2016 Pittsburgh Steelers season | |
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Owner | The Rooney family |
General manager | Kevin Colbert |
Head coach | Mike Tomlin |
Home field | Heinz Field |
Results | |
Record | 11–5 |
Division place | 1st AFC North |
Playoff finish | Won Wild Card Playoffs (vs. Dolphins) 30–12 Won Divisional Playoffs (at Chiefs) 18–16 Lost AFC Championship (at Patriots) 17–36 |
Pro Bowlers | 6
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AP All-Pros | 3
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Team MVP | Le'Veon Bell |
Team ROY | Sean Davis |
Uniform | |
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The 2016 season was the 84th in the history of the Pittsburgh Steelers as a professional sports franchise and as a member of the National Football League (NFL). It also marked the 17th season under leadership of general manager Kevin Colbert and the 10th under head coach Mike Tomlin. For the first time since 2004, tight end Heath Miller was not on the opening day roster, as he announced his retirement on February 19, 2016.
After going 4–5 in their first nine games, the Steelers ended their season on a high note, winning all of their last seven. The Steelers were the first team since the 2011 Green Bay Packers to play on both Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. The Steelers won the AFC North for the second time in three years and made the playoffs for the third straight year. The team also improved upon their 10–6 record from 2015. Le'Veon Bell made his career first playoff appearance with the Steelers in the 2016–17 playoffs. The Steelers went on to defeat the Miami Dolphins in the Wild Card round and the Kansas City Chiefs in the Divisional round before losing to the eventual Super Bowl champion New England Patriots 36–17 in the AFC Championship game. This was the Steelers' first appearance in the AFC Championship game since the 2010 NFL season. The team ranked 10th in both offense and defense.
This was also the final season under the ownership of Dan Rooney, as he died on April 13, 2017. [1]
As of 2023 this is the most recent season the Steelers have won a playoff game, having gone 0-5 (including the AFC Championship loss) since.
Round | Selection | Player | Position | College |
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1 | 25 | Artie Burns | CB | Miami (Fla.) |
2 | 58 | Sean Davis | FS | Maryland |
3 | 89 | Javon Hargrave | NT | S.C. State |
4 | 123 | Jerald Hawkins | T | LSU |
6 | 220 | Travis Feeney | ILB | Washington |
7 | 229 | Demarcus Ayers | WR | Houston |
7 | 246 | Tyler Matakevich | ILB | Temple |
Notes
All undrafted free agents were signed after the 2016 NFL draft concluded on April 30 unless otherwise noted.
Position | Player | College | Notes |
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NT | Johnny Maxey | Mars Hill | |
OLB | Tyriq McCord | Miami (Fla.) | |
P | Will Monday | Duke | |
DE | Giorgio Newberry | Florida State | |
RB | Christian Powell | Colorado | |
TE | D.J. Reeves | Duke | |
TE | Jay Rome | Georgia | |
C | Quinton Schooley | N.C. State | |
WR | Canaan Severin | Virginia | |
DE | Devaunte Sigler | Jacksonville State |
Front office
Head coaches
Offensive coaches
| Defensive coaches
Special teams coaches
Strength and conditioning
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The Steelers' preseason opponents and schedule was announced on April 7. Dates and times were announced on April 14.
Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Record | Game site | NFL.com recap |
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1 | August 12 | Detroit Lions | L 17–30 | 0–1 | Heinz Field | Recap |
2 | August 18 | Philadelphia Eagles | L 0–17 | 0–2 | Heinz Field | Recap |
3 | August 26 | at New Orleans Saints | W 27–14 | 1–2 | Mercedes-Benz Superdome | Recap |
4 | September 1 | at Carolina Panthers | L 6–18 | 1–3 | Bank of America Stadium | Recap |
The Steelers' regular season schedule was announced on April 14.
Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.
Playoff round | Date | Opponent (seed) | Result | Record | Game site | NFL.com recap |
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Wild Card | January 8 | Miami Dolphins (6) | W 30–12 | 1–0 | Heinz Field | Recap |
Divisional | January 15 | at Kansas City Chiefs (2) | W 18–16 | 2–0 | Arrowhead Stadium | Recap |
AFC Championship | January 22 | at New England Patriots (1) | L 17–36 | 2–1 | Gillette Stadium | Recap |
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
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Steelers | 0 | 14 | 10 | 14 | 38 |
Redskins | 6 | 0 | 3 | 7 | 16 |
at FedExField, Landover, Maryland
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The Steelers opened their 2016 season on the road against the Redskins. In the first quarter, the Redskins got on the board jumping out to a 6–0 lead with two field goals kicked by Dustin Hopkins from 31 and 40 yards out. In the second quarter it was all Steelers as they jumped out to leads of 7–6 and 14–6 at halftime when Ben Roethlisberger found Antonio Brown and Eli Rogers on 29-yard and 3-yard touchdown passes. After the break, the Steelers moved ahead 24–6 when Chris Boswell nailed a 46-yard field goal while Roethlisberger found Brown on a 26-yard touchdown pass. The Skins tried to rally later on in the quarter, but could only get away with a 34-yard field goal from Hopkins making the score 24–9. Though in the fourth quarter, they would eventually pull within 8 when Chris Thompson ran for a 1-yard touchdown making the score 24–16. Later on in the quarter, the Steelers sealed the game when DeAngelo Williams ran for two touchdowns from 15 and 6 yards out to make the final score 38–16.
With the win, the Steelers started their season 1–0.
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
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Bengals | 3 | 3 | 3 | 7 | 16 |
Steelers | 7 | 3 | 7 | 7 | 24 |
at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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The Steelers played their first home game of the year against the division rival Bengals in a rematch of the 2015 AFC wild card game. In the first quarter, the Steelers struck first when Ben Roethlisberger found Xavier Grimble on a 20-yard touchdown pass for a 7–0 lead. The Bengals came within 4 later on in the quarter when Mike Nugent kicked a 25-yard field goal for a 7–3 game. In the second quarter, the Steelers increased their lead when Chris Boswell kicked a 49-yard field goal to make it 10–3. The Bengals came within 4 again when Nugent kicked a 33-yard field goal to make it 10–6 at halftime. In the third quarter, the Steelers moved ahead by double digits when Roethlisberger found Jesse James on a 9-yard touchdown pass to make it 17–6. The Bengals reduced the lead when Nugent kicked another field goal from 21 yards out to make it 17–9. In the fourth quarter, the Steelers pulled away as Roethlisberger found De'Angelo Williams on a 4-yard touchdown pass to make it 24–9. Though the Bengals wrapped up the scoring of the game when Andy Dalton found Giovani Bernard on a 25-yard touchdown pass to make the final score 24–16.
With the win, the Steelers started 2–0 for the first time since 2010.
