As we trail back into the Steelers past to present, we see that in 2000, the Steelers started their final season at Three Rivers Stadium on the wrong foot by losing their first three games. However, Kordell Stewart would start overcoming his struggles as the Steelers won their next five games. However, a following three game losing streak would practically end their playoff chances. The Steelers would go on to win 3 of their last 4 games to finish with a 9-7 record but it was not good enough for the playoffs, as the Steelers closed out Three Rivers with a 24-3 win over the Washington Redskins.
In 2002, the Steelers played poor in the beginning losing their first two games against the New England Patriots and Oakland Raiders. They continued to play poor, as they need overtime to beat the Cleveland Browns. The Steelers started to pick up with Maddox by their side; The Steelers had three straight wins to clinch the division title with a record of 10-5-1. They played in the playoffs against the Cleveland Browns. The Steelers had a dramatic 36-33 comeback win.
In 2003, The Steelers began the season in well then they crashed causing them to finish with a disappointing 6-10 record.
In 2004, the Steelers got the season off to a good start. The Steelers would continue to win week in and week out, as they would not lose another game in the regular season winning their last 14 games to finish with a NFL best 15-1 record.
The Steelers moved on to the AFC Championship Game with a 20-17 win. In the AFC Championship, the Steelers faced the Patriots again. However, this time it would be different as the Pats jumped out to a big lead and never looked back beating the Steelers 41-27 to earn a trip to Super Bowl XXXIX.
Now in 2005, it will be difficult for Ben Rothlisberger to repeat his rookie performance, as he will not surprise anyone this year. However, the Steelers still have a strong defense and a team who always seems to get the yards and should be able to once again with the AFC North.
