2004 Pittsburgh Steelers Season

Season Summary: When Tommy Maddox went down in week 2, rookie Ben Roethlisberger stepped in and instantly changed everything. His first start came in a hurricane-soaked win at Miami, and from there, Big Ben went on a historic tear.

What set him apart wasn't just the wins... it was the way he did it. Toughness, creativity, and an improvisational knack that broke defenses' backs. By his 4th start he already had 2 comeback wins, the first of 41 in his career (3rd most all time behind only Brady and Manning), rallying the Steelers past Cinci and Dallas. He began a career-long domination of the Browns, then announced himself to the football world by ending New England's 21-game winning streak and hammering the 7-0 Eagles in back-to-back weeks.

The team was more than just the QB. Bettis scored 13 TDs and, with Duce Staley, powered the AFC's #1 rushing attack behind an All-Pro line. Ward, Burress and Randle El stretched the field, while the defense, led by Porter, Farrior and Polamalu, finished #1 in both yards and points allowed. Top to bottom, it was the most talented Steelers roster since the glory days of the ’70s, and it added up to a 15-1 record, the best in franchise history.

The ride ended in the AFC title game against the Patriots (a game I attended), a loss made even more bitter knowing the Steelers were robbed by the Pats' cheating in Spygate. Still, 2004 was one of the most electrifying seasons ever, with Roethlisberger's arrival marking the start of a new era.