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
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Steelers | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
Eagles | 3 | 10 | 21 | 0 | 34 |
at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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The Steelers traveled cross-state to take on the Eagles. The Eagles scored first with a 29-yarder from Caleb Sturgis, then Jordan Matthews scored a touchdown. The Steelers then got their first and only score of the game, followed by another Eagles field goal to make it 13-3 heading into the half. The Eagles then got three straight touchdowns, all scored by a running back. It was 34-3 heading into the fourth quarter, and the score stayed that way for the rest of the game
With this game, the Steelers suffered their first loss of the season, falling to 2-1
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
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Chiefs | 0 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 14 |
Steelers | 22 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 43 |
at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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After a horrifying road loss, the Steelers returned home for a Sunday Night duel against the Chiefs. Through the first half, it was all Steelers starting in the first quarter when Ben Roethlisberger found Darrius Heyward-Bey on a 31-yard touchdown pass with a successful two-point conversion to make it 8–0. This was followed up with Roethlisberger finding Antonio Brown on 2 consecutive touchdown passes: from 4 and 38 yards out to make the score 22–0. In the second quarter, they made the halftime score 29–0 when Roethlisberger found Jesse James on a 9-yard touchdown pass. In the third quarter, Markus Wheaton caught a 30-yard touchdown pass from Roethlisberger to make the score 36–0. In the fourth quarter, the Chiefs finally got on the board when Alex Smith found Tyreek Hill on a 10-yard touchdown pass to make it 36–7. Though the Steelers pretty much sealed the game when De'Angelo Williams ran for a 2-yard touchdown to make it 43–7. The Chiefs then wrapped up the scoring of the game when Smith found Travis Kelce on a 3-yard touchdown pass to make the final score 43–14.
With the win, the Steelers improved to 3–1. With the Ravens' loss to the Raiders earlier in the day, they move into a tie at the top of the AFC North.
The Steelers set a franchise record with 22 total points scored in the first quarter. The team also snapped their streak of consecutive games with at least a giveaway.
Roethlisberger who had thrown 6 touchdown passes and 4 interceptions through the first 3 games had thrown 5 touchdown passes and no interceptions in this game alone.
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
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Jets | 3 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 13 |
Steelers | 7 | 7 | 3 | 14 | 31 |
at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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The Steelers stayed home for a game against the Jets. In the first quarter, the Jets took an early 3–0 lead when Nick Folk kicked a 30-yard field goal. Later on, the Steelers took the lead when Ben Roethlisberger found Sammie Coates for a 72-yard touchdown pass to make it 7–3. The Jets scored 10 straight points in the second quarter: Folk kicked a 48-yard field goal to come within a point, 7–6. This would be followed by Ryan Fitzpatrick finding Brandon Marshall on a 15-yard touchdown pass to make it 13–7. The Steelers wrapped up the scoring of the half when Roethlisberger found Jesse James on a 1-yard touchdown pass to make it 14–13 at halftime. In the second half it was all Steelers. Starting in the third quarter, Chris Boswell put the team up by 4 with a 47-yard field goal to make it 17–13. In the fourth quarter, they would score 2 touchdowns: Roethlisberger found Antonio Brown on a 5-yard pass and then Coates on another 5-yard pass to make the score 24–13 and the eventual final score 31–13.
With the win, the Steelers improved to 4–1. With the Ravens' loss to the Redskins, the team is also now in outright first place in the AFC North.
This would be the final game the Steelers would wear their 1934 throwback uniforms.
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
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Steelers | 8 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 15 |
Dolphins | 3 | 13 | 7 | 7 | 30 |
at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida
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The Steelers traveled to Miami to take on the Dolphins. In the first quarter, the Dolphins struck first when Andrew Franks kicked a 30-yard field goal for a 3–0 lead. The Steelers got on the board later on in the quarter taking the lead when Darrius Heyward-Bey ran for a 60-yard touchdown (with a successful 2-point conversion) for an 8–3 game. In the second quarter, it was all Dolphins as they closed out the half by first coming within 2 when Franks kicked a 23-yard field goal to make the score 8–6. The Dolphins eventually took the lead back when Franks kicked another 30-yard field goal for a 9–8 game. They would move ahead by a touchdown when Damien Williams ran for one from a yard out to take a 16–8 lead at halftime. In the third quarter, the Dolphins got back to work when Jay Ajayi ran for a 1-yard touchdown to make the score 23–8 for the only score of the period. The Steelers tried to rally when Ben Roethlisberger found Cobi Hamilton on a 23-yard touchdown pass shortening their deficit to 8, 23–15. Though the Steelers' rush defense stalled with less than a minute left in the game and Ajayi ran for a 62-yard touchdown to seal the game with the final score 30–15.
With the loss, the Steelers fell to 4–2. Ben Roethlisberger would be knocked out of the game due to injury in the second quarter. Though he played in the second half.
The Steelers still remained in first place with the Ravens' loss to the Giants.
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
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Patriots | 7 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 27 |
Steelers | 0 | 10 | 3 | 3 | 16 |
at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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The Steelers went back home for another showdown with the Patriots. This game is notable for being the very first game that QB Ben Roethlisberger would miss out on against the Patriots. In the first quarter, The Patriots scored first when Tom Brady found James White on a 19-yard touchdown pass for a 7–0 lead for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, they increased their lead when LaGarrette Blount ran for a 3-yard touchdown to make it 14–0. The Steelers got on the board later on in the quarter when Landry Jones found Darrius Heyward-Bey on a 14-yard touchdown pass for a 14–7 game. The Steelers closed out the scoring of the first half when Chris Boswell kicked a 32-yard field goal for a 14–10 game at halftime. In the third quarter, the Steelers went back to work as Boswell kicked another field goal to get his team within 1, 14–13 from 46 yards out. The Pats pulled away later on when Brady found Rob Gronkowski on a 36-yard touchdown pass (with a failed PAT) for a 20–13 game. In the fourth quarter, the Steelers came within 4 again when Boswell made a 44-yard field goal for a 20–16 game. But the Pats sealed the game after Blount ran for a 5-yard touchdown and the eventual final score of 27–16.
With the loss, the Steelers went into their bye week at 4–3. Regardless, due to the Ravens' loss to the Jets, they still remain in first place in the AFC North. The team dropped to 0–1 on the season without Roethlisberger as a starter and their seven-game home winning streak was snapped.
