5 best Thanksgiving games in Pittsburgh Steelers history

1991

The Steelers lost to the Cowboys in 1991 on Thanksgiving 20-10. This was an era where the Cowboys were pretty dominant. The Steelers lost four years later to the Cowboys in the Super Bowl in 1995 with Neil O’Donnell as the Steelers quarterback.

The 90s was a time when the running game was much more important and the Cowboys had Emmitt Smith as their running back. He has the rushing title and his career record of 18,355 yards may never be broken with how the game has evolved to a more passing centered league with rules that favor the passer.

The Cowboys had other stars like Michael Irvin and Troy Aikman. Passing was a part of the game, but at that time coaches wanted to establish the run to tire out the defense, and then that would open up the pass. Now teams pass first and use the run as misdirection.

Conclusion

The Steelers are a very successful franchise but haven’t had much success on Thanksgiving. That could all change Thursday as the Steelers will host the Ravens for the night game. It seems that Thanksgiving football has increased in the modern era and so that will be an opportunity for the Black & Gold to redeem themselves.

The Steelers have already lost to the Ravens on Thanksgiving and I bet the broadcast brings up the Jacoby Jones situation. Mike Tomlin is really coming into his own this year and building a successful career. Mike Tomlin will want to right the ship on his Thanksgiving reputation.