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The Pittsburgh Steelers might be far from certain of a postseason berth in 2018, but their victory over the New England Patriots did at least guarantee them of one thing - For the 15th year in a row, Pittsburgh will avoid a losing season.
While some may laugh at noting such an achievement, the Patriots are currently the only team in the league with a longer record. Their last losing season coming in 2000. Although the Steelers have gone 8-8 three times since 2003, that is the worst fans have been forced to endure since going 6-10 that year.
The consequence of that sub .500 season was the selection of Ben Roethlisberger with the 11th pick of the 2004 draft and it would be fair to suggest that his arrival is among the main reasons why Pittsburgh has not suffered a losing season since. For Mike Tomlin, this victory means he is assured of his 12th consecutive season without a negative record.
#Steelers Mike Tomlin is now one of five head coaches in #NFL history to begin a head coaching tenure with at least 12 consecutive non-losing seasons, joining Marty Schottenheimer (1984-97, 14), Don Shula (1963-75, 13), George Allen (1966-77, 12) and Curly Lambeau (1921-32, 12).
— Dom Rinelli (@drinelli) December 17, 2018
Two victories to finish the season would give the Steelers double digit wins on the year for the fifth consecutive season and 11th time in the past 15 seasons.
For New England, their loss to Pittsburgh will stop them finishing with at least a 12-4 record for the first time since 2009 when they went 10-6. They will also record their first losing road record in nine years.