When It Comes To The Pittsburgh Steelers, Change is OKAY

The Steelers History Hasn't Had Much Change

 Pittsburgh Steelers fans aren't used to change.  They fear change.  Why would they fear change?  They haven't experienced much of it since 1970.  Not in terms of the team's identity, not in terms of ownership, not in terms of coaching, and obviously not in terms of success.  However, through the years there has been significant change and also some subtle changes that have impacted the team one way or another.  Today's 2012-2013 team is in the process of change and its something many fans are fearing.  I'm hear to tell you that its OKAY to change, and actually embrace it.

The 1970s Steelers were known for defense and a big play offense.  However, most younger Steeler fans don't even realize that the 1970s Steelers defense (known as the Steel Curtain) was NOT a 3-4 defense.  Rather, it was a 4-3 defense that dominated opponents with the front four (LC Greenewood, Mean Joe Greene, Ernie Holmes, and Dwight White) and let the 3 Linebackers (Jack Lambert, Jack Ham, and Andy Russell) run sideline to sideline to make plays.  What do you think Steelers fans reactions were when Bill Cowher took over and turned the 4-3 defense into a 3-4???  My father tells me that fans weren't happy, especially when the team struggled defensively from time to time during the late 80s and early 90s.  Now, the Steelers are known for their vaunted 3-4 defense and the thought of even going to a hybrid 4-3 has Steeler fans in an uproar.  Change can be okay. 

When the Steelers made it clear in the offseason that Hines Ward (probably the most beloved Pittsburgh Steeler of all time, in my opinion) was not going to be invited to training camp, Steeler fans were upset.  They wanted Hines in his #86 jersey crushing people with blocks and catching redzone TDs, but how many Steeler fans miss him ON THE FIELD this season?  I for one can say that Hines is not missed in terms of production from the WR position.  Is his leadership missed?  You bet it is...but his play wasn't good enough, especially with all those young WRs waiting in the wings ready to take that next step in their careers.  Change is okay.

The Steelers are going through change both offensively and defensively this year.  Offensively, the Steelers are becoming a team that is more reliant on the short / intermediate throws to move the ball down the field.  Running the ball only when necessary.  Steeler fans are screaming on talk radio and hitting message boards and Twitter saying "We NEED STEELER FOOTBALL".  I could care less how the Steelers score points as long as they score points and WIN.  This team is built to let their quick and elusive WRs catch and run with the football.  I realize running the ball is important (especially to protect a lead) but that doesn't mean the Steelers couldn't be a pass first team and not be successful.  Ben Roethlisberger is the best offensive player on the team, why not build around him?!  Change is okay.

The Steelers' defense is also going through change.  No more are they the dominant group that can completely shut down the opponent's running game, but this defense seems to be more sound in the secondary this season (when everyone is healthy).  This defense is still searching for its new identity and I think the victory over the Bengals was a perfect example of a team that won a new way.  They weren't successful the same way Steeler fans are used to seeing them.  They didn't sack the QB, put pressure that led to INTs, and didn't completely shut down the opponent's running game.  What they did was play solid, sound, fundamental defense that led to a victory.  Getting off of the field on 3rd downs and making plays when necessary might be the calling card of this defense.  They might not be the #1 defense in the NFL, and they might not even rank in the top 5, and I'm okay with that...as long as the Steelers are WINNING.  Change is okay.

We are in the midst of change, and most teams can't win while going through change, but the Steelers aren't most teams.  They are a team that shows the depth and the talent to be able to win "on the fly".  The defense still needs to settle into its new role, but I think we can all agree that the game vs the Bengals was a step in the right direction.  Just remember the next time you are yelling at the TV for "STEELER FOOTBALL"...Steeler football is WINNING FOOTBALL...regardless of what it looks like.