1997 Pittsburgh Steelers Season

Season Summary: This was a FUN season. The 1997 Steelers were a thrill ride. Jerome Bettis was again the focal point, powering for more than 1,600 yards. But the season rose and fell with Kordell Stewart in his first year as the full-time starter. Stewart was raw and mistake-prone, but electric... ripping off 80-yard TD runs, digging the team out of holes he dug with frantic 2nd-half comebacks, and pulling out overtime wins.

The team stumbled early with a horrific loss to Dallas, but soon found their footing, finishing 11-5 to win the AFC Central. The defense lost Pro Bowlers Rod Woodson and Chad Brown, but adjusted with strong performances from Carnell Lake, Levon Kirkland, and a front seven that kept games close while Stewart and Bettis powered the league's top rushing attack.

In the playoffs, Pittsburgh squeaked by New England in a 7-6 grinder highlighted by Stewart's 40-yard TD scamper down the sideline. But the magic ran out in the AFC Championship. Despite beating the Broncos 35-24 during the regular season, Kordell's 4 turnovers (3 INTs and a fumble) were too much to overcome in a heartbreaking 24-21 loss at Three Rivers.