4 potential Steelers road victories in the COVID sports era

James Washington #13 of the Pittsburgh Steelers (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
James Washington #13 of the Pittsburgh Steelers (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)

The Pittsburgh Steelers have had their share of memorable road wins. Here are four potential road victories they could pull off in 2020.

The 2020 NFL season has an added layer of complexity this year in the form of the Coronavirus. Indeed, all teams will face challenges trying to keep players and personnel safe. The Pittsburgh Steelers are no exception. However, the most significant change to game dynamics will be the lack of fans.

The lack of fans certainly detracts from the momentum a team can gain after making a huge play. The Seattle Seahawks for years have relied on their “12th man”. The Seattle crowd noise has impacted many games in their team’s history. Ironically, in this new era of fanless football, the Pittsburgh Steelers could find a silver lining. They have a chance at winning four away games in stadiums they have had problems of winning in the past.

Steelers @ Titans

The first game would be in Tennessee. Since the Houston Oilers moved to Tennessee in 1998, the Steelers have not played very well there. They have only managed three wins and seven losses, with two of their victories in 2010 and 2014. Quite possibly without fans in the stands, this could be a game the Steelers could snag a win. Although, keeping Derrick Henry corralled will not be an easy task.

Steelers @Cowboys

Another potential victory could be at Dallas. The Dallas offense is more than capable of scoring big points. Led by Dak Prescott with Ezekiel Elliott in the backfield and Amari Cooper and CeeDee Lamb at the wideouts, the Steel Curtain defense will face challenges.

That said, the Steelers in Dallas are 6-9 since 1960. Winning in Dallas has never been easy. Pittsburgh’s last away win came in 2004 and are 2-3 since 1982. Though the Cowboys intend to have fans in the seats this year, if they don’t, the Steelers could steal a win here – albeit not an easy one.

Steelers @ Giants

Another road game Pittsburgh could snag a quick victory would be in New York. The Giants only went 4-12 in 2019, and Eli Manning retired. It would seem unlikely the Giants would make another Superbowl run in 2020.

Still, the Steelers have had their share of misfortunes playing the Giants on the road. Since 1933 Pittsburgh is only 16-22 in New York. Though their best success has been since 1985 going 3-2 over that span. However, playing in front of the New York crowd is always daunting. Without fans, the Steelers could improve their win-loss record there.

Steelers @ Ravens

Finally, the last game they could snag a victory would be the most impressive. Beating Baltimore on the road is always highly coveted by fans. Although, Lamar Jackson’s reign as the Ravens quarterback makes beating the Baltimore on their home turf daunting at best.

The Steelers have never played their best football in Baltimore either. Since 1996 they have gone  11-13. Their best stretch came between 1997-2002 winning six straight games. Since 2003 they are 5-12 in the Raven’s nest. However, Baltimore loses a huge advantage when their faithful fans who hate the black and gold with a passion are not in the stands.

Hopefully, 2021 will have fans back in the stands. However, if fanless football continues beyond 2020 here are some other stadiums Pittsburgh could win where they usually end up losing. The Los Angeles Rams have never lost at home to Pittsburgh. The Steelers are 0-10, including two wins as the Cleveland Rams. However, the Ram’s did lose two home games; however, those came when they played in St. Louis. In Chicago, Pittsburgh is 1-12 since 1936 and in Seattle where Pittsburgh is only 1-7 since 1981.

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