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As the Pittsburgh Steelers complete their first week of the 2024 preseason, fans have already begun speculating about the team's prospects for the upcoming regular season. Although preseason outcomes do not necessarily align with regular season records, it is worth examining if any patterns can be identified throughout the past five seasons. Let's take a closer look at the Steelers' preseason and regular season performances to determine if there is any value in gauging their success based on their preseason showings.

In the 2023 season, the Steelers recorded both winning records in the preseason and the regular season. This was the only instance within the previous five seasons when they achieved three preseason wins and 10 regular season wins. The following year, the Steelers replicated their winning preseason performance, but this time they also secured a victory in their week one regular season matchup, setting a positive tone for the rest of the year.

During the four preseason games of 2024, including the Hall of Fame game, the Steelers emerged victorious in three games, only suffering a defeat in the final matchup. However, the team's early success did not translate into the regular season, as they encountered a 1-3 start. Nevertheless, they managed to bounce back and maintained coach Mike Tomlin's tradition of finishing with a winning record.

In a previous instance where the Steelers played a technical four-game preseason, they won the first three games but faltered in the fourth. Unfortunately, this pattern extended into the regular season, as they began with an 0-3 record. Ultimately, they ended the season with a disappointing 8-8 record, marking the worst year in Tomlin's coaching career.

Taking a further look back, in 2018, the Steelers demonstrated impressive scoring capabilities throughout the preseason, reaching 30 points or more in all games except one. This offensive prowess carried over to the regular season with two out of their first four games resulting in scores of 30 or more.

Notably, the last time the Steelers had a losing record in the preseason was in 2016, when they finished with a 1-3 record. This was also the last time, prior to 2024, that they suffered a defeat in their first preseason contest. Despite the poor preseason performance, the Steelers did not have a bad year in 2016.

While it remains debatable whether preseason success directly correlates with regular season achievements, it is evident that Coach Mike Tomlin values winning seasons, including the preseason. The Steelers have experienced both successful preseasons and regular seasons throughout the examined period, with some instances showing alignment between the two.

With a Week 1 loss to Houston, it is certainly an anomaly for a Mike Tomlin-led team. However, only time will reveal if the shaky start in the preseason will impact the Steelers' regular season campaign in 2024 or if they will leverage it to sharpen their skills in this new era of Steelers football.

So, how much importance should be placed on a team's preseason performance? Has the outstanding preseason showing of 2023 changed your perspective? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!