The Pittsburgh Steelers are making unwanted history, and it's a tough pill to swallow for fans. After a season of high expectations, the team has just set a new franchise record that no one wants to celebrate: the longest streak of scoring seven points or less in the first 15 minutes of a game.
This unfortunate record was established just one week after the Steelers matched a nearly 80-year-old franchise low. The team's struggles were evident in their recent Monday night game, where they failed to score in the first quarter, extending their streak to 64 consecutive games with seven points or less in the opening frame.
To put this in perspective, the previous record, which spanned 63 games from 1940-1947, was tied just the week before. This earlier period, as noted by Alex Kozora, excludes the years when the Steelers merged with the Philadelphia Eagles and Chicago Cardinals due to World War II.
But here's where it gets controversial... With a high-profile quarterback like Aaron Rodgers leading the offense, the team's performance has been under intense scrutiny. This new record highlights the offensive challenges the Steelers have faced this year.
The current streak began during the 2022 season, with a revolving door of quarterbacks including Mitch Trubisky, Kenny Pickett, Mason Rudolph, Justin Fields, Russell Wilson, and Rodgers. The offensive coordinators during this period have been Matt Canada and now Arthur Smith, while Mike Tomlin has remained the head coach.
For context, the Brooklyn Dodgers hold the NFL record for the longest streak of scoring seven or fewer points in the first quarter, a staggering 86 games from 1930-1937. The New York Giants previously held the modern-era record, with a streak of 80 games from 2020-2025, before breaking it in Week 5 against the Dallas Cowboys by scoring 14 points.
Despite some early promise in the recent game, with Rodgers connecting with DK Metcalf for a 22-yard gain and Jaylen Warren's successful runs, the drive ultimately stalled. The Steelers went for it on fourth down twice, successfully converting with Connor Heyward and Kenneth Gainwell. However, Rodgers was sacked by Jordyn Brooks, sealing the Steelers' fate and solidifying their place in franchise infamy.
What do you think? Are these offensive struggles a result of the quarterbacks, the coaching, or a combination of factors? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
