5 greatest backup quarterbacks in Pittsburgh Steelers history

5. Mike Kruczek

Mike Kruczek was a second-round pick by the Steelers in the 1976 draft despite the Steelers having just won its second straight Super Bowl with Terry Bradshaw under center. Still, the expectation was that it was still Bradshaw's team and that this selection was both insurance and a kick in the pants for Bradshaw to take his game to another level.

That was until Kruczek became the starter in Week 6 after the Steelers started 1-4. Pittsburgh proceeded to rip off nine straight wins to close the season and make the playoffs. Kruzcek started six of those games, setting the mark for the most wins by a quarterback to start a career.

Ironically, Kruczek was the peak definition of a game manager. Kruczek didn't throw a single touchdown for the Steelers that season (in fact, he didn't throw a single touchdown pass in his five-year NFL career.) The Steel Curtain defense relinquished just 19 points in those six games, and 16 of them came against the Oilers. To be clear, the Steelers defense gave up just one touchdown when Kruczek was the starting quarterback.

Eat your heart out 2000 Ravens.

Kruczek only threw for more than 150 yards once and had three interceptions during his run. Bradshaw took back command of the starting role to lead the Steelers into the playoffs. Over the next three seasons, Kruzcek threw just 38 more passes for the Black and Gold.