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In 2004, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offense, coordinated by Ken Whisenhunt under head coach Bill Cowher, was a balanced, physical unit that powered the team to a remarkable 15-1 regular-season record, the best in the NFL that year. Whisenhunt’s system leaned heavily on a punishing ground game and efficient passing, tailored to maximize the talents of a rookie quarterback and a veteran-laden roster. The offense ranked ninth in the league, scoring 372 points (23.3 points per game), but its consistency and ability to control games were key to the Steelers’ dominance, though they fell short in the AFC Championship against the New England Patriots.
Rookie quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was the revelation of the season, stepping in as the starter in Week 2 after Tommy Maddox’s injury. Roethlisberger went 13-0 as a starter, throwing for 2,621 yards, 17 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, with a 98.1 passer rating—earning him a Pro Bowl nod. Whisenhunt’s game plan protected the young quarterback with simple reads, play-action passes, and a heavy dose of the run game, allowing Roethlisberger to manage games effectively. Wide receiver Hines Ward led the passing attack with 80 receptions for 1,004 yards and 4 touchdowns, while Plaxico Burress added 35 catches for 698 yards and 5 scores, providing a deep threat.
The running game was the offense’s heartbeat, driven by veterans Jerome Bettis and Duce Staley. Bettis rushed for 941 yards and 13 touchdowns, while Staley contributed 830 yards and 3 scores, splitting carries in a thunder-and-lightning tandem. Fullback Dan Kreider’s blocking was instrumental in springing big runs. The offensive line, anchored by All-Pro guard Alan Faneca and tackle Marvel Smith, dominated at the point of attack, paving the way for 2,464 team rushing yards (4.0 yards per carry). Whisenhunt’s scheme emphasized power runs, zone-blocking concepts, and play-action to keep defenses guessing, with a focus on controlling the clock—the Steelers led the NFL in time of possession (34:24 per game).
A standout performance came in Week 8 against the undefeated New England Patriots, where the Steelers ended New England’s 21-game win streak with a 34-20 victory. Roethlisberger threw for 196 yards and 2 touchdowns, while Bettis and Staley combined for 165 rushing yards. Another highlight was Week 12 against the Washington Redskins, a 16-7 win where the ground game churned out 207 yards. The offense remained steady throughout the season, with only one game under 17 points, but the postseason exposed its limits. After a 41-27 divisional-round win over the New York Jets, the Steelers fell 41-27 to the Patriots in the AFC Championship, where Roethlisberger threw 3 interceptions, underscoring his inexperience in high-stakes moments.
The 2004 season showcased Whisenhunt’s ability to craft an offense around a rookie quarterback while leaning on a veteran core. His run-heavy, low-mistake approach maximized the Steelers’ physicality, setting the stage for their Super Bowl run the following year. For Pittsburgh, 2004 was a statement of resilience and balance, with Whisenhunt’s offense proving it could dominate games and carry a young signal-caller to near-championship heights.