Is This Steelers Team more like 2005 or 2009??

Are the 2012 Steelers Poised To Make
A Run Like 2005 w/ The Bus?

As the Steelers approach their second installment of the Steelers vs Ravens rivalry, alot of media and fans of the Black n' Gold are already crying of the potential loss awaiting the Steelers.  If you read my posts then you know that I don't feel that way.  I even picked the Steelers to upset the Ravens in Baltimore, but even Steelers beat writers (I won't name them specifically) are drawing harsh comparisons to this 2012 team and the 2009 team that went from 6-2 to 9-7 and just one game out of the playoff picture.  More optimistic Steeler fans (like me) are drawing comparisons to this 2012 team to the 2005 team that looked down and out at 7-5, only to rattle off 4 straight wins just to get into the playoffs and be the first team in NFL history winning the Superbowl as a 6-seed.  My black n' gold blood that runs through my veins tells me that this Steelers team resembles the 2005 version, but one thing I've learned is that statistics don't lie.  Lets break down the 2005 and 2009 season statistically, and compare them to the 2012 team after 11 games.  This should be interesting...

2005 Pittsburgh Steelers
Reg Season Record - 11-5
Points Per Game - 24.3
Points Allowed Per Game - 16.1
Turnover Ratio - +7
Sacks - 47
Sacks Allowed - 32

2009 Pittsburgh Steelers
Reg Season Record - 9-7
Points Per Game - 23
Points Allowed Per Game - 20.2
Turnover Ratio - -3
Sacks - 46
Sacks Allowed - 50

2012 Pittsburgh Steelers (Through 11 Games)
Reg Season Record - 6-5
Points Per Game - 21
Points Allowed Per Game - 19.1
Turnover Ratio - -10
Sacks - 22
Sacks Allowed - 23

Looking at these statistics there are some glaring similarities between the current Steelers team and their former selves in 2005 and 2009. In 2005 the Steelers had a positive take away ratio (+7), where in 2009 they had negative turnover ratios (-3).  The Steelers of 2012 are struggling with a (-10) turnover ratio right now, much in part to the 8 turnover debacle last week in Cleveland.  Defensively the similarities abound. All 3 teams have held their opponents to around 20 points / gm on average.  The 2005 defense was 3rd overall in the league that year just allowing 16 points/ game.  This 2012 defense is at 19.1 and could be going in the right direction in both turnovers and points allowed with Troy Polamalu set to return and James Harrison starting to round into game form.  The sacks is an astounding number so far.  In 2005 and 2009 the Steelers sacked the opposing QB over 46xs.  This year they are on pace to only sack the QB just over 30xs.  Offensively, there isn't too much different between the 3 teams in terms of points scored / game and sacks allowed.

Lets get to the conclusion here.  In the NFL, and in every season, games can be won and lost by one play.  One turnover, one penalty, one miscue.  Plain and simple.  The 2012 Steelers can be compared to both the 2005 team and the 2009 team.  Both teams went through a rough spell losing consecutive games.  The 2005 team got hot at the end of the season, and the 2009 team got hot,  but it was too little, too late.  This 2012 team is different on so many levels, but similar to past teams as well.  You can draw your own conclusions, but the Steelers have their work cut out for them to finish the season at least 10-6 and to make a run in the postseason.  Winning vs the Ravens isn't a MUST WIN, but can certainly boost everyone's moral and chances of a postseason birth...unlike the 2009 Steelers.

What conclusions did you draw from the statistical comparisons of the 3 teams?  Leave a comment in the comment section below!