The New Pittsburgh Steeler Dynasty

Among the fans of all professional sports there is no more dedicated, die-hard and died-in-the-wool fan than the Terrible Towel waving Pittsburgh Steeler fan.  This unique breed is known for following their beloved Steelers from city to city.  It’s not uncommon to see these Steeler fanatics outnumber the “home crowd” at Steelers away games.  Why?  It is the legend, the legacy and it is a way of life. 

Few professional sports franchises can compare to the Pittsburgh Steelers today in terms of team identity.  More specifically, since the 1970s Steeler fans know that their franchise is going to put a hard-nosed team on the field with a strong and physical defense.  Steeler fans are also accustomed to a high standard of behavior from their team, due in large part to the impeccable and distinguished leadership of the Rooney family.

OK, that’s a nice preface to the argument I’m now going to make…and it is a bold one.  Steelers fans have loved, admired and practically worshipped their dynasty of the 1970s.  It’s no wonder.  That team won 4 World Championships in 6 years, an unprecedented accomplishment.  That team dominated on the gridiron with a wild-eyed, gap-toothed middle linebacker named Jack Lambert who was arguably the meanest man in the NFL in his day.  That team was loaded with future Hall of Fame players; Swann, Stallworth, Harris, Bradshaw, Greene, Lambert, Hamm and crew were unquestionably the best of the best during their heyday.  That is a fact that few would question or debate.  The Pittsburgh Steeler’s 1970s editon was the best of the 70s and one of the greatest franchises of all time.

Fast forward 30 years.  It’s a new day for Steeler fans.  After years of excruciating waiting for another Steeler dynasty, the wait is over.  Today’s edition of the Pittsburgh Steelers are a dominant, formidable force and here are a few reasons why, after all is said and done, today’s Steelers will surpass their 1970s counterparts.

1. A more athletic defense:  OK, it’s bold to come right in and talk about the respective defenses on point one but I think it’s important to understand this.   I LOVED the Steelers team of the 70s.  Still, being objective about it I’d have to take today’s linebacking crew over that of the 70s.  They have all the football instincts that Lambert, Hamm and Russel had but the new guys are also incredible athletic specimens.  Bottom line, today’s crew can do things physically that the linebackers of the 70s could now.
2. Superior defensive coordinator:  Dick LeBeau is a legend.  He’s a genius in defensive schemes, blitzes and complex packages that simply tear up opposing offenses.  The dominating Steelers defense of the 70s, which ran the 4-3 package, relied more on simple brute strength and toughness.  Don’t get me wrong, I love that!  I just think that today’s team has that same toughness but they also have a better mind calling the defensive sets and I think that’s a huge advantage.
3. Troy Polamalu:  I could’ve compared secondaries but let’s just cut right to the chase.  Troy Polamalu is one of those guys that come along once in a generation.  He’s the best at his position in the NFL and will likely wind up being recognized as THE best ever by the time his career is over.
4. The Special Team Trump Card:  Daniel Sepulveda, punter.  Not too exciting on first glance, but let’s take a closer look.   Sepulveda has an unbelievable ability to consistently drop a punt inside the ten yard line.  He was out last year with an injury, but he demonstrated his ability the previous year.  He doesn’t only have a big leg but he’s simply brilliant at pooch punting and pinning the opposing offense back against their own goal line.  Combine that with the best defense in the league and you’ve got one more tremendous competetive advantage for today’s Steelers.
5. The mind of Big Ben:  OK, Roethlisberger is not at the top of anyone’s fantasy leage list.  He hasn’t been the player to put up ridiculous statistics like Drew Brees or Payton Manning.  All Roethlisberger does, and he’s done it since game 1, is WIN.  Big Ben is a tough-minded, diligent perfectionist who accepts nothing less than the best from himself and his team.  I find him evolving into more of a Dan Marino type of personality on the field.  He’s in charge on the field.  He’s obsessed with being the best when preparing to be on the field and others are following his lead.  Bradshaw was a great and had many of the same qualities.  Here’s the difference.  Big Ben came out of the gates with that special quality.  Bradshaw took a few years to get up to speed.  Roethlisberger has tasted victory now and he will never be satisfied to ever see his team let up.  I believe he will continue to lead on field and off for many years to come.

No team, no matter how great, will ever be able to take over that special place Steelers fans have for the team of the 70s.  They were the first, and they were the model for Steeler teams to come.   They were a phenomenon in and ove themselves.  Still, the Steeler team of today has an excellent chance to continue to win and ultimately bring home more Lombardi trophies than their legendary predecessors.