NFL Spin Zone
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Each NFL team’s out of nowhere season

By Randy Gurzi

15 Nov 1998: Running back Jamal Anderson #32 and wide receiver Terance Mathis #81 of the Atlanta Falcons celebrate during the game against the San Francisco 49ers at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia. The Falcons defeated the 49ers 31-19.
15 Nov 1998: Running back Jamal Anderson #32 and wide receiver Terance Mathis #81 of the Atlanta Falcons celebrate during the game against the San Francisco 49ers at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia. The Falcons defeated the 49ers 31-19. /
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Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers
Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers. (Photo by Eliot J. Schechter/Getty Images) /

Pittsburgh Steelers: A 15-1 record in 2004

After failing to win consecutive games in 2003, the 2004 Pittsburgh Steelers ended up setting a franchise record for the most wins ever — and it came as quite a surprise. The Steelers went into the season with Tommy Maddox as their starting quarterback, even though they had just spent a first-round pick on Ben Roethlisberger.

The original plan was for the Miami of Ohio product to sit behind the veteran and learn the pace of the NFL, but that changed in Week 2 when Maddox was knocked out of the game. The Steelers dropped that game against the rival Baltimore Ravens but then went on a tear, as they won the following 14 games.

13 of those came with ‘Big Ben’ under center, as he set the record for the best win-loss record by a rookie in NFL history, as he was 13-0 as the starter. Roethlisberger sat out Week 17, as the Steelers had the No. 1 seed wrapped up and Maddox led them to their final victory of the year.

While Roethlisberger was surrounded by talented players, he was calm and cool under pressure and helped Pittsburgh knock off two undefeated teams back-to-back in the New England Patriots and the Philadelphia Eagles. Both wins were on the road and the Patriots had a 21-game win streak at the time, which was snapped.

New England got their revenge, as the Patriots defeated the Steelers 41-14 in the AFC Championship Game, but this was still an unexpected season that started out what has proven to be a great career for No. 7.

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