The Curse Of Winning 15 Games: Part 2: Steelers
15 wins in an NFL regular season. That's pretty hard.
Before the schedule expanded to 17 games, you would have to win 93.75% of your games. That's the equivalent of an MLB team winning 152 games. Yet, 9 teams have done it.
First, it had to be possible. The league expanded to 16 games in 1978. Today, we join the 2004 Steelers.
However, this story truly starts with the 2003 team. The Steelers went 6-10, which is their last losing season to date. They never won consecutive games, and their final loss was to the Ravens on the final week 13-10 in OT.
2004 NFL Draft. The Theater At Madison Square Garden. The Steelers sit at the 11th pick. The 2004 draft is credited as one of the greatest drafts ever.
1. Eli Manning-Chargers (yes, that's correct.)
2. Robert Gallery-Raiders
3. Larry Fitzgerald-Cardinals
4. Phillip Rivers-Giants
5. Sean Taylor-Redskins (you see my point now?)
6. Kellen Winslow II-Browns
7. Roy Williams-Lions
8. DeAngelo Hall-Falcons
9. Reggie Williams (no not that one)-Jaguars
10. Dunta Robinson-Texans
And finally, at the number 11 spot...
11. Ben Roethlisberger-Steelers
Now this 15 win season was special for one particular reason. They won Week 1 against the OAKLAND Raiders. They then lost 30-13 to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 2. Same old Steelers, probably going 8-8, with a rookie QB.
They then won 14 straight games and proceeded to end the season 15-1.
In Week 8, they ended the Patriots 21 games winning streak. In Week 9, they beat the Eagles in the Battle for Pennsylvania. They ended the undefeated seasons of two teams in back to back weeks. At home.
Simulating until the playoffs.
Divisional. The Steelers are hosting the Jets. The game was tied at 17. Doug Brein kick. 47 yards out. This will put them up 3 and most likely give them the win. Crossbar. No good. But then Roethlisberger threw an interception. Doug Brien. Another kick. This one WILL win it. 43 yards away. Wide left.
Overtime. The Jets didn't score, punt, Steelers put up a drive, Jeff Reed hits a 33 yard field goal to win the game.
AFC Championship. Patriots At Steelers.
Murder.
That's it.
Murder.
Never close.
41-27. It was 24-3 after the first half. The Steelers would only outscore them in the third quarter 14-7. The Steelers outscored the Patriots 24-17 in the second half. But um, that's not enough.
The 2005 Steelers would go 11-5 and climb through the AFC gauntlet to win Super Bowl XL against the Seahawks. They would get their happy ending after all.
EXIT STAGE LEFT: Steelers, Seahwaks
Enter: Patriots