"If we could've won them, we would've won them" - Former Steelers LB says Pittsburgh had no chance vs Tom Brady and Patriots dynasty

Vince Williams retired in 2021 after a strong eight-year career with the Pittsburgh Steelers. During that time, Pittsburgh made the playoffs six times but failed to reach the Super Bowl. They, much like every other AFC team, had to contend with Tom Brady and the New England Patriots.

The Patriots were one of the sport's most remarkable dynasties. They were an AFC juggernaut for nearly the entirety of Brady's time with them. In that span, the Patriots won six Super Bowls, tying them with the Steelers for the most all time.

Williams never won a Super Bowl or even reached the big game, but he doesn't believe that's all that surprising, given the Patriots' dominance at the time. Brady and coach Bill Belichick are largely to blame for the Steelers' lack of Super Bowls in recent memory, according to the former linebacker.

"If we could've won them, we would've won them. You guys understand we were running into a buzzsaw. We played against one of the best players to ever play football, along with one of the best tight ends to ever play football."

Williams went on to compare the Patriots to Michael Jordan's Chicago Bulls, who held a similar chokehold in the NBA.

"We were in Tom Brady's Jordan era. How many Hall of Famers didn't get a ring because they had to play Michael Jordan? Does Reggie Miller suck? Does Patrick Ewing suck? Do they suck? No, they don't suck."

No matter how well Pittsburgh performed, winning the AFC nearly always meant beating New England, which was a real issue for the Black and Gold.

Looking back at how the Steelers were subdued by the Patriots

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. New England Patriots

Williams' explanation holds true, as painful as that may be to think about for fans. Brady has a 9-3 record against Pittsburgh.

The playoff history for Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin tells the whole story. In 2011, they lost to Tim Tebow's Denver Broncos in one of the most remarkable overtime finishes in recent memory. Had they won that game, the Patriots would have been waiting in the divisional round.

In 2014, Pittsburgh lost to the Baltimore Ravens. Once again, the winner of the game was headed to Gillette Stadium. In 2015, they lost to eventual champions the Broncos. Who was waiting in the AFC Championship? None other than Brady and Belichick.

In 2016, Pittsburgh was blown out by the Patriots in the AFC championship game. In 2017, they lost to Jacksonville, who eventually lost to the Patriots.

In 2020, the Patriots no longer had Brady and finally missed the playoffs, but Pittsburgh were nearing the end of their prime, too. Pittsburgh legend Ben Roethlisberger retired following the 2021 season and a new era will now descend upon the Steel City.

Who knows how many rings Roethlisberger could have won had it not been for New England? He finished with two, but Williams thinks they could have had more.

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