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
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Steelers | 0 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 14 |
Ravens | 7 | 3 | 3 | 8 | 21 |
at M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, Maryland
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Coming off of the bye week, the Steelers traveled to Baltimore to take on their division rival Ravens. The game received much hype, including QB Ben Roethlisberger returning from injury. Through the first half it was all Ravens when Joe Flacco found Mike Wallace on a 95-yard touchdown pass to move up 7–0 in the first quarter. This was followed by Justin Tucker's 49-yard field goal in the second to make it 10–0 at halftime. In the third quarter, the Ravens went back to work as Tucker went for a 42-yard field goal to make it 13–0. In the fourth quarter, Chris Moore blocked a punt and returned it 14 yards for a touchdown with a (successful two-point conversion) to make it 21–0. Later on in the game, the Steelers finally got on the board as Roethlisberger found Antonio Brown on a 23-yard touchdown pass making the score 21–7. They wrapped up the scoring later on when Roethlisberger ran for a touchdown himself from 4 yards out making the final score 21–14.
With their third straight loss, the Steelers fell to 4–4 and move into a tie with the Ravens for the lead in the AFC North. The loss was also the Steelers' fourth straight loss to the Ravens as well as the fourth straight year losing to their top division rivals in Baltimore.
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
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Cowboys | 10 | 3 | 10 | 12 | 35 |
Steelers | 12 | 3 | 3 | 12 | 30 |
at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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The Steelers traveled home to take on the Cowboys. They would draw first blood in the first quarter when Ben Roethlisberger threw a 2-yard touchdown pass to Le'Veon Bell (with a failed 2-point conversion) for a 6–0 lead. The Cowboys got on the board when Dan Bailey kicked a 37-yard field goal for a 6–3 game. The Steelers pulled away as Roethlisberger found Eli Rogers on a 3-yard touchdown pass for a 12–3 game. The Cowboys came within two points as Dak Prescott found Ezekiel Elliott on an 83-yard touchdown pass to make the score 12–10. In the second quarter, the Cowboys took the lead as Bailey kicked a 53-yard field goal for a 13–12 game. The Steelers wrapped up the scoring of the first half when Chris Boswell kicked a 39-yard field goal taking a 15–13 halftime lead. After the break, the Steelers went back to work as Boswell nailed a 25-yard field goal to move ahead by 5, 18–13. The Cowboys then scored on two consecutive drives: Bailey nailed a 46-yard field goal to make the score 18–16, and Prescott found Dez Bryant on a 50-yard touchdown pass to retake the lead 23–18. The Steelers retook the lead in the fourth quarter when Bell ran for a 1-yard touchdown (with a failed two-point conversion) to make the score 24–23. Though the Cowboys pushed back into the lead when Elliott ran for a 14-yard touchdown (with a failed 2-point conversion) to make the score 29–24, the Steelers moved back into the lead with Roethlisberger's 15-yard touchdown pass to Antonio Brown (with a failed two-point conversion) for a 30–29 game. However, the Boys were able to complete the comeback when Elliott ran for a 32-yard touchdown (with a failed two-point conversion) to make the final score 35–30.
With their fourth straight loss, the Steelers fell to 4–5 and second place in the AFC North.
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
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Steelers | 3 | 11 | 3 | 7 | 24 |
Browns | 0 | 0 | 3 | 6 | 9 |
at FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio
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After a tough home game against the Cowboys, the Steelers traveled to Cleveland for Game 1 against the Browns. In the first half, it was all Steelers starting in the first quarter when Chris Boswell made a 32-yard field goal for a 3–0 lead. They would increase their lead in the second quarter when Boswell made a 33-yard field goal followed up by Le'Veon Bell running for a 1-yard touchdown with a successful two-point conversion to make it 6–0 and then 14–0 at halftime. In the third quarter, the Browns finally got on the board as Cody Parkey made a 24-yard field goal to make the score 14–3. The Steelers however pulled away as Boswell kicked a 22-yard field goal making it 17–3. In the fourth quarter, the Browns drew closer as backup QB Josh McCown threw a 14-yard touchdown pass to Gary Barnidge (with a failed PAT) to make the score 17–9. However, later on, the Steelers sealed the game when Javon Hargrave recovered a fumble in the end zone to make the final score 24–9.
With their four-game losing streak coming to a stop, the Steelers improved to 5–5. Also, they move back into a tie on top of the AFC North due to the Ravens' loss to the Cowboys.
The defense—which had only 13 sacks going into this game—managed to get eight in this game alone, as Cody Kessler and Josh McCown each got sacked four times.
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
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Steelers | 14 | 7 | 0 | 7 | 28 |
Colts | 0 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 7 |
at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana
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After winning over the Browns, the Steelers traveled further west to take on the Colts in a rematch of 2015's 45–10 blowout win. The Steelers struck first in the first quarter when Le'Veon Bell ran for a 5-yard touchdown to take a 7–0 lead. This would be followed by Ben Roethlisberger finding Antonio Brown on a 25-yard touchdown pass later on in the quarter to make it 14–0. The Colts got on the board in the second quarter when QB Scott Tolzien, starting in place of the injured Andrew Luck, found Donte Moncrief on a 5-yard touchdown pass to make it 14–7. However, the Steelers pulled away as Roethlisberger found Brown again this time on a 33-yard touchdown pass for a 21–7 lead at halftime. After a scoreless third quarter, the Steelers sealed the game with the only points in the second half when Roethlisberger found Brown again this time on a 22-yard touchdown pass and the eventual final score of 28–7.
With the win, the Steelers improved to 6–5. Roethlisberger's record as a starter improved to 1–1 on Thanksgiving Day.
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
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Giants | 0 | 0 | 7 | 7 | 14 |
Steelers | 5 | 9 | 7 | 3 | 24 |
at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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After two straight road wins, the Steelers returned home for a duel against the Giants. In the first quarter, the Steelers drew first blood when a penalty was called on Ereck Flowers giving them a safety and a 2–0 lead. They would increase their lead later on when Randy Bullock kicked a 44-yard field goal to make it 5–0. In the second quarter, they pulled further ahead when Ben Roethlisberger found Antonio Brown on a 22-yard touchdown pass (with a failed two-point conversion) to make the score 11–0. Bullock put up a 38-yard field goal to make it 14–0 at halftime. In the third quarter, the Giants finally got on the board when Eli Manning found Rashad Jennings on a 13-yard touchdown pass to make it 14–7. Though the Steelers pulled away when Roethlisberger found Ladarius Green on a 20-yard touchdown pass to make it 21–7. They would increase their lead in the fourth quarter when Bullock put up a 38-yard field goal for a 24–7 game. The Giants then wrapped the scoring of the game up when Manning found Sterling Shepard on a 1-yard touchdown pass to make the final score 24–14.
With their third straight win, the Steelers improved to 7–5. Roethlisberger's record against Manning also improved to 3–1. They have now recorded at least one victory at Heinz Field against each of the 31 other franchises.
