfortune at the start of the 2019 season. After an offseason highlighted by the antics of former receiver Antonio Brown, Pittsburgh was ready to move on and prove they could win without him. However, an injury to Ben Roethlisberger drove the nail in the coffin for the Steelers season.
But whether you realize it or not, Pittsburgh really received the ultimate gift this year.
When most organizations lose their franchise quarterback for the season, it’s a tough and painful road for football fans. Though millions of faithful followers will still tune in every weekend to watch their team take the field, it’s typically a sad and desolate road that leads to nowhere when your franchise quarterback is watching from the sidelines.
We have seen this with other teams in years past. After a spectacular 12-4 season from the Dallas Cowboys in 2014, Tony Romo missed a majority of the season the following year. Led by a group of misfit quarterbacks in Matt Cassell, Kellen Moore, and Brandon Weeden, Dallas went just 1-11 after a 3-1 start with Romo at the helm – ultimately finishing the season 4-12.
The Green Bay Packers suffered the same fate in 2017. While quarterback Aaron Rodgers began the season with a 4-3 record, the Packers won just 3 of their next 9 games with Brett Hundley at the helm.
No, it hasn’t been easy watching Mason Rudolph and Devlin Hodges take the field at times this season – especially knowing how well this team could have done with a healthy Ben Roethlisberger leading the charge. However, in the midst of all the adversity the Steelers were forced to overcome this season, they managed to make it through without a losing record – extending that streak to 16 consecutive years.
Mike Tomlin and his crew are largely responsible for upholding such lofty expectations. Steelers fans have come accustomed to winning, and we are incredibly fortunate to see yet another respectable season after the injuries Pittsburgh suffered this year.
Regardless of whether or not Pittsburgh can somehow find themselves in the playoffs this year, we can rest assured that the Rooney family, the front office, and the Steelers coaching staff will do everything in their power to make sure their franchise remains one of the best and most competitive groups each year. This is a gift we can all be thankful for.