Throwback Thursday: Hardest losses to accept in Steelers history
Steel City Underground takes fans back in time to feature events, special moments, and historical times and players in the world of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Steelers Nation. Join us as we revisit these moments in our “Steelers Throwback Thursday” series.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are one of the most successful teams in the history of the National Football League (NFL). Founded in 1933, the team has won numerous titles and captured the attention of millions of fans. However, like any other team, the Steelers have had their ups and downs. In this article, we take a look at some of the hardest losses for fans to accept in the club’s history; games that have left a deep mark in the hearts of those who cheer-on the black and gold.
When the Steelers suffer major losses, it’s always a tragedy for fans. The disappointment of less-than-stellar performances dampens the mood, and the letdown can last for years.
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Super Bowl XXX
One of the most painful moments for Steelers fans occurred in Super Bowl XXX, which took place on January 28, 1996. The team faced-off against the Dallas Cowboys. The Steelers started the game with a strong attitude and good momentum, but eventually suffered a 27-17 defeat. The key moment was an interception late in the game that allowed the Cowboys to secure their lead and hold on. This game symbolised a big setback for the Steelers, who had not been able to win a title since 1979.
AFC Championship Game loss to Patriots after 2001 season
The Steelers finished the 2001 NFL regular season with a 13-3 record and, after a thorough beating of the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Divisional Game, were home at Heinz Field as the No. 1 seed, and a heavy favorite against the visiting New England Patriots for the AFC Championship. Bill Belichick (before anything was known about ‘Spygate’ or ‘Deflategate’) had his team more prepared than anyone truly understood.
The Steelers defense got off to a hot start, with Aaron Smith sacking Tom Brady, but the Patriots defense had quarterback Kordell Stewart‘s number. Even after Brady was forced out of the game due to injury, Drew Bledsoe entered and kept New England moving offensively. Special teams allowed a Patriots punt return for a touchdown just before halftime. In a last ditch effort in the final minutes of the game, Stewart was intercepted by Lawyer Milloy; it was Slash’s third INT on the day. The Patriots walked away with a 24-17 victory.
Losing in the playoffs to Jacksonville
The Steelers reached the playoffs again following the 2017 regular season, but their Super Bowl dreams were crushed by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the divisional round. The game ended, 45-42 in favour of the Jaguars, and the loss was one of the most memorable in the team’s history.
Although the famed “Killer B’s” – Ben Roethlisberger, Antonio Brown, and Le’Veon Bell – were fully engaged, the Steelers defense couldn’t get a sack on Blake Bortles, and Jaguars running back Leonard Fournette kept chewing up yardage and pounding into the end zone (three rushing touchdowns).
If the game hasn’t been so close, the letdown for Steelers fans might not have been such a difficult pill to swallow.
Super Bowl XLV
The Steelers entered the championship game with a 12-5 record as three-point favorites on February 6, 2011. What set this Super Bowl apart was that the game featured two title-abundant franchises. The Steelers held the most Super Bowl championships (6) while the Packers had nine championships prior to the Super Bowl era and 3 Super Bowl championships. It was the league-tying eighth Super Bowl appearance for Pittsburgh.
The game was dominated by Green Bay, early, who jumped to a 21–3 lead before Pittsburgh cut it down to 21–10 just before halftime. Then, after the teams exchanged touchdowns, the Steelers cut their deficit to 28–25 midway through the fourth quarter when wide receiver Mike Wallace caught a 25-yard touchdown reception from Roethlisberger (the PAT was good). But, the Packers answered with Mason Crosby‘s 23-yard field goal with 2:07 remaining, and the Green Bay defense prevented Pittsburgh from scoring on their final drive of the game.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have experienced many ups and downs in their long history. Each of these losses has left its mark on the hearts of fans and has become part of the team’s legacy. Despite the tough moments, the Steelers continue to be one of the most popular and respected teams in the NFL. Steelers Nation will always cheer for their team to be champions and, ultimately, it has been through hardships that the strength and character of true champions, like the Steelers, have been built.
