They say that you can estimate a loss or two per season for every rookie that you have in your starting lineup. Last season, the Pittsburgh Steelers fielded a defense that contained one rookie starter at the beginning of the year, but the lineup also featured two other players who were in their first season with the team.
As the year progressed, another rookie entered the starting lineup, while two other players in their first season with the team emerged in starting roles due to injury and ineffectiveness. The defense certainly had its struggles, but the offensive consistency still allowed the team to manage an 11-5 record and a division title.