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
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Steelers | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 27 |
Bills | 0 | 7 | 0 | 13 | 20 |
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The Steelers traveled to Orchard Park, NY to take on the Bills. They struck first in the first quarter when Le'Veon Bell ran for a 3-yard touchdown to make the score 7–0 for the only score of the period. They increased their lead in the second quarter when Bell ran for a 7-yard touchdown to make the score 14–0. The Bills got on the board when Tyrod Taylor found Sammy Watkins on an 8-yard touchdown pass to make it 14–7 at halftime. In the third quarter, the Steelers moved ahead by double digits again when Bell ran for his third touchdown of the game from 5 yards out to make the score 21–7. In the fourth quarter, they increased their lead when Chris Boswell nailed a 37-yard field goal to make the score 24–7. The Bills drew closer when Taylor found Charles Clay on a 40-yard touchdown pass (with a failed PAT) to make the score 24–13. Though the Steelers moved ahead by two touchdowns again when Boswell kicked another field goal from 39 yards out to make it 27–13. The Bills wrapped up the scoring of the game when LeSean McCoy ran for a 3-yard touchdown and the final score of 27–20.
With their fourth straight win, the Steelers improved to 8–5.
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
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Steelers | 3 | 6 | 6 | 9 | 24 |
Bengals | 10 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 20 |
at Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio
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After a hard-fought road game, the Steelers traveled to Cincinnati to take on the Bengals. The Bengals started off the scoring in the first quarter when Randy Bullock kicked a 23-yard field goal for a 3–0 lead. The Steelers tied it up when Chris Boswell nailed a 45-yard field goal, leaving the score at 3–3, but the Bengals regained the lead late in the first quarter on Andy Dalton's 1-yard touchdown run to make the score 10–3. In the second quarter, the Bengals moved up by double digits as Jeremy Hill ran for a 4-yard touchdown to make it 17–3. The Steelers drew closer as Boswell made another field goal to make it 17–6, but Bullock put the Bengals back up by two touchdowns with a 23-yard field goal to make it 20–6. The Steelers closed the first half out with their third field goal of the game, as Boswell kicked a 49-yard effort to make the halftime score 20–9. Those three points would be the first three of 15 straight as they would shut out the Bengals in the second half, starting with field goals from 40 and 49 yards out to reduce the deficit to 20–15. In the fourth quarter, the Steelers moved even closer when Boswell kicked his sixth field goal of the game from 30 yards out to make it 20–18. They completed the comeback attempt when Ben Roethlisberger found Eli Rogers on a 24-yard touchdown pass with 7:29 remaining; however, the two-point conversion was unsuccessful, which made the score 24–20, which would end up being the final score.
With the win, the Steelers improved to 9–5. The team also won five games in a row for the first time since 2009. The Steelers finished the season 5–3 away from home.
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
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Ravens | 3 | 3 | 11 | 10 | 27 |
Steelers | 7 | 0 | 3 | 21 | 31 |
at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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After two straight road wins, the Steelers returned home for their second game of the season against the Ravens. The Steelers scored first in the first quarter when Ben Roethlisberger found Xavier Grimble on a 20-yard touchdown pass and a 7–0 lead. The Ravens closed out the first quarter with a Justin Tucker field goal from 41 yards out for a 7–3 lead. In the second quarter, Tucker kicked another field goal this one from 38 yards out to make the halftime score 7–6. In the third quarter, the Ravens moved into the lead when Joe Flacco found Steve Smith Sr. on an 18-yard touchdown pass with a successful two-point conversion to make it 14–7. The Steelers drew closer when Chris Boswell made a 36-yard field goal to make it 14–10. Though the Ravens moved back ahead by a touchdown when Tucker kicked a 46-yard field goal to make it 17–10. In the fourth quarter, Tucker kicked a 23-yard field goal to send the Ravens up by double digits and make the score 20–10. The Steelers eventually retook the lead with 2 straight touchdowns: Le'Veon Bell ran for one from 7-yards out followed by Roethlisberger finding Bell on a 7-yard pass to take the score to 24–20. The Ravens retook the lead when Kyle Juszczyk ran for a 10-yard touchdown to make it 27–24. However, the Steelers completed the comeback when Roethlisberger found Antonio Brown on a 4-yard pass to make the final score 31–27.
With their four-game losing streak against the Ravens snapped, the Steelers improved to 10–5 and were awarded the AFC North division title. The team also won six games in a row for the first time since 2004.
Brown's game-winning touchdown was dubbed the Immaculate Extension as he had to extend the ball over the goal line after being stood up at the one-yard line. [2]
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | OT | Total |
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Browns | 7 | 7 | 0 | 7 | 3 | 24 |
Steelers | 0 | 7 | 0 | 14 | 6 | 27 |
at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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After a tough win, the Steelers stayed home for the last regular season game which would turn out to be Round 2 against the Browns. The Browns struck first in the first quarter when Seth DeValve ran for a 12-yard touchdown to make it 7–0 for the only score of the period. They made it 14–0 in the second quarter when RG3 found Gary Barnidge on a 4-yard pass. The Steelers got on the board when backup QB Landry Jones found De'Angelo Williams on an 11-yard pass to make it 14–7 at halftime. After a scoreless third quarter, the Steelers continued their reign of scoring unanswered points in the fourth when Williams ran for a 1-yard touchdown to tie the game at 14–14 before taking the lead when Jones found Demarcus Ayers on an 11-yard pass to make it 21–14. Though, the Browns would close out regulation, tying the game at 21–21 when George Atkinson III ran for a 5-yard touchdown. In overtime, the Browns retook the lead when Cody Parkey nailed a 34-yard field goal to make it 24–21. The Steelers would eventually score the game-winning touchdown when Jones found Cobi Hamilton on a 26-yard pass to make the final score 27–24.
With the win, the Steelers finished their season 11–5. The team also won seven games in a row for the first time since 2004 and finished the season 6-2 at home.
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
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Dolphins | 3 | 3 | 0 | 6 | 12 |
Steelers | 14 | 6 | 10 | 0 | 30 |
at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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The Steelers had wrapped the regular season up with the #3 seed and played against the sixth-seeded Dolphins at home. The Steelers would draw first blood with Ben Roethlisberger finding Antonio Brown on 2 consecutive touchdown passes: from 50 and 62 yards out to make the score 14–0. The Dolphins got on the board later on when Andrew Franks kicked a 40-yard field goal to make it 14–3. In the second quarter, the Steelers made the score 20–3 when Le'Veon Bell ran for a 1-yard touchdown, although Chris Boswell missed his first extra point attempt of the season. The Dolphins closed out the first half when Franks kicked a 47-yard field goal to make it 20–6. In the second half, the Steelers scored twice when Boswell nailed a 34-yard field goal to make it 23–6. Bell then ran for an 8-yard touchdown to make it 30–6. In the fourth quarter, the Dolphins wrapped the scoring of the game up when Matt Moore, who was filling in for the injured Ryan Tannehill found Damien Williams on a 4-yard pass (with a failed two-point conversion) to make the final score 30–12.
