This team tends to respond well to beatdowns and looking like absolute trash. Most Especially in seasons with some expectations.
1979: Destroyed by San Diego 35-7.
After: Win 6 out of last 7 games afterwards to win the Super Bowl.
1994: Lose 26-9 to Cowboys at Three Rivers.
After: Reel off 12-3 stretch and advance to AFC Title Game.
1995: Lose a 27-9 stinker to the Bengals in Pittsburgh.
After: Win 8 of last 9 games and advance to Super Bowl.
1997: Destroyed 37-7 by Dallas at Three Rivers.
After: Finish season 11-5 and advance to AFC Title Game.
2005: Destroyed 26-7 against Indianapolis.
After: Win 8 of last 9 games to win Super Bowl XL.
2008: Lost 15-6 in Philadelphia. Ben is sacked eight times.
After: 13-3 run to win Super Bowl XLIII.
2010: 39-26 beatdown at hands of New England at home.
After: Win 6 of next 7 games en route to Super Bowl XLV.
2011: Lost 35-7 in season opener at Baltimore.
After: Finish season 12-4. Injuries finally did the team in, though.
2013: 55-31 Destruction in New England. Defense surrenders a team-worst 600 yards.
After: Win 6 of next 8 games to push for a playoff spot in the final day.
2014: 31-10 Embarrassment to the Browns
After: 8-2 stretch to close out the season and win AFC North, but Bell injury kills them against Baltimore.
Now it's 2016, and the Steelers have suffered their worst deficit loss since 1997. A 34-3 shellacking against the Eagles in Philadelphia, and looked absolutely horrid in the effort.
Does this history mean anything now? No. I'm just pointing out that this team notoriously bounces back big after getting smashed.