AFC #2 Pittsburgh Steelers (13-4) vs. Championship #6 New York Jets (13-5) Game Sunday, Jan. 23, 2011 6:30 p.m. (ET) Heinz Field Pittsburgh, Pa. AFC Championship Game Pittsburgh Steelers (13-4) vs. New York Jets (13-5) Date: Sunday, Jan. 23, 2011 Kickoff: 6:30 p.m., ET Site: Heinz Field (65,050) Pittsburgh, Pa. Playing Surface: Grass TV Coverage: CBS (locally KDKA-TV, channel 2) Announcers: Jim Nantz (play-by-play) Phil Simms (color analyst) Local Radio: Steelers Radio Network WDVE-FM (102.5)/WBGG-AM (970) Announcers: Bill Hillgrove (play-by-play) Tunch Ilkin (color analyst) Craig Wolfley (sideline) National Radio: Westwood One Radio Announcers: Dave Sims (play-by-play) James Lofton (color analyst) Hub Arkush (sideline) Spanish Radio: Grupo Imagen - Destrito Federal (Mexico City) XEDA-FM 90.5 A Look at the Coaches: Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin Overall regular-season record: 43-21 (.672)/fourth season Regular-season record at Pittsburgh: 43-21 (.672)/fourth season Playoff Record/Years: 4-1/three years New York Jets Head Coach Rex Ryan Overall Regular-Season Record: 20-12 (.625)/second season Regular-Season Record at New York: 20-12 (.625)/second season Playoff Record/Years: 4-1/two years Pittsburgh Steelers 2010 Schedule/Results Preseason (3-1) Saturday, Aug. 14 DETROIT W, 23-7 (KDKA) Saturday, Aug. 21 at New York Giants W, 24-17 (KDKA) Sunday, Aug. 29 at Denver L, 17-34 (FOX) Thursday, Sept. 2 CAROLINA W, 19-3 (KDKA) Regular Season (12-4) Sunday, Sept. 12 ATLANTA W, 15-9 (OT) (FOX) Sunday, Sept. 19 at Tennessee W, 19-11 (CBS) Sunday, Sept. 26 at Tampa Bay W, 38-13 (CBS) Sunday, Oct. 3 BALTIMORE L, 14-17 (CBS) Sunday, Oct. 10 BYE Sunday, Oct. 17 CLEVELAND W, 28-10 (CBS) Sunday, Oct. 24 at Miami W, 23-22 (CBS) Sunday, Oct. 31 at New Orleans L, 10-20 (NBC) Monday, Nov. 8 at Cincinnati W, 27-21 (ESPN) Sunday, Nov. 14 NEW ENGLAND L, 26-39 (NBC) Sunday, Nov. 21 OAKLAND W, 35-3 (CBS) Sunday, Nov. 28 at Buffalo W, 19-16 (OT) (CBS) Sunday, Dec. 5 at Baltimore W, 13-10 (NBC) Sunday, Dec. 12 CINCINNATI W, 23-7 (CBS) Sunday, Dec. 19 NEW YORK JETS L, 17-22 (CBS) Thursday, Dec. 23 CAROLINA W, 27-3 (NFL Net./KDKA) Sunday, Jan. 2 at Cleveland W, 41-9 (CBS) Postseason (1-0) Sat.-Sun., Jan. 8-9 BYE WEEK Wild Card Weekend (NBC, CBS & FOX) Saturday, Jan. 15 BALTIMORE (Div. Playoff) W, 31-24 (CBS) Sunday, Jan. 23 NEW YORK JETS (AFC Championship) (CBS) Sunday, Jan. 30 AFC-NFC Pro Bowl (Hawaii) (FOX) Sunday, Feb. 6 Super Bowl XLV (Dallas, Texas) (FOX) NOTE: All times are Eastern. Home games in Bold/CAPS.
