Ten Years Later, Steelers Try To Repeat Super Bowl Run In A Completely Different Way

Ten years after the Steelers entered the 2005 playoffs as the 6^th seed and went on a miracle run to win the Super Bowl, they’ll try to repeat that feat.

They enter the 2015 playoffs as the 6^th seed and just like in 2005; they open up on the road at Cincinnati.  That however is really where the comparisons end.

Many people want to liken this team to the 2005 team but they are so different. That team was led and carried by a number one rated defense. A defense filled with superstars like Troy Polamalu, Joey Porter, James Farrior, Casey Hampton, Aaron Smith and Ike Taylor, to name just a few.  That defense was tenacious and one that could be trusted on any given down.  This year the defense is by far the weakest link, the secondary is very bad and even though the team has gotten more sacks and turnovers this season vs. the last couple, they can’t be trusted on any down to make the necessary plays to get off the field. 

The 2005 offense was led by Big Ben but he was more of a game manager back then. The offense was more centered around the run and Fast Willie Parker. They did have Hines Ward and Heath Miller but the air attack wasn’t nearly as scary as it is today. Now, Big Ben is a true elite quarterback, the running attack is not nearly as prevalent (and may not exist at all if DeAngelo Williams doesn’t play) and the team has wide receiver weapons all over the field including the best in the business in Antonio Brown. 

The black and gold are now a throw first offense who need to put up 30 points a game, or more, in order to win shootouts while back in 2005 the offense could score 14 and win because the defense could and often would, hold the opponent down. 

While the 2005 team made a run and won the Super Bowl based on running the ball and playing a high level of defense, we’ll need to wait and see how the 2015 version of throw the ball first does.

Both campaigns started off in Cincinnati, one ended in Lombardi Trophy number 5, will the other end with Trophy number 7?

It all starts Saturday night, get your popcorn ready.