The Steelers suffer from a case of ‘Tom Brady syndrome’

Steelers 2021

Now, look at the Steelers. In 2020 they plowed along until the wheels fell off the wagon. Roethlisberger had critics who said he had a noticeable decline in talent despite their record. Then others made excuses; it wasn’t his problem; the Steelers’ running game was putrid. Ironically both were right. However, the solution was not a first-round running back.

Yet the Steelers worked to renegotiate Ben’s contract, giving T.J. Watt a new contract, and promptly drafted Najee Harris, assuming he would take pressure off the passing game. Deliberately making sure all the necessary talent surrounded Roethlisberger. Perhaps it might have worked, but the tactic came at the expense of the offensive line. Thus they are in third place in the AFC North and fighting for a wild card spot. Yet this is not the first time the Steelers have been in this rodeo.

Steelers 1983

The Steelers, not wanting to give up on the man who led them to four titles, perhaps made the biggest blunder in team history. In 1983 Terry Bradshaw, then 34, was still recovering from a severe elbow injury sustained in 1982. Pitt Star Dan Marino was still on the board, and the Steelers opted for Gabe Rivera. He ended up only playing six games total.

All the while, the Steelers forced Bradshaw back into a must-win game against the Jets late in the season; he then reinjured his elbow and promptly retired. Following his retirement, they tried their luck with Cliff Stoudt until the upstart USFL poached him. Then they went way too long with Mark Malone, who had marginal talent at best. Then it took them 21 seasons before finally deciding to draft a quarterback in the first round.