Two weeks ago, 0-16 was a common prediction for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The offense was abysmal, no running game to be found. The defense was even worse, creating ZERO turnovers over the first four games.
Over those first four games, Pittsburgh averaged a scorching 72 yards per game. That was good for 30th in the league.
There were also strange rumors surrounding Offensive Coordinator Todd Haley, including losing respect from key players, like wide receiver Antonio Brown.
But the defense was even worse in some cases, despite misleading statistics. They produced no turnovers or defensive touchdowns, which has been an occurring theme for the Steelers over the last few seasons.
It seemed like the sky was falling, and there was no way of preventing it. The season was over in every possible way.
And then the Pittsburgh Steelers rolled into East Rutherford to face the revitalized New York Jets. Rookie QB Geno Smith looked to be settling in more and more.
But that game turned into a defensive struggle, a battle of the kickers. The first and only touchdown of the game did not come until Big Ben threw a 65-yard bomb to Emmanuel Sanders.
It was not pretty, but they claimed their first win; on the road, nonetheless.
Then came the week that Steelers’ fans know all too well. Ravens Week.
Call it whatever you want, this game was probably going to be the turning point of the season. Either the Steelers would be looking ahead to April’s draft or looking ahead to the Oakland Raiders, seeking a third straight victory.
This rivalry lived up to its billing, a physical battle with mutual feelings of bitterness.
With the game tied and two minutes left in the fourth quarter, Big Ben methodically drove the Steelers down the field to the Ravens’ 25-yard line.
It came down to the leg of Shaun Suisham. A 42-yard field goal stood in the way of a perfect 14-14 on the year.
To the surprise of few, he split the uprights.
Just like that, everything went from embarrassment to jubilation.
Expectations went from 1-15 to 11-5 in that instant. Albeit, neither are realistic, but that’s why they’re called fans.
Inside the organization, it’s a week-by-week basis of getting back to Steeler football, and, if these past two weeks were any indication, the future looks bright.
The Steelers travel to Oakland this Sunday to face the 2-4 Raiders.