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
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Steelers | 6 | 6 | 3 | 3 | 18 |
Chiefs | 7 | 0 | 3 | 6 | 16 |
at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
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After blowing out the Dolphins at home, the Steelers traveled to Kansas City to take on the Chiefs. The Steelers scored first in the first quarter when Chris Boswell kicked a 22-yard field goal for a 3-0 lead. The Chiefs moved into the lead when Alex Smith found Albert Wilson on a 5-yard touchdown pass to make it 7-3. The Steelers came within a point when Boswell kicked a 38-yard field goal to make it 7-6. In the second quarter, it was all Steelers when Boswell kicked 2 more field goals: from 36 and 45 yards out retaking the lead and changing the score from 9-7 to 12-7 at halftime. In the third quarter, the Steelers moved further ahead with another field goal by Boswell from 43 yards out to make it 15-7. The Chiefs then moved closer later on in the quarter when Cairo Santos kicked a 48-yard field goal to make it 15-10. In the fourth quarter, Boswell kicked another 43 yard field goal to move ahead 18-10. The Chiefs tried to rally but came up short when Spencer Ware ran for a 1-yard touchdown (with a failed 2-point conversion) sealing the win for the Steelers.
With the win, the team improved to 13-5 overall. They are also the first team since the 2006 Colts to win a playoff game without scoring a single touchdown.
Boswell's six field goals became an NFL playoff record for the most in a single game.
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Steelers | 0 | 9 | 0 | 8 | 17 |
Patriots | 10 | 7 | 16 | 3 | 36 |
at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts
Game information | ||
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After a tough road win, the Steelers traveled further east to take on the top-seeded Patriots in the AFC Championship game. The Pats drew first blood when Stephen Gostkowski kicked a 31-yard field goal for a 3-0 lead. This would be followed up by Tom Brady finding Chris Hogan on a 16-yard pass to make it 10-0. In the second quarter, the Steelers got on the board when DeAngelo Williams ran for a touchdown from 5 yards out (with a failed PAT) for a 10-6. The Pats pulled away as Brady and Hogan hooked up again on a 34-yard pass to make it 17-6. The Steelers closed out the half when Chris Boswell nailed a 23-yard field goal to make the halftime score 17-9. In the third quarter, the Pats went back to work as Gostowski kicked a 47-yard field goal to send his team up by double digits again, 20-9. LaGarrette Blount ran up the middle for a 1-yard touchdown to make it 27-9. Brady later on found Julian Edelman on a 10-yard pass (with a failed PAT) to make it 33-9. In the fourth quarter, the Pats moved even further ahead when Gostkowski kicked a 26-yard field goal to make it 36-9. The Steelers then wrapped the scoring of the game up when Ben Roethlisberger found Cobi Hamilton on a 30-yard pass with a successful 2-point conversion to make the final score 36-17.
With the loss, the Steelers ended their season 13-6. Roethlisberger dropped to 3-2 in Conference Championship games.
AFC North | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W | L | T | PCT | DIV | CONF | PF | PA | STK | |
(3) Pittsburgh Steelers | 11 | 5 | 0 | .688 | 5–1 | 9–3 | 399 | 327 | W7 |
Baltimore Ravens | 8 | 8 | 0 | .500 | 4–2 | 7–5 | 343 | 321 | L2 |
Cincinnati Bengals | 6 | 9 | 1 | .406 | 3–3 | 5–7 | 325 | 315 | W1 |
Cleveland Browns | 1 | 15 | 0 | .063 | 0–6 | 1–11 | 264 | 452 | L1 |
# | Team | Division | W | L | T | PCT | DIV | CONF | SOS | SOV | STK |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Division leaders | |||||||||||
1 | New England Patriots | East | 14 | 2 | 0 | .875 | 5–1 | 11–1 | .439 | .424 | W7 |
2 [lower-alpha 1] | Kansas City Chiefs | West | 12 | 4 | 0 | .750 | 6–0 | 9–3 | .508 | .479 | W2 |
3 | Pittsburgh Steelers | North | 11 | 5 | 0 | .688 | 5–1 | 9–3 | .494 | .423 | W7 |
4 [lower-alpha 2] | Houston Texans | South | 9 | 7 | 0 | .563 | 5–1 | 7–5 | .502 | .427 | L1 |
Wild Cards | |||||||||||
5 [lower-alpha 1] | Oakland Raiders | West | 12 | 4 | 0 | .750 | 3–3 | 9–3 | .504 | .443 | L1 |
6 | Miami Dolphins | East | 10 | 6 | 0 | .625 | 4–2 | 7–5 | .455 | .341 | L1 |
Did not qualify for the postseason | |||||||||||
7 [lower-alpha 2] [lower-alpha 3] | Tennessee Titans | South | 9 | 7 | 0 | .563 | 2–4 | 6–6 | .465 | .458 | W1 |
8 [lower-alpha 3] | Denver Broncos | West | 9 | 7 | 0 | .563 | 2–4 | 6–6 | .549 | .455 | W1 |
9 [lower-alpha 4] | Baltimore Ravens | North | 8 | 8 | 0 | .500 | 4–2 | 7–5 | .498 | .363 | L2 |
10 [lower-alpha 4] | Indianapolis Colts | South | 8 | 8 | 0 | .500 | 3–3 | 5–7 | .492 | .406 | W1 |
11 | Buffalo Bills | East | 7 | 9 | 0 | .438 | 1–5 | 4–8 | .482 | .339 | L2 |
12 | Cincinnati Bengals | North | 6 | 9 | 1 | .406 | 3–3 | 5–7 | .521 | .333 | W1 |
13 [lower-alpha 5] | New York Jets | East | 5 | 11 | 0 | .313 | 2–4 | 4–8 | .518 | .313 | W1 |
14 [lower-alpha 5] | San Diego Chargers | West | 5 | 11 | 0 | .313 | 1–5 | 4–8 | .543 | .513 | L5 |
15 | Jacksonville Jaguars | South | 3 | 13 | 0 | .188 | 2–4 | 2–10 | .527 | .417 | L1 |
16 | Cleveland Browns | North | 1 | 15 | 0 | .063 | 0–6 | 1–11 | .549 | .313 | L1 |
Tiebreakers [lower-alpha 6] | |||||||||||
|
The Steelers have been involved in the following transactions during the 2016 season:
