A lot of the discussion of sports centers around the effects that pressure has on the athletes. There are those who argue that pressure helps athletes perform. Clutch performances and “Hail Mary” plays are common throughout the history of football. The Pittsburgh Steelers are particularly well-known for their high performance under pressure.
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Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
The Steelers have a history of buckling, but never breaking. They’ve pulled off some of the most impressive clutch plays in the history of the sport. It is why their reputation has grown at online sportsbooks. Websites like Casinofy may focus on safe online casinos for new and existing gamblers. But they also often cover bookmakers. The popularity of the Steelers as odds on favorites speaks for itself.
Starting Off on the Wrong Foot
It is not unfair to say that the Pittsburgh-based team is under a lot of pressure going into the new season. Their performance against the Carolina Panthers put a sour expression on many fans’ faces. The Steelers racked up 13 penalties for 104 yards. Definitely not a good look for the six-time Super Bowl champions. The performance even prompted Ben Roethlisberger to speak out about the team’s unpopular performance.
It is safe to say that the Steelers ended the preseason on the wrong foot, despite the win. But fans have not lost hope. The preseason performance may have been disappointing in some aspects, but the Steelers have always done well under pressure. A lot of their followers are undaunted by this development. Though there are those who believe someone should take accountability, there are far more who believe that the Pittsburgh team can turn things around.
Overcoming Challenges
Many may see the concerns that people have as a detrimental force that is ultimately discouraging the team. But their newly-acquired quarterback seems to disagree. Skylar Thompson believes that under pressure is where he thrives. He proved this fact with his incredibly strong pre-season performance. Even the fans disappointed by the Black and the Gold had to admit that the new QB has what it takes to lead the team to victory in case he's called upon.
Derrick Harmon is another excellent example of a Steeler who performs well under pressure. We’ve seen him rise to the challenge on numerous occasions this offseason. There is one problem with Harmon though; he will likely miss the start of the regular season due to injury. The young man seems to be prone to injury, leaving Pittsburgh’s team without a very valuable player at defensive end. Fellow Steelers will have to pick up the slack until the rookie recovers for the new season.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Derrick Harmon (99) and Yahya Black (78) during rookie minicamp in 2025.
Historical Precedent
There are plenty of examples from the football history books of Steelers who rose to the challenge even under the worst of pressure. Ben Roethlisberger may be retired now. But during his era he was one of the most respected and beloved quarterbacks in Steelers’ history. After18 seasons with the Black and the Gold it is hard to pinpoint exactly what year was Roethlisberger’s best. But many fans would point to 2010 as the year of Big Ben. He had several highlights that year, and many would even argue that he beat the Ravens single-handedly in the late season.
Franco Harris is another legendary Steelers player. He took up the position of right-back and had a knack for getting through tough times. The year was 1972 and the Steelers were facing off against their rivals from Oakland in the playoffs. The team was desperate for a playoffs win. The chances did not seem likely until Harris swept the ball mere inches from the turf with the Immaculate Reception. He ran and did not stop until he had scored a touchdown; securing victory for his team and cementing himself as a legend.
Conclusion
The Steelers' preseason was certainly not the best. Criticisms are warranted and there should be accountability taken. But the team starting the regular season off on the right foot is all that matters now. Historically they are among the teams that perform best under pressure. We believe that the Black and the Gold will rise from the ashes and show why the name “Steelers” is very much earned. Of course, whether they manage to win over the fans remains to be seen.
