1993 Pittsburgh Steelers Season

Season Summary: The 1993 Steelers stumbled early, opening 0-2, but stayed alive thanks to a defense that could dominate games and set the tone for the year. At the heart of it was Rod Woodson, in the midst of a remarkable season that earned him NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors. Woodson was everywhere. Intercepting passes, blitzing off the edge, forcing fumbles, and erasing opposing receivers. His masterpiece came against New Orleans, where he intercepted two passes (one for a 63-yard TD), forced a fumble, and broke up multiple passes in one of the most complete performances ever by a cornerback... and that was just in the first quarter!

Barry Foster missed significant time with injuries, but Leroy Thompson kept the running game afloat. Neil O'Donnell was unspectacular but avoided costly turnovers and directed an efficient, low-mistake passing attack, spreading the ball to Jeff Graham and Eric Green.

Pittsburgh finished 9-7 and earned a Wild Card spot, but their season ended in Kansas City when Joe Montana engineered an overtime comeback, but Woodson's brilliance and the team's defensive identity cemented 1993 as a solid step in Bill Cowher's rebuilding of the Steelers into contenders.