Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

Why undefeated Steelers deserve the NFL's attention and respect

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Sep 26, 2024 3:08 PM ET

The Pittsburgh Steelers are among the five remaining undefeated teams in the NFL.

Led by longtime head coach Mike Tomlin, the Steelers have gotten off to their first 3-0 start since 2020 and the fourth time under his tenure. This will tremendously boost his ability to continue his streak of 15 consecutive years without a losing season.

In the offseason, Pittsburgh added quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. Wilson was named the starter before Week 1. An injury in the preseason opened the door for Fields to become the starter, and he has made the best of his opportunity with a new team.

Fields hasn't exactly lit the stat sheets up this year. He has thrown for only 518 yards, which puts him at 27th best in the NFL, and added 90 yards on the ground, good for eighth among quarterbacks.

Justin Fields scores his first rushing TD with the @Steelers!

: #LACvsPIT on CBS/Paramount+
: https://t.co/waVpO8ZBqG pic.twitter.com/mHjDNMx55Y
— NFL (@NFL) September 22, 2024

Tomlin has been impressed with Fields' ability to lead the team to 3-0.

"I like his steady demeanor," he said. "I like that in a leader. He doesn't ride the emotional roller coaster when things are going good or things are going bad," per Myles Simmons of NBC Sports.

The key to Pittsburgh's success this season has been stellar play from the entire defensive unit.

It certainly doesn't hurt that Pittsburgh has the best defensive player in the entire league, TJ Watt. Watt has already racked up three sacks and five tackles for loss this season.

.@_TJWatt take a bow @Steelers pic.twitter.com/MpsBcDaVGA
— NFL Films (@NFLFilms) September 9, 2024

Watt leads a Steelers defense that is first in yards per game allowed (229.7) and points per game allowed (8.7). The defense has only given up two touchdowns through the season's first three games.

Looking ahead, Pittsburgh has a great chance to improve to 4-0 as they face the struggling Indianapolis Colts (1-2) on Sunday.

A win to improve to 4-0 would certainly cement Pittsburgh into the top 5 teams in the NFL conversation and give them a ton of confidence heading into a Week 5 showdown against the Dallas Cowboys.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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