THE COACHES MIKE TOMLIN was named the 16th head coach in Pittsburgh Steelers history on Jan. 22, 2007. Hired at the age of 34, Tomlin became only the third head coach hired by the Steelers since 1969. Tomlin became the youngest head coach in NFL history to both coach in and win a Super Bowl when he led the Steelers to a 27-23 victory over the Arizona Cardinals in Super Bowl XLIII. By winning the Super Bowl in only his second season as a head coach, he also became the fastest to win a Super Bowl title in Steelers history. Tomlin is one of only seven coaches in league history to win a Super Bowl within his first two seasons as an NFL head coach. Tomlin has compiled a 43-21 record in the regular season during his four-year head coaching career. His.672 winning percentage in his first four seasons is tied for the best in team history with former coach Bill Cowher. In 2010, Tomlin became only the second Steelers head coach to win at least 10 games in three of his first four seasons. In 2009, the Steelers offense ranked seventh in the NFL (ninth passing, 19 th rushing) and became the first unit in team history to boast a 4,000-yard passer, two 1,000-yard receivers and a 1,000- yard rusher in the same season. Pittsburgh s defense ranked fifth in the NFL (third vs. run, 16 th vs. pass) while leading the AFC and finishing one shy of the NFL lead with 47 quarterback sacks. The Steelers continued to be dominant at Heinz Field under Tomlin in 2009. Pittsburgh finished with a 6-2 home record in 2009 after finishing 7-1 (2007) and 6-2 (2008) at home during Tomlin s first two seasons. Tomlin s 24-8 record and.750 winning percentage at home after four seasons ranks second in Steelers history. The Steelers defense was dominant under Tomlin s guidance in 2008, leading the NFL in total defense (237.2), pass defense (156.9), points per game (13.9), total yards per play (3.9), rushing yards per attempt (3.3), passing yards per attempt (4.7) and third down efficiency (31.4), and finished second in league rushing defense (80.3). Tomlin became only the second Steelers head coach to win his first three games. During 2007, the Steelers became just the fifth team in NFL history to win their first four home games by at least 20 points. Tomlin led the Steelers to a 10-6 record in 2007, and became just the second coach in team history to post a winning record, win a division title and earn a playoff berth in his inaugural season. Tomlin was the NFL s second-youngest head coach in 2007, and he became only the second Steelers coach in team history to win at least 10 games during his first year at the helm. The Steelers posted a 7-1 record at home in 2007 and were 5-1 in the AFC North (3-0 at home). Tomlin was a three-year starter at wide receiver at William and Mary (1990-94) and finished his career with 101 receptions for 2,046 yards and a school-record 20 TD catches. A first-team All- Yankee Conference selection in 1994, he established a school record with a 20.2 yards-per-catch average. REX RYAN is in his second season as the New York Jets head coach. In his first season, Ryan led the team to a 9-7 regular season record, a wild card berth in the playoffs and to the AFC Championship game against Indianapolis, falling just one game short of the Super Bowl. Ryan s Jets were first in the NFL in rushing yards per game during the regular season at 172.2 ypg, and allowed the fewest average points, fewest average total yards and lowest average passing yards in the NFL at 14.8 points per game, 252.3 yards per game and 153.7 yards per game, respectively. STEELERS COMMUNICATIONS STAFF Dave Lockett, Communications Coordinator... (412) 432-7822 Burt Lauten, Public Relations/Media Manager... (412) 432-7821 Emily Scerba, Communications Admin. Asst.... (412) 432-7820 Ryan Scarpino, Media Relations Intern... (412) 432-7800 Office Fax... (412) 432-7878 STEELERS RADIO COVERAGE For the 12th consecutive year, WDVE-FM (102.5) and WBGG- AM (970) are carrying all Steelers games. Additionally, Steelers games can be heard on a 64-station network spanning Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio and Maryland. The Steelers are also broadcasted on 17 stations in Mexico, marking the second straight year their games can be heard throughout Mexico. For the 17th straight season, Bill Hillgrove serves as