A dominant defense, an offense built on a strong running game, and a steady start to a promising yet uncertain season—these are familiar themes for the Pittsburgh Steelers. While Mike Tomlin and Russell Wilson haven’t experienced this exact scenario before, the franchise has certainly been here.
Fifty years ago, the original “Steel Curtain” defense, led by Joe Greene, was in its prime, with Franco Harris and Rocky Bleier providing a powerful running game. Rookie wide receivers Lynn Swann and John Stallworth gave the passing attack a spark. Despite an impressive 4-1-1 record in the first six weeks of the season, something felt off. Quarterback Joe Gilliam, who had started the season after Terry Bradshaw’s preseason injury, struggled with 4 touchdowns and 8 interceptions. This prompted Coach Chuck Noll to turn back to Bradshaw and even briefly consider third-stringer Terry Hanratty.
The uncertainty at quarterback could have fractured the team, and it nearly did—Greene even nearly quit after a loss to the Houston Oilers. Yet, by season’s end, Bradshaw settled in, and the Steelers won their first Super Bowl.
When asked about that challenging season during a 50th-anniversary celebration of the 1974 team, Hall of Fame receiver Swann smiled. “Chuck was going to do what Chuck was going to do,” he recalled. “As players, we just had to do our jobs for whoever the quarterback was. I caught my first career touchdown from Joe, and I was just as comfortable with Terry or Hanratty.”
Now, in 2024, linebacker Patrick Queen expressed a similar sentiment about the Steelers’ current quarterbacks, Wilson and Justin Fields. “We have faith in both of those guys,” Queen said. “Justin did a great job, and Russ has come in and done a great job. We know whoever’s back there, they’ll give us a chance to win.”
Wilson, in his first regular-season game in 10 months, showed glimpses of what Tomlin and first-year offensive coordinator Arthur Smith envision. He completed 16 of 29 passes for 264 yards, threw two touchdowns, and ran for another. Wide receiver George Pickens had 111 yards and his first touchdown of the season, while running back Najee Harris topped 100 yards for the second straight week. The Steelers scored over 30 points for the second consecutive game—something they hadn’t done since 2020.
Winning convincingly has a way of silencing doubts. “We’re having fun playing ball,” Wilson said after the game. “We’re having fun practicing and being around one another, and Coach Tomlin believes in all of us.”
What’s working for the Steelers is the development of a “block culture.” The defense has blocked a kick in three straight games, with defensive tackle Dean Lowry deflecting a field goal attempt that would have brought the Jets within five. The offense capitalized with a 75-yard touchdown drive, sealing the win.
However, slow starts continue to be a problem. The Steelers have only one first-quarter touchdown through seven games. Falling behind early against playoff-caliber teams in the second half of the season could be risky for a team that relies on getting ahead and letting its defense control the game.
Stock up: Beanie Bishop, initially brought in as a fill-in at slot cornerback, has impressed with his fearless play, including two interceptions in the win against the Jets—both of which set up touchdowns. Even when Cam Sutton returns from suspension, Bishop is likely to keep a role in the defense.
Stock down: Tomlin’s critics. The Steelers’ longtime head coach could have opted to stick with Fields, who had performed well in his stint as the starter. But Tomlin recognized the need to elevate the offense to contend in the AFC, even if that meant turning to Wilson.
Injuries: Defensive tackle Montravius Adams left the game with a knee injury, and cornerback Donte Jackson suffered a shoulder injury in the second quarter.
Key number: 201—games played by Cam Heyward, tying the franchise record for most games played by a defensive player, a mark previously set by Hall of Fame cornerback Donnie Shell.
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