Player | Acquired from | Traded to | Date | Trade terms |
---|---|---|---|---|
CB Justin Gilbert | Cleveland Browns | September 3, 2016 | 2018 6th Rd. pick |
Player | Acquired from | Lost to | Date | Contract terms |
---|---|---|---|---|
TE Ladarius Green | San Diego Chargers | March 9, 2016 | 4 years/$20 million | |
T Kelvin Beachum | Jacksonville Jaguars | March 15, 2016 | 5 years/$39.5 million | |
T Ryan Harris | Denver Broncos | March 15, 2016 | 2 years/$3.9 million | |
NT Steve McLendon | New York Jets | March 15, 2016 | 3 years/$10.5 million | |
ILB Sean Spence | Tennessee Titans | March 16, 2016 | 1 year/$2.5 million | |
CB Antwon Blake | Tennessee Titans | March 17, 2016 | 1 year/$1.5 million | |
ILB Terence Garvin | Washington Redskins | March 17, 2016 | 1 year/$750,000 | |
RB Jordan Todman | Indianapolis Colts | March 18, 2016 | 1 year/$760,000 | |
ILB Steven Johnson | Tennessee Titans | March 25, 2016 | 1 year/$840,000 | |
CB Brandon Boykin | Carolina Panthers | March 29, 2016 | 1 year/$840,000 | |
DE Ricardo Mathews | San Diego Chargers | March 31, 2016 | 1 year/$760,000 | |
FB Will Johnson | New York Giants | April 4, 2016 | 2 years/$2.3 million | |
T Byron Stingily | New York Giants | April 11, 2016 | 1 year/$780,000 | |
NT Cam Thomas | Los Angeles Rams | June 6, 2016 | 1 year/$760,000 |
Player | Claimed from | Lost to | Date |
---|---|---|---|
QB Zach Mettenberger | San Diego Chargers | August 31, 2016 |
Player | Date | Contract terms |
---|---|---|
T Chris Hubbard | January 19, 2016 | 1-year extension/$600,000 |
FB Roosevelt Nix | January 19, 2016 | 1-year extension/$525,000 |
SS Jordan Dangerfield | January 19, 2016 | (Reserve/Future) |
T Matt Feiler | January 19, 2016 | (Reserve/Future) |
G B. J. Finney | January 19, 2016 | (Reserve/Future) |
CB Isaiah Frey | January 19, 2016 | (Reserve/Future) |
TE Xavier Grimble | January 19, 2016 | (Reserve/Future) |
DE Caushaud Lyons | January 19, 2016 | (Reserve/Future) |
RB Rajion Neal | January 19, 2016 | (Reserve/Future) |
WR Shakim Phillips | January 19, 2016 | (Reserve/Future) |
RB Abou Toure | January 19, 2016 | (Reserve/Future) |
SS Ray Vinpoal | January 19, 2016 | (Reserve/Future) |
FS Jacob Hagen | January 20, 2016 | (Reserve/Future) |
T Brian Mihalik | January 20, 2016 | (Reserve/Future) |
K Ty Long | January 20, 2016 | (Reserve/Future) |
RB Daryl Richardson | January 20, 2016 | (Reserve/Future) |
CB Ross Cockrell | January 22, 2016 | 1-year extension/$600,000 |
QB Dustin Vaughan | January 22, 2016 | (Reserve/Future) |
WR Levi Norwood | February 2, 2016 | (Reserve/Future) |
WR Issac Blakeney | February 5, 2016 | (Reserve/Future) |
CB Montell Garner | February 5, 2016 | (Reserve/Future) |
WR Tobais Palmer | February 5, 2016 | (Reserve/Future) |
CB Al-Hajj Shabazz | February 5, 2016 | (Reserve/Future) |
G Cole Manhart | February 9, 2016 | (Reserve/Future) |
LS Greg Warren | February 12, 2016 | 1-year extension/$1.06 million |
LS Matt Dooley | February 16, 2016 | (Reserve/Future) |
NT Lavon Hooks | February 16, 2016 | (Reserve/Future) |
DE Roy Philon | February 22, 2016 | (Reserve/Future) |
FS Robert Golden | March 7, 2016 | 3-year extension/$5 million |
WR Darrius Heyward-Bey | March 7, 2016 | 3-year extension/$3.8 million |
CB William Gay | March 8, 2016 | 3-year extension/$7.5 million |
G Ramon Foster | March 9, 2016 | 3-year extension/$9.6 million |
QB Bruce Gradkowski | May 2, 2016 | 1-year/$965,000 |
WR Demarcus Ayers | May 5, 2016 | 4-year/$2.42 million |
ILB Tyler Matakevich | May 5, 2016 | 4-year/$2.4 million |
OLB Travis Feeney | May 6, 2016 | 4-year/$2.44 million |
RB Brandon Brown-Dukes | May 9, 2016 | 3-year/$1.62 million |
RB Cameron Stingily | May 9, 2016 | 1-year/$450,000 |
WR Marcus Tucker | May 9, 2016 | 3-year/$1.62 million |
CB Donald Washington | May 9, 2016 | 1-year/$675,000 |
TE David Johnson | May 17, 2016 | 1-year/$760,000 |
FS Sean Davis | May 20, 2016 | 4-year/$4.08 million |
T Jerald Hawkins | June 2, 2016 | 4-year/$2.87 million |
OLB Kevin Anderson | June 7, 2016 | 1-year/$450,000 |
TE Paul Lang | June 7, 2016 | 1-year/$450,000 |
ILB Mike Reilly | June 8, 2016 | 1-year/$450,000 |
CB Artie Burns | June 8, 2016 | 4-year/$9.59 million |
NT Javon Hargrave | June 10, 2016 | 4-year/$3.11 million |
RB Brandon Johnson | June 24, 2016 | 1-year/$450,000 |
TE Mandel Dixon | July 21, 2016 | 1-year/$450,000 |
RB Christian Powell | August 1, 2016 | 3-year/$1.62 million |
C Valerian Ume-Ezeoke | August 1, 2016 | 1-year/$450,000 |
TE Jake Phillips | August 3, 2016 | 1-year/$450,000 |
CB Kevin White | August 3, 2016 | 1-year/$450,000 |
TE Michael Cooper | August 5, 2016 | 1-year/$450,000 |
WR Cobi Hamilton | August 5, 2016 | 1-year/$450,000 |
T Wade Hansen | August 14, 2016 | 1-year/$450,000 |
CB Julian Whigham | August 14, 2016 | 1-year/$450,000 |
OLB Jermauria Rasco | August 15, 2016 | 2-year/$990,000 |
QB Bryn Renner | August 20, 2016 | 1-year/$450,000 |
G Antoine Everett | August 20, 2016 | 2-year/$990,000 |
ILB Vince Williams | August 23, 2016 | 3-year extension/$5.5 million |
TE RaShaun Allen | September 4, 2016 | Practice Squad |
WR Demarcus Ayers | September 4, 2016 | Practice Squad |
RB Brandon Browns-Duke | September 4, 2016 | Practice Squad |
OLB Travis Feeney | September 4, 2016 | Practice Squad |
T Matt Feiler | September 4, 2016 | Practice Squad |
WR Cobi Hamilton | September 4, 2016 | Practice Squad |
DE Caushaud Lyons | September 4, 2016 | Practice Squad |