the Voice of the Steelers and handles play-by-play duties for the broadcast. Joining Hillgrove for his 13th season as an expert analyst is Tunch Ilkin, the former Steelers All-Pro offensive tackle. Joining the team for his ninth season is former Steeler offensive lineman Craig Wolfley, who provides sideline analysis. Stations on the Steelers Radio Network include: FLAGSHIP STATIONS (2) WDVE-FM (102.5) WBGG-AM (970) PENNSYLVANIA (31) Altoona-WVAM (1430) Altoona-WRKY (104.9) Beaver Falls-WBVP (1230) Beaver Falls-WMBA (1460) Bedford-WAYC (100.9) Bradford-WESB (1490) Butler-WISR (680) Chambersburg-WCHA (800) Clarendon-WKNB (104.3) Clarion-WCCR (92.7) Cooperstown-WUUZ (107.7) DuBois-WOWQ (102.1) Erie-WJET (1440) Gettysburg-WGET (1320) Grove City-WWGY (95.1) Harrisburg-WTPA (93.5) Indiana-WQMU (92.5) Johnstown-WRKW (99.1) Johnstown-WNTW (990) Latrobe-WCNS (1480) Punxsutawney-WPXZ (104.1) Saegertown-WUUZ (94.3) Scottdale-WLSW (103.9) Scranton-WEJL (630/1240) Scranton-WEZX (96.1/106.9) Somerset-WNTJ (850) State College/Pleasant Gap- WRSC (98.7) Uniontown-WMBS (590) Washington-WJPA (1450) Williamsport-WCXR (93.3) Williamsport-WZXR (103.7) OHIO (4) Bellevue-WOHF (92.1) Findlay-WFIN (1330) Westerville-WTDA (103.9) Youngstown-WNIO (1390) MARYLAND (4) Cumberland-WTBO (1450) Frostburg-WFRB (560) Hagerstown-WHAG (1410) Mountain Lake Park-WKHJ (104.5) WEST VIRGINIA (6) Buckhannon-WBRB (101.3) Fairmont-WRLF (94.3) Fairmont-WMMN (920) Morgantown-WKKW (97.9) St. Mary s-wjaw (630) Wheeling-WWVA (1170) MEXICO (17) Grupo Imagen Final 2010 AFC North Standings W L T Pct. Pts. Opp. z - Pittsburgh 12 4 0.750 375 232 x - Baltimore 12 4 0.750 357 270 Cleveland 5 11 0.313 271 332 Cincinnati 4 12 0.250 322 395 This Week in the AFC North: Sunday, January 23: New York Jets (13-5) at Pittsburgh (13-4), 6:30 p.m. (CBS) z - Clinched AFC North Division x - Clinched playoff spot All times are Eastern.
STEELERS PRONUNCIATIONS Flozell Adams... (FLOW-zell) Arnaz Battle... (ARE-nez) Crezdon Butler... (CREZ-den) Trai Essex... (TRAY) Ramon Foster... (ra-mone) Keyaron Fox... (KEY-aaron) Jeremy Kapinos... (CAP-uh-nos) Brett Keisel... (KEE-sull) Chris Kemoeatu... (kay-moy-ah-too) Keenan Lewis... (KEY-nan) Mewelde Moore... (Muh-WELL-dee) Troy Polamalu... (Pole-uh-MAH-lu) Maurkice Pouncey... (Mar-KEESE POUN-see) Matt Spaeth... (SPAYTH) Shaun Suisham... (SWEE-zum) LaMarr Woodley... (la-marr) MEDIA NOTES Weekly Press Conference: Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin will conduct his weekly press conference every Tuesday at noon in the Steelers media workroom at their UPMC Sports Performance Complex headquarters. Official Steelers Website: Media and fans can read about the latest Steelers news on the official Steelers website. The site,, features breaking news, statistics, player biographies and much more. Media-Only Section of The Steelers Media Relations Department offers a Media-Only section on steelers.com. To sign up for this service, go to members.steelers.com and register as a new user. Once your registration is approved, you will receive an email and can access all information. If you have any questions or problems, please email steelers_digest@yahoo.com. NFLmedia.com: Journalists worldwide have access to the dedicated media website featuring news from the NFL and its teams. Daily releases, statistics, domestic and international NFL updates and other information about the NFL are available. The site also provides links to other NFL and individual team sites. STEELERS LAST GAME Pittsburgh 31, Baltimore 24 Saturday, Jan. 15 Pittsburgh, Pa. (Heinz Field) Pittsburgh Team Notes: The Steelers improved to 3-0 all-time against the Ravens in the postseason. Pittsburgh improved to 9-0 overall against divisional foes in the postseason. The Steelers improved to 32-20 in the postseason, including a 19-10 record at home. Pittsburgh has won eight of its last nine postseason games. The Steelers advanced to the AFC Championship Game for the second time in three years and for the fifth time since 2001. Pittsburgh advanced to its 15th AFC Championship Game, surpassing Dallas (14) for the most appearances in a Conference Championship Game since 1970. Pittsburgh improved to 15-7 all-time in Divisional Playoff games, including a 12-1 record at home. RB Rashard Mendenhall gave Pittsburgh a 7-0 lead on