I would think that 3 AFC Championships, 2 Super Bowl titles, a combined 103-59 record, 6 postseasons appearances, 4 division titles, an 8-4 postseason record, and one of only two teams (Patriots) in the last 10 years without a losing record would leave Steeler fans a happy bunch (I know I am) but all I hear this offseason is how this organization is clueless and pathetic. Criticism of how the organization has run things this offseason. How they have yet to sign a big name free agent so far. In case people haven't been paying attention, this is how they have operated things for the last 20-30 years and I would say that they have been pretty damn successful just by looking at the above statistics let alone having actually watched every single game. Pittsburgh Steeler fans just sound like a bunch of spoiled brats.
Granted this team does have flaws, mainly on defense. They lack an elite pass rusher and no difference makers in the secondary, two things that have been mainstays since 2001. With the likes of Troy Polamalu, James Harrison, LaMarr Woodley, Joey Porter, Ike Taylor, and even Ryan Clark the back seven of the Steelers defense has consistently been one of the best in the league. They no longer can say that. Yes, a big name such as Darrelle Revis or Brian Orakpo would have been great additions. They would be for any team, especially one as flawed as the Steelers. But the Steelers have never and will most likely never go the free agency route. They have built through the draft, with a key free agent sprinkled in here or there but most of those have been under the radar additions that did not have much fanfare i.e James Farrior, Ryan Clark, and Jeff Hartings. Over the last few years we have seen teams such as the Redskins, Eagles, Broncos, and Raiders go on spending sprees and last time I checked none of those teams managed to win the Super Bowl. In fact it can be argued that the last ten Super Bowl winners have mostly been built through the draft. The only one that possibly could be argued against is the New Orleans Saints who won with a free agent addition at the most important position on the field. The Steelers (2), Giants (2), Colts, Ravens, Seahawks, Packers, and Patriots have developed most of their main players through the draft. And with the success of those teams who is anyone to argue with the approaches.
Another criticism of the Steelers has been how they do not spend money. That could not be further from the truth. They are constantly up against the cap which as been one of their biggest problems over the years. They just signed Ben Roethlisberger to a huge 5- year, $99 million contract. A cheap team does not do that. They have been a team that has found ways to keep their best players around for a long time.
If you want your favorite team to be one that is a huge spender in the free agent market then I suggest that you go find another team to cheer for because under the Rooney ownership the Steelers will never be a big spender and who am I to argue with their approach.
