2017 Pittsburgh Steelers Season

Season Summary: The 2017 Steelers looked built for a title run, finishing 13-3 behind the Killer B's. Big Ben threw for 4,200 yds and 28 TDs, Bell piled up 1,900 scrimmage yds, and Antonio Brown dominated with 1,500 yds. Rookie JuJu Smith-Schuster broke out with nearly 1,000 yds and 7 TDs, giving Pittsburgh the most explosive offense in football.

But the season will always be remembered for Ryan Shazier. He was the heartbeat of the defense, finally realizing his potential as one of the NFL's most dynamic LBs before a spinal injury in week 13 ended his career and shook the franchise. With Shazier, the defense ranked among the league's best, allowing just 17 PPG. Without him, they crumbled, giving up over 28 a game and bleeding big plays on the ground and through the air.

But the real collapse came in the playoffs. After being blown out by Jacksonville in the regular season, the Steelers had every reason to be prepared. Instead, Blake friggin' Bortles hung 45 points on them at home. Ben threw for 469 yds and 5 TDs in desperation, but it was wasted. Mike Tomlin and his staff were thoroughly outcoached and failed to adjust on either side of the ball. A 13-win team with scary talent and every expectation of contending for a Super Bowl went one-and-done in humiliating fashion. For me, it was the last straw... proof Tomlin was no longer capable of winning a championship, despite a championship-caliber roster.