NT Johnny Maxey | September 4, 2016 | Practice Squad |
CB Al-Hajj Shabazz | September 4, 2016 | Practice Squad |
RB Cameron Stingily | September 4, 2016 | Practice Squad |
ILB Steven Johnson | September 4, 2016 | 1-year/$760,000 |
RB David Cobb | September 7, 2016 | Practice Squad |
G David DeCastro | September 8, 2016 | 6-year extension/$58 million |
FS Jacob Hagen | September 16, 2016 | Practice Squad |
RB Daryl Richardson | October 3, 2016 | Practice Squad |
FS Jacob Hagen | October 11, 2016 | Practice Squad |
T Austin Shepherd | October 11, 2016 | Practice Squad |
RB Karlos Williams | October 12, 2016 | Practice Squad |
Player | Date |
---|---|
TE Rob Blanchflower | February 16, 2016 |
T Kelvin Palmer | February 16, 2016 |
T Mitchell Van Dyk | February 16, 2016 |
T Micah Hatchie | March 1, 2016 |
CB Cortez Allen | April 15, 2016 |
T Mike Adams | May 5, 2016 |
K Ty Long | May 5, 2016 |
RB Abou Toure | May 5, 2016 |
CB Isaiah Frey | May 9, 2016 |
RB Rajion Neal | May 9, 2016 |
WR Tobais Palmer | May 9, 2016 |
RB Christian Powell | May 9, 2016 |
TE David Reese | May 17, 2016 |
OLB Tyriq McCord | June 7, 2016 |
TE Jay Rome | June 7, 2016 |
K Shaun Suisham | June 24, 2016 |
TE Matt Spaeth | July 21, 2016 |
RB Brandon Johnson | August 1, 2016 |
C Quinton Schooley | August 1, 2016 |
TE Jake Phillips | August 5, 2016 |
T Brian Mihalik | August 14, 2016 |
NT Roy Philon | August 14, 2016 |
LS Matt Dooley | August 15, 2016 |
RB Christian Powell | August 20, 2016 |
WR Isaac Blackeney | August 28, 2016 |
TE Michael Cooper | August 28, 2016 |
P Will Monday | August 28, 2016 |
NT Khoynin Mosley-Smith | August 28, 2016 |
DE Giorgio Newberry | August 28, 2016 |
WR Levi Norwood | August 28, 2016 |
ILB Mike Reilly | August 28, 2016 |
CB Julian Whigham | August 28, 2016 |
ILB Jordan Zumwalt | August 28, 2016 |
FS Jacob Hagen | August 30, 2016 |
DT Devaunte Sigler | August 30, 2016 |
CB Kevin White | August 30, 2016 |
TE Mandel Dixon | September 2, 2016 |
T Wade Hansen | September 2, 2016 |
QB Dustin Vaughan | September 2, 2016 |
WR Demarcus Ayers | September 3, 2016 |
RB Brandon Browns-Duke | September 3, 2016 |
G Antoine Everett | September 3, 2016 |
OLB Travis Feeney | September 3, 2016 |
CB Montell Garner | September 3, 2016 |
CB Doran Grant | September 3, 2016 |
OLB Travis Feeney | September 3, 2016 |
T Matt Feiler | September 3, 2016 |
WR Cobi Hamilton | September 3, 2016 |
NT Lavon Hooks | September 3, 2016 |
ILB Steven Johnson | September 3, 2016 |
DE Caushaud Lyons | September 3, 2016 |
NT Johnny Maxey | September 3, 2016 |
OLB Jermauria Rasco | September 3, 2016 |
QB Bryn Renner | September 3, 2016 |
CB Al-Hajj Shabazz | September 3, 2016 |
RB Cameron Stingily | September 3, 2016 |
WR Marcus Tucker | September 3, 2016 |
SS Ray Vinopal | September 3, 2016 |
CB Donald Washington | September 3, 2016 |
RB Cameron Stingily | September 7, 2016 |
RB Brandon Brown-Dukes | September 16, 2016 |
RB Daryl Richardson | September 29, 2016 |
FS Jacob Hagen | October 3, 2016 |
RB David Cobb | October 11, 2016 |
CB Al-Hajj Shabazz | October 15, 2016 |
Name | Date | Details |
---|---|---|
TE Heath Miller | February 19, 2016 | Retired |
Kevin Colbert | July 28, 2016 | Promoted to team Vice President |
Omar Khan | July 28, 2016 | Promoted to Vice President of Football & Business Administration |
The 2010 season was the Baltimore Ravens' 15th in the National Football League (NFL) and city of Baltimore, Maryland, the 13th to host home games at M&T Bank Stadium and their 3rd under head coach John Harbaugh. They played in the NFL's American Football Conference (AFC) North Division. The franchise improved from their 9–7 record from their previous season, with a 12–4 record, but had to settle for a wild card berth for the third straight year since Pittsburgh owned the tiebreaker for divisional record. As the AFC's #5 seed, the Ravens travelled to the #4 seeded Kansas City Chiefs defeated them soundly 30–7 in the Wild Card playoffs to advance. The following week however, the Ravens lost to their division rival and eventual AFC Champion Pittsburgh Steelers in the Divisional playoffs despite having a 21–7 lead at halftime.
The 2011 Pittsburgh Steelers season was the franchise's 79th season as a professional sports franchise and as a member of the National Football League (NFL). It was the twelfth season under the leadership of general manager Kevin Colbert and the fifth under head coach Mike Tomlin. The Steelers hoped to return to the Super Bowl and defend their AFC championship from 2010, but suffered a 29–23 overtime loss to the Denver Broncos in the Wild Card round of the playoffs. The Steelers played all of their home games at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
The 2013 Pittsburgh Steelers season was the franchise's 81st season as a professional sports franchise and as a member of the National Football League (NFL). It also marked the 14th season under leadership of general manager Kevin Colbert and the seventh under head coach Mike Tomlin.
The 2014 Pittsburgh Steelers season was the franchise's 82nd season as a professional sports franchise and as a member of the National Football League (NFL). It also marked the 15th season under leadership of general manager Kevin Colbert and the eighth under head coach Mike Tomlin.
The 2015 Cincinnati Bengals season was the franchise's 46th season in the National Football League, the 48th overall and the thirteenth under head coach Marvin Lewis.
