The Steelers’ loss at home to Washington late Monday afternoon marks Pittsburgh’s first loss in 344 days, dating back to December 29th, 2019.
With their loss, the Steelers dropped to 78-2-1 after having a 14 point lead. Their last loss after having a 14-3 halftime lead goes back to a loss to the New Orleans Saints on November 29th, 1987, when they lost 20-16.
Conversely, this was Washington’s first win in Pittsburgh in the last 10,613 days. Their previous victory goes back to November 17th, 1991. Of course, in this game, Washington also made six punts. The last time they beat the Steelers punting the ball at least six times goes back to October 26th, 1969, or 18,671 days.
Sacking the Opposition
When the Steelers sacked Alex Smith, they recorded their 69th consecutive game with a sack dating back to the 2016 season. The sack moved them into a tie with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who had 69 sacks from October 10th, 1999, through November 9th, 2003. They need sacks in eight more regular-season games to break the Detroit Lions record of 76 games with one sack or more from October 23rd, 1960 through November 25th, 1965.
If the Steelers finish the 2020 season with the most sacks they will become the first defense to have led the NFL in sacks over four seasons. In 2017 they had 56, 2018 they racked up 52; in 2019, they totaled 54, and they currently lead the NFL with 44 sacks.
NFL Elite
Despite losing Monday’s game, the Steelers are 11-1. Regardless of how Pittsburgh finishes the season, they will have a winning record. Mike Tomlin has not had a losing season in his 13 years as Steelers head coach. In his tenure, he has a winning percentage of .652. Tomlin trails only Don Shula at .667, Bill Belichek at .681, and George Halas at .682.
No Running Allowed
Monday’s game marks the first game in the NFL since December, 13th 2015, between Denver and Oakland, in which there have been 61 or fewer combined rushing yards. However, the Steelers have never had a game in their history with 61 or fewer combined rushing yards until their game with Washington.
Another Big Ben Milestone
With Roethlisberger’s 11-0 start, he is tied with Peyton Manning as the only other quarterback in NFL history to have two have a streak of 11 wins from the start of the season. Manning did it in 2005 and 2009. Roethlisberger did it in 2004 and 2020.
Not Following the Rules
The Steelers and Washington combined for a whopping 16 penalties in this contest. It’s the most in a game between the Steelers and Washington since a Pittsburgh victory on October 20th, 1963 in which they beat Washington 38-27.
As Pittsburgh’s Season progresses, they face the Buffalo Bills next Sunday night. which should prove to be an intriguing match up and playoff preview and one that is sure to produce more unusual statistics whether they win or lose.