The Pittsburgh Steelers faced a significant collapse during the 2020 NFL season, despite a strong 12-4 record and an 11-0 start. Eric Ebron, a former tight end for the team, highlighted key issues in their Late Season performance, particularly the reliance on a limited offensive strategy due to quarterback Ben Roethlisberger's declining physical capabilities. As Roethlisberger struggled to execute plays, the offense became predictable, allowing defenses to exploit the team’s weaknesses, leading to losses and a disappointing playoff exit against the Cleveland Browns.

By the Numbers
  • The Steelers started the 2020 season with an 11-0 record.
  • They lost four of their final five regular-season games, ending with a 12-4 record.
  • In the playoff game against the Cleveland Browns, the Steelers lost 48-37 after trailing 28-0 at the end of the first quarter.
State of Play
  • The Steelers have not won a playoff game in nearly a decade.
  • Heading into the 2026 season, the team is again starting a quarterback past his prime.
What's Next

The Steelers aim to avoid repeating the mistakes of the 2020 season by addressing their offensive strategy and ensuring better support for their aging quarterback in the upcoming season. The team's future success will depend on adapting their playstyle to improve effectiveness on the field.

Bottom Line

As they move into the 2026 season, the Steelers must learn from the 2020 collapse to remain competitive. Adaptation and innovation in their offensive strategy could determine their ability to make a deeper playoff run.