It's been a consistent talking point among fans and the media that the Steelers' brand of football is outdated. Their smash-mouth, ball-control offensive approach and reliance on the defense used to be a viable strategy for winning at the highest level. Sure, having Ben Roethlisberger at quarterback gave them the ability to be more explosive offensively when needed, but it was still about the run game and defense when the Steelers were at their best.
With the rise of the passing game over the last decade, defenses became less reliable, and rushing success became less and less important. Sure, being able to run the ball when it made sense was a must, but overall offenses were leaning on their QBs more than ever.
Recently, however, we have seen a noticeable shift back in the other direction. Run games have been more effective, defenses have often dominated, and quarterbacks are struggling to adjust to some of the new defensive schemes around the league.
Now more so than in recent years, the Steelers' ugly style of football could be just what they need to break their playoff win drought.
With the offense trending up, Steelers ceiling remains to be seen
The Steelers ceiling as a team has been well-defined going into each season for quite some time. Nine-ish wins, maybe a playoff game where they are overmatched, a defense that is let down by the offense, etc. Wash, rinse, repeat. Even with their offensive approach remaining similar this season, the shift in philosophy across the league has changed their outlook.
Defense is back, and the Steelers are no exception. They are giving up just 8.7 points a game through three weeks, and the teams they have played have averaged 22.2 points in their other games. With the defense thoroughly dominating the opposition, the offense has played their usual conservative style.
Even that has a different feel to it, with QB Justin Fields playing at a much higher level than we saw from any recent Steelers starters. He has settled in as a precision passer with the threat of taking off for big gains at any moment, and it has allowed the offense to sustain drives and keep the defense fresh.
Will this strategy work as well against their tougher opponents late in the season? It's hard to say, but the possibility is far higher than it's been in years. Mike Tomlin could end up getting the last laugh by sticking to his roots.