Steelers Facing Pressure To Start Fast Amid Brutal Second Half Schedule

The Pittsburgh Steelers currently hold the record for the most non-losing seasons in sports. Bill Cowher started the record in 2004, and then when he retired following the 2006 season, Mike Tomlin took over and went on to have 19 straight non-losing seasons. The record is a very impressive feat, and one that will likely never be broken. In 2026 however, it's more of a curse than an accomplishment. The Steelers are hoping not only to keep the streak alive, but also to get over the hump of finally winning a playoff game. 

The team went big this offseason, bringing in the likes of Jamel Dean, Michael Pittman Jr., Rico Dowdle, and Jaquan Brisker. They also went and drafted Max Iheanachor and Germie Bernard, who should be able to contribute during the season immediately. The roster should look much better in 2026 compared to 2025, especially offensively. Pair that with the new coaching staff that was assembled, and the Steelers could find themselves back as Super Bowl contenders. 

One thing that remains a thorn in the Steelers' side is the quarterback situation. While the expectation is that Aaron Rodgers will be back, nothing is yet official. The team selected Drew Allar in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft, with Will Howard and Mason Rudolph already on the roster. They won't have an elite quarterback in 2026, and with the team's schedule now set, things may not look good for the Steelers' 2026 season.

Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo of the Post-Gazette recently appeared on 93.7 The Fan, where he spoke about the Steelers' upcoming season. He believes that, given the franchise's second half of the season, they'll need a hot start. Otherwise, they'll likely have their first losing season since 2003. In his eyes, the 23-year streak could potentially be broken.

"You better make hay in the first part of the season. You gotta be, in my mind, what, 7-2, 6-3 after nine games because that second half of the schedule once again, is just brutal," Fittipaldo stated. "I think it's gonna be a really bad sign, like, if they're 5-4 or 4-5 after those nine games, I think you're staring down the barrel at your first losing season since 2003."

After Week 9, the Steelers play five playoff teams and their division rival, the Baltimore Ravens, twice. It looks like it will be yet another end-of-season gauntlet, with all their toughest games coming in the latter part of the season, aside from the New England Patriots in Week 2. 

With an "easier" start to the season, the team should be able to reach six wins before the Week 9 bye week, but after that, it will be crunch time, when every win counts. 

Steelers' Non-Losing Season Record Will Definitely Remain Intact

While the Steelers will have a tough schedule in 2026 and won't have an elite quarterback (even if Rodgers comes back), they have still built a solid roster. The offensive roster is young and ascending, with veteran wide receivers who are still in their prime. They will also be playing in Mike McCarthy's offensive system, which has seen great success in the NFL, making the offense a potentially dangerous unit. 

The defense will also be led by a new coach, who hasn't seen as much success as McCarthy, but has made do with what he's had. Patrick Graham will be leading arguably the most talented defense he's had in his coaching career, with what should be an amazing secondary on paper. Graham has been loved across the NFL. Now, he'll get a chance to really put his name out there for potential head-coaching jobs. The Steelers' roster isn't flawless by any means, but it is the best one they've had in years. Even with the tough second half of the season, the streak will not be broken in 2026. 

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