The Pittsburgh Steelers started the season 11-0 and were the last undefeated team left in the league. They lost three out of their last four regular season games and finished first in the NFC North and had the third seed in the AFC. They were knocked out of the playoffs in the first round by their division rival, the Cleveland Browns. The Steelers trailed the Browns in the first quarter 28-0. The most surprising loss this season for the Steelers game on Monday night when they played the Cincinnati Bengals and lost 27-17. Quarterback, Ben Rothlisburger, only threw for 19 yards in the first half. Their offense turned the ball over four times. The Steelers have only played five teams who finished with a record over .500. They lost their regular season game to the Cleveland Browns 24-22. However the Steelers were resting most of their starters since they have already clinched a playoff spot and the division. The last time the Steelers had a healthy team against the Browns, the Steelers won 38-7.

The Steelers defense shined this season. Linebacker T.J Watt led the league in sacks this season with 15. The Steelers defensive unit has had a sack in 73 straight regular season games, which is an NFL record. They had a total of 56 sacks in 2020. Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick led the team in interceptions this season with four. The Steelers wide receivers were a bright spot on the Steelers offense this season. Dionte Johnson, Juju Smith-Schuster and Chase Claypool all had over 800 receiving yards and over six receiving touchdowns. However the Steelers run game was not as successful. The Steelers leading rusher James Connor only rushed for 721 yards and averaged 4.3 yards per rush. A championship team should be able to run the ball efficiently. The 2019 49ers were a prime example of that last season even though they came up short in the Super Bowl. They had three players who rushed for over 500 yards last season.

The Steelers had a very easy schedule this season. They were exposed when they had to play top tier teams like the Bills. The 11-0 start may just have been a fluke, but fans can still look forward to their star studded defense back out on the field next year at full strength. They have a bright future with wide receivers Chase Claypool and Juju Smith-Schuster. Ben Rothlisberger’s age looks like it is catching up to him. The 17 year veteran threw for four picks in the Steelers wild card loss to the Browns. Ben’s contract expires this year so it is a strong possibility the Steelers decide to move on from him.