The Pittsburgh Steelers and Mike Tomlin can make some NFL history if they can knock off the Cincinnati Bengals on the road. Pittsburgh has not had a losing season since 2003 as a franchise, and if they defeat the Bengals to move to 9-3, it would clinch their 21st straight season.
That would tie the Dallas Cowboys, who put up the same streak under legendary coach Tom Landry from 1965 to 1985. The Bill Belichick and Tom Brady-led Patriots accomplished the feat of 19 consecutive non-losing seasons from 2001 to 2019.
It would also extend Tomlin’s personal streak of non-losing seasons. Landry holds the record at 21 consecutive seasons, with Belichick having 19. With the win over the Bengals, Tomlin would notch 18 straight years.
While such a model of consistency is admirable, the Steelers have also wanted to win a playoff game for the first time since 2017. Team president Art Rooney II made that clear.
“We’ve had enough of this,” Rooney said. “It’s time to get some wins; it’s time to take these next steps.”
The Steelers sit atop the AFC North and can strengthen their lead in the division by winning in Cincinnati.
