like an early career Roethlisberger Pitt wasn't winning anything until Ben got there just like Seattle and Wilson.
In 2001, they went 13-3 and won the division with Kordell "F'n" Stewart at QB. Only the Pats stopped them from going to the SB.
In 2004, they were basically the same team with Roethlisberger being marginally better than Stewart. They went 15-1 and again were stopped by the Pats.
In 2005, they added Willie Parker and that was enough to get them over the hump. Roethlisberger threw for 2385 yards and 17 TDs.
In those three years the defense allowed, 212, 251, and 258 points.
Pitt is 8-8 the last two seasons with Roethlisberger playing well. Why? Because their defense has allowed 314 and 370 points and their running game has fallen off. See the trend?