its first offensive drive of the game as he scored from one yard out with 6:18 remaining in the first quarter that ended a 10-play drive. It was Mendenhall s first career postseason touchdown. Baltimore responded with a 10-play drive that culminated with a 14-yard touchdown run by RB Ray Rice. DE Cory Redding returned a QB Ben Roethlisberger fumble 13 yards for touchdown with 53 seconds remaining in the first quarter, giving Baltimore a 14-7 lead. Following a fumble by Mendenhall deep in Steelers territory, QB Joe Flacco found TE Todd Heap for a four-yard touchdown with 5:43 remaining in the first half to give Baltimore a 21-7 lead. After a fumble by the Ravens early in the third quarter, Roethlisberger tossed a nine-yard touchdown pass to TE Heath Miller to cut the lead to 21-14 with 9:11 remaining in the quarter. S Ryan Clark posted his first career postseason interception and the Steelers responded with an eight-yard connection from Roethlisberger to WR Hines Ward to tie the game at 21-21 with less than two minutes remaining in the third quarter. Following the Ravens third turnover of the third quarter, K Shaun Suisham booted a 35-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter to give Pittsburgh a 24-21 lead. K Billy Cundiff booted a 24-yard field goal with less than four minutes left in the game to tie the score at 24-24. Mendenhall scored the game-winning touchdown, a two-yarder, with 1:33 remaining in the fourth quarter to give Pittsburgh the eventual 31-24 victcory. On the drive, rookie WR Antonio Brown hauled in a 58-yard pass from Roethlisberger to set up the touchdown. Pittsburgh finished with 21 first downs to the Ravens 12. The Steelers limited the Ravens to just 126 yards, the secondlowest total in team postseason history. The Steelers allowed Tuesday, Jan. 18 Noon - Coach Tomlin Press Conference Wednesday, Jan. 19 1:15-3:15 p.m. - Practice Players available for media interviews at 12:30 p.m. and following practice in locker room National Press Conference (12:15 p.m.) THIS WEEK S SCHEDULE (SUBJECT TO CHANGE) Thursday, Jan. 20 1-3 p.m. - Practice Players available for media interviews at 12:15 p.m. and following practice in locker room Coach Tomlin available after practice in media workroom Friday, Jan. 21 10:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. - Practice Players available for media interviews following practice in locker room Coach Tomlin available after practice in media workroom Saturday, Jan. 22 No coaches or players available for media interviews Sunday, Jan. 23 6:30 p.m. (ET) AFC Championship Game vs. New York Jets (Heinz Field) CBS (locally KDKA-TV, channel 2) Monday, Jan. 24 TBA
123 yards to the Minnesota Vikings on Jan. 12, 1975 (Super Bowl IX). The Steelers held the Ravens to just 28 yards in the second half. Pittsburgh converted 50 percent (7 of 14) of its third-down attempts while Baltimore converted 5 of 12 (42 percent). The Steelers were flagged nine times for 93 yards while Baltimore had six penalties for 74 yards. Pittsburgh held the ball for 34:28 to the Ravens 25:32. The Steelers had five sacks, including three by LB James Harrison and one each by LB LaMarr Woodley and DE Ziggy Hood. Pittsburgh forced three turnovers, including two fumbles and one interception. QB Charlie Batch (3rd QB), RB Jonathan Dwyer, CB Crezdon Butler, OG Chris Scott, OT Tony Hills, DT Steve McLendon, DE Aaron Smith and LB Jason Worilds were inactive for the Steelers. Pittsburgh Individual Notes: QB Ben Roethlisberger Finished 19-for-32 for 226 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions (101.8 passer rating). Tossed a nine-yard touchdown pass to TE Heath Miller in the third quarter. Added an eight-yard touchdown pass to WR Hines Ward later in the third quarter. Improved to 9-2 all-time in the postseason. Marked his sixth career multi-touchdown game of his postseason career. RB Rashard Mendenhall Finished with a game-high 46 yards rushing on 20 carries (2.3 avg.) with two touchdowns. Scored his first career postseason touchdown with a one-yarder midway through the first quarter. Added the game-winning touchdown, a two-yarder, with 1:33 remaining in the game. Caught one pass for 13 yards. WR Hines Ward Finished with three catches for 25 yards (8.3 avg.) with one touchdown. Hauled in an eight-yard touchdown in third