The 2015 season was the Cleveland Browns' 63rd in the National Football League, their 67th overall, and the second and final season under the head coach/general manager tandem of Mike Pettine and Ray Farmer. Both Pettine and Farmer were fired on January 3, 2016, after the team failed to improve on their 7–9 record from the previous season, going 3–13 season, tied with the Tennessee Titans for the worst record in the league. The Browns introduced new uniforms prior to the start of the season, updating the orange color to a darker hue, among other changes.
The 2015 Pittsburgh Steelers season was the franchise's 83rd season as a professional sports franchise and as a member of the National Football League (NFL). It also marked the 16th season under leadership of general manager Kevin Colbert and the ninth under head coach Mike Tomlin. For the first time since 2002, safety Troy Polamalu was not on the opening day roster, as he announced his retirement on April 9.
The 2017 Cincinnati Bengals season was the franchise's 48th season in the National Football League, their 50th overall and their 15th under head coach Marvin Lewis. After starting 0–2, scoring only 9 points, and not scoring any touchdowns in their first two games, the Bengals fired offensive coordinator Ken Zampese. Quarterbacks coach Bill Lazor was promoted to offensive coordinator to replace Zampese. The Bengals suffered back to back losing seasons for the first time since 2007–2008. However, the Bengals were able to knock off two teams contending for the playoffs at the end of their season, the Detroit Lions in Week 16, and the Baltimore Ravens in Week 17 which helped the Buffalo Bills reach the postseason for the first time since 1999.
The 2017 season was the Cleveland Browns' 65th in the National Football League (NFL), their 69th overall, their second under head coach Hue Jackson and their second and final season under general manager Sashi Brown. The Browns failed to improve on their 1–15 record from the previous season, as they instead joined the 2008 Detroit Lions as the only teams in NFL history to finish a season 0–16 since the season was expanded to 16 games in 1978, and the last due to the NFL expanding its regular season schedule to 17 games in 2021. They extended a losing streak that began in the final game of the previous season. The Browns became the twelfth NFL team to have gone winless playing eight games or more and the fourth since the AFL–NFL merger in 1970.
The 2017 Pittsburgh Steelers season was the franchise's 85th season as a professional sports franchise and as a member of the National Football League (NFL). It was the 18th season under leadership of general manager Kevin Colbert and the eleventh under head coach Mike Tomlin. It was also the Steelers' first full season since the death of Dan Rooney.
The 2018 season was the Pittsburgh Steelers' 86th as a professional sports franchise and as a member of the National Football League. It also marked the 19th season under leadership of general manager Kevin Colbert and the 12th under head coach Mike Tomlin. After starting the season 7–2–1, the Steelers lost four of their last six games, allowing the Ravens to clinch the AFC North on the last day of the season, and missing the playoffs for the first time since 2013.
The 2018 season was the Cincinnati Bengals' 49th season in the National Football League, their 51st overall and their 16th and final under head coach Marvin Lewis. The Bengals failed to improve upon their 2017 campaign as they collapsed to a 6–10 finish to finish in 4th place in the AFC North. This marked the 3rd consecutive season the Bengals have failed to make the playoffs.
The 2019 season was the Cincinnati Bengals' 50th in the National Football League (NFL), their 52nd overall, their 20th playing home games at Paul Brown Stadium and the first under head coach Zac Taylor. This was the Bengals' first season since 2002 without long-time head coach Marvin Lewis, as he mutually agreed to part ways after the conclusion of the 2018 season.
The 2019 season was the Pittsburgh Steelers' 87th season as a professional sports franchise and as a member of the National Football League (NFL). It marked the 20th season under leadership of general manager Kevin Colbert and the 13th under head coach Mike Tomlin. The team failed to improve upon its 9–6–1 record from 2018 following a Week 16 loss to the New York Jets.
The 2020 season was the Cincinnati Bengals' 51st in the National Football League (NFL), their 53rd overall, and their second under head coach Zac Taylor.
The 2020 season was the Pittsburgh Steelers' 88th in the National Football League (NFL), their 20th playing home games at Heinz Field, their 21st under general manager Kevin Colbert, and their 14th under head coach Mike Tomlin. The team vastly improved on their 8–8 record from 2019 beginning the season 11–0, a franchise-best. They became the first NFL team to do so since the Carolina Panthers in the 2015 season. However, that streak was broken after a Week 13 loss to the Washington Football Team. The Steelers clinched a playoff berth for the first time since 2017 after the Miami Dolphins' Week 14 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs and clinched their first AFC North title since 2017 with a Week 16 victory over the Indianapolis Colts.
The 2021 season was the Pittsburgh Steelers' 89th season in the National Football League (NFL), their 22nd and final season under general manager Kevin Colbert and their 15th under head coach Mike Tomlin. They failed to improve upon their 12–4 record from 2020 and failed to win their division in back to back years for the first time since 2016–2017. However, they did make the playoffs in consecutive years for the first time since 2014–2017 after defeating the Baltimore Ravens, combined with the Las Vegas Raiders defeating the Los Angeles Chargers, and the Jacksonville Jaguars upsetting the Indianapolis Colts, all of which took place during the Sunday games of Week 18. However the Steelers were defeated in the first round of the playoffs by the Kansas City Chiefs 42–21.
The 2022 season was the Cincinnati Bengals' 53rd in the National Football League (NFL), their 55th overall, and their fourth under head coach Zac Taylor. After an 0–2 start, the Bengals quickly turned around, winning 12 out of their last 14 games to match their franchise best record of 12–4. The Bengals improved upon their 10–7 record from the previous season and clinched the AFC North title for the second straight year. Cincinnati's Week 17 game against Buffalo was declared a no-contest after Buffalo safety Damar Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest, resulting in only 16 games played. Despite the incident, they won the AFC North and won their last game to finish 12–4, tied for the best record in the history of the franchise, but they couldn’t clinch the 1 seed in the AFC as a result of the cancellation and risk losing home advantage if they lose their last game and coin toss to the Baltimore Ravens. Instead, they defeated Baltimore 27–16 to avoid that dreaded situation.
The 2022 season was the Pittsburgh Steelers' 90th in the National Football League (NFL) and their 16th under head coach Mike Tomlin.
The 2023 season was the Pittsburgh Steelers' 91st in the National Football League (NFL), their 2nd under general manager Omar Khan and their 17th under head coach Mike Tomlin. With their third win of the season against the Ravens in Week 5, the Steelers reached 700 wins in the club's history, joining the Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears, and New York Giants in reaching 700 franchise victories. With their Week 17 win over the Seattle Seahawks, the Steelers became the first team in AFC history to post 20 consecutive non-losing records. With a Week 18 win over the Baltimore Ravens, the Steelers improved upon their 2022 record, and also qualified for the playoffs after a one-year absence the following day when the Jacksonville Jaguars lost to the Tennessee Titans. The Steelers were defeated in the Wild Card Round by the Buffalo Bills 31–17.