Despite Week 17 loss, Steelers fan confidence shows hope for the future

The Pittsburgh Steelers 2019 season is over, and it came to a close in a most unceremonious way. After digging themselves out of a 0-3 and 1-4 hole to start, the team was 8-5 heading into the final three games of the season in control of their own playoff destiny.

Then reality crept in and smacked them square in the mouth to the tune of three straight losses to end the year, and have them finish with a mediocre 8-8 record.

What is interesting about this situation is how the fans view the team now that the season is over. The SB Nation FanPulse crew continued to poll fans regarding their overall confidence level, even with the season officially over.

When it comes to the data, the Steelers’ fan confidence had been on on crazy roller coaster ride throughout the 2019 season. Confidence peaked at 83% after the Steelers beat the Rams. This approval percentage was the highest the fan base has recorded since after Week 1 in the preseason; however, it plummeted to 38% after the Week 11 loss to the Browns. Following the Week 12 win over the Bengals, fan confidence rose to a 46% approval rating, and continued to sky rocket to 75% after their revenge win over Cleveland at Heinz Field.

You would think the win over the Cardinals would move the needle in the right direction, but you’d be wrong. In fact, the Steelers’ approval percentage stayed the same at 75%. After the Week 15 loss, confidence dipped to 56%, and plummeted down to 38% following the debacle in MetLife Stadium last Sunday.

What about after the Steelers’ loss to the Ravens in Week 17? That loss technically didn’t end their season, but fans had to be frustrated, right? According to the FanPulse data confidence actually went up to 43% as the team now prepares for another lengthy offseason.

How is this so? What caused the confidence to actually go up?

If I were to put my finger on the pulse of those taking the weekly survey, it would likely revolve around the fact the Steelers are hopeful to get Ben Roethlisberger and company back for the 2020 season. Combine an improved offense with the up-and-coming defense and fans might not be brimming with confidence, but they have hope.

And where there is hope, there is a way...

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