Contributing Factors to the Steelers’ 2024 Season Success
The Pittsburgh Steelers have hit the ground running this season, racking up yet another win against the Chargers on Sunday, preserving their perfect record. Many fans have speculated about what has caused the early season successes, especially considering their previous seasons. In their 2023-2024 season, they ended with 10 wins and seven losses. Though that record is not particularly great, it outperformed their 2022-2023 season, where they went 9-8, finishing just ahead of the Cleveland Browns in the AFC North. It seems the Steel City team is starting to find its footing after a couple of tumultuous seasons, leaving fans eager to see what the team has in store for the future.
One of the most pivotal aspects of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ victories so far has been the defensive team. Throughout the past three weeks, the defense has only given up 26 points, the lowest amount they’ve allowed in three games since 2007. There are a few notable members of the defense, such as T.J. Watt, George Pickens, and Minkah Fitzpatrick. Last season, Watt led the NFL in sacks, 19, the third time he achieved this. Pickens is coming off an explosive 2023 season, where he accumulated 1,140 yards, and is seemingly continuing, as he has already racked up 171 yards this season. Fitzpatrick has had three All-Pro selections in the past four seasons alone and is projected to have 68 unassisted tackles this season. With a dominant defense stacked with players, the Steelers are in a position to achieve great success this season.
Another reason for the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense is largely because of the roster’s adaptability. Players such as Chris Boswell and Justin Fields have continually proved their ability to step in with short notice and put out a successful effort. During the Week One match against the Falcons, Boswell scored every point with a total of six field goals, even stepping in late in the fourth quarter with a decisive punt that secured the Steelers’ win. Fields was not intended to act as the Steelers’ starting quarterback but was thrown into the position following Russell Wilson’s calf injury that flared up right before the season started. However, Fields has proved time and again that he is starter material, leading the team to victory over the past three weeks with precise passes. These players contribute to the newfound eagerness and determination that the team has seemingly lacked in recent seasons and have been influential in the previous weeks’ success.
