PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers are showcasing a powerful defense and an offense that heavily leans on the running game as they embark on a promising season, despite some uncertainty surrounding their quarterback position.
This scenario is reminiscent of the Steelers’ past. Fifty years ago, the legendary “Steel Curtain” defense, led by Joe Greene, dominated the field. Franco Harris and Rocky Bleier formed a formidable running duo, while rookie receivers Lynn Swann and John Stallworth added much-needed depth to the passing game. However, despite a strong start with a 4-1-1 record in the first six weeks, coach Chuck Noll sensed something was off. Quarterback Joe Gilliam, who started the season after Terry Bradshaw’s preseason injury, struggled with four touchdowns and eight interceptions, prompting Noll to eventually revert to Bradshaw and even consider third-string quarterback Terry Hanratty.
The constant changes at the quarterback position threatened team cohesion. In a moment of frustration after a loss to the Houston Oilers, Greene nearly quit before being persuaded by wide receivers coach Lionel Taylor to stay. Eventually, Bradshaw found his rhythm, culminating in the Steelers clinching their first Super Bowl title.
Reflecting on that tumultuous season during a 50th-anniversary event for the 1974 team, Swann downplayed the challenges, focusing instead on the successful outcome. “Chuck was going to do what Chuck was going to do,” he said, noting the players’ commitment to their roles regardless of who was behind center.
Inside linebacker Patrick Queen shared a similar sentiment regarding current quarterbacks Wilson and Justin Fields. “We have got a lot of faith in both of those guys,” Queen asserted, confident in their ability to lead the team to victory.
Wilson’s return to the field after a 10-month hiatus was highlighted by a strong performance in his first regular-season game. He completed 16 of 29 passes for 264 yards, with two touchdown throws and a rushing touchdown. George Pickens contributed five catches for 111 yards and his first touchdown of the season, while Najee Harris surpassed 100 rushing yards for the second consecutive game. The Steelers scored over 30 points for the second week in a row, a feat not seen since 2020, alleviating prior concerns about Wilson disrupting the team’s momentum.
“We’re having fun playing ball,” Wilson expressed, appreciating the support from his teammates and Coach Tomlin.
One of the focal points of the Steelers’ strategy has been what Tomlin describes as a “block culture.” The team recorded a blocked kick for the third straight game when defensive tackle Dean Lowry thwarted a Jets field-goal attempt, which helped secure the game as the Steelers drove 75 yards for a touchdown on the next possession.
Nevertheless, the Steelers continue to grapple with sluggish starts, having scored just one first-quarter touchdown through seven games. This trend poses a risk as they face playoff-caliber teams in the latter part of the season.
Rookie cornerback Beanie Bishop has exceeded expectations while filling in for suspended Cam Sutton, showcasing fearless play and contributing two vital interceptions against Aaron Rodgers.
On the downside, Tomlin’s decision to shift between quarterbacks drew criticism, yet he remains focused on elevating the team’s performance to contend in the AFC.
Injury concerns arose as defensive tackle Montravius Adams left the game with a knee injury, and cornerback Donte Jackson sustained a shoulder injury.
Cam Heyward, a long-serving defensive tackle, recorded his 201st game, matching Hall of Famer Donnie Shell for the most career games played by a defensive player in franchise history.
The Steelers look to build on their recent success when they face the struggling New York Giants at home on “Monday Night Football.”