Going Streaking: Contextualizing the Steelers’ current winning streaks

“WE’RE GOING STREAKING!”

When I think of the current unbeaten streaks the Steelers have been extending as they seem to be clicking on all cylinders, I can’t help but envision all of Heinz Field chanting “Frank the Tank! Frank the Tank!” It’s hard to even hear the word “streak” without thinking of Will Ferrell, but the Steelers’ play as of late got me thinking about where their current win streak and road unbeaten streak compare historically in the Rothlisberger/Tomlin era. Additionally, there are some not as well-known streaks the Steelers are currently on which are worth mentioning.

5-Game Winning Streak

In Ben Roethlisberger’s career, a five game win streak is tied for his fourth best occurring within a single season. The best win streak of Ben’s career was when it started — 13 games in 2004 with Coach Bill Cowher. The team actually had a 14-game winning streak, but Ben did not play in Week 17.

Last season the Steelers, led by Ben Roethlisberger, had an eight-game winning streak from Week 8 to Week 14. The 2017 win streak was the longest of Mike Tomlin’s coaching career. The only other same-season win streak for Roethlisberger/Tomlin era which is longer than the current one was in 2016 from Week 11 to Week 17. During the 2016 streak, the Steelers won seven games in a row, six of which were quarterbacked by Ben Roethlisberger as he was given Week 17 off yet again.

10-Game Road Unbeaten Streak

The last time the Steelers have lost a game on the road came in Week 3 last season in Chicago. Yes, the Steelers tied the Brown’s in Week 1 this season, hence why it is considered an “unbeaten” streak. While this streak is the longest of Mike Tomlin‘s career, it is the second longest streak for Ben Roethlisberger. But a victory this week in Jacksonville could tie Ben’s record from 2004 to 2005, which was 11 games.

5-Game Win Streak Following a Thursday Night Game

I highlighted this streak in another article earlier this week. The Steelers have taken advantage of the extra rest after playing on a Thursday and have won their last five contests in which they had the added days off.

4-Game Win Streak in Week 11

The Steelers have won every Week 11-game since 2013. The only season of note was 2015 when the Steelers had their bye during Week 11.

7-Game Win Streak in November

The Steelers have won their last seven games in the month of November. Their last November loss was against the Cowboys in 2016.

5-Game Win Streak when Visiting the AFC South

The last time the Steelers went on the road and lost to an opponent from the AFC South division, it was October 2012 in Tennessee. The Steelers did not play on the road against the AFC South in 2013 or 2015, but since 2014 they have defeated each opponent in their own stadium while winning in Indianapolis twice.

13-Game Road Unbeaten Streak against the AFC

If only looking at divisional games, the Steelers have not lost on the road in 13 games. The last loss against an AFC opponent on the road was in Week 9 of 2016 against the Baltimore Ravens.