quarter, giving him nine for his career in the postseason and tying him for second on the team s all-time postseason list with Lynn Swann. Tied the team postseason record for consecutive games with a reception at 15, tying John Stallworth on the team s all-time postseason list. WR Antonio Brown Caught a 58-yard pass on the Steelers final drive to set up the game-winning touchdown. Finished with a game-high 75 yards receiving on three catches (25.0 avg.). Returned two punts for 16 yards (8.0 avg.) and had four kickoff returns for 85 yards (21.3 avg.). TE Heath Miller Hauled in a nine-yard touchdown pass from Roethlisberger in the third quarter, his fourth career postseason touchdown. Finished with five receptions for 39 yards (7.8 avg.) with one touchdown. Team improved to 8-1 in the postseason during his career. DE Ziggy Hood Posted his first career postseason sack, an eight-yarder. Finished with five tackles (four solo). DE Brett Keisel Recovered his second career fumble in the postseason. Finished with four tackles. LB Lawrence Timmons Finished with a team-high nine tackles (seven solo). LB James Harrison Posted a five-yard sack in the third quarter. Added a seven-yard sack later in the third quarter. Posted a nine-yard sack in the fourth quarter, giving him 5.5 for his career in the postseason Marked his first career postseason game with three sacks. Finished with seven tackles (five solo) with three sacks. LB LaMarr Woodley Posted a five-yard sack in the first quarter, giving him nine sacks in his first five career postseason games. Recovered his first career fumble in the postseason in the third quarter. Finished with three tackles. S Ryan Clark Forced his second career postseason fumble in the third quarter. Posted his first career postseason interception later in the third quarter. Finished with five tackles (three solo). P Jeremy Kapinos Posted a postseason career-long 55-yard in the second quarter. Averaged 48.5 yards per punt on four punts, downing one inside the 20-yard line. 2010 PLAYOFF SCHEDULE WILD CARD WEEKEND Saturday, Jan. 8 4:30 p.m. Seattle 41, New Orleans 36, NBC (WPXI-TV, Ch. 11) 8 p.m. New York Jets 17, Indianapolis 16, NBC (WPXI-TV, Ch. 11) Sunday, Jan. 9 1 p.m. Baltimore 30, Kansas City 7, CBS (KDKA-TV/Ch. 2) 4:30 p.m. Green Bay 21, Philadelphia 16, FOX (WPGH-TV, Ch. 53) DIVISIONAL PLAYOFFS Saturday, Jan. 15 4:30 p.m. Pittsburgh 31, Baltimore 24, CBS (KDKA-TV/Ch. 2) 8 p.m. Green Bay 48, Atlanta 21, FOX (WPGH-TV, Ch. 53) Sunday, Jan. 16 1 p.m. Chicago 35, Seattle 24, FOX (WPGH-TV/Ch. 53) 4:30 p.m. New York Jets 28, New England 21, CBS (KDKA-TV/Ch. 2) CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS Sunday, Jan. 23 3 p.m. Green Bay at Chicago, FOX (WPGH-TV, Ch. 53) 6:30 p.m. New York Jets (13-5) at Pittsburgh (13-4), CBS (KDKA-TV/Ch. 2) SUPER BOWL XLV (Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, Texas) Sunday, Feb. 6, 6:30 p.m. FOX (WPGH-TV, Ch. 53)
STEELERS-JETS SERIES NOTES Series History: Series began in 1970 Overall: Pittsburgh leads 15-4 At Pittsburgh: Pittsburgh leads 6-1 At New York: Pittsburgh leads 9-3 Neutral Sites: n/a Last Regular-Season Meeting: Dec. 19, 2010 (in Pittsburgh) New York 22, Pittsburgh 17 Postseason Series: Pittsburgh leads 1-0 Last Postseason Meeting: Jan. 15, 2005 (in Pittsburgh) Pittsburgh 20, New York 17 (OT) (postseason record not included in overall series record) Pittsburgh leads the all-time postseason series 1-0 with the lone game being a 20-17 Steelers victory during the 2004 playoffs (Heinz Field)...the Steelers lead the all-time regular-season series 15-4, including a 6-1 record at home...the Jets defeated the Steelers earlier this year for their first-ever victory in Pittsburgh...the Steelers are 3-1 at Heinz Field against the Jets...the Steelers won the first nine games of the series...the Jets have scored more than 10 points in a game against the Steelers just four times since 1988. STEELERS POSTSEASON INFORMATION Steelers Postseason History vs. New York Jets: The Steelers will face the New York Jets for just the second time in the postseason with Pittsburgh leading 1-0. The teams met in the 2004 AFC Divisional Playoff Game, a 20-17 Steelers victory in overtime at Heinz Field. Following is a look at the all-time postseason games in the series history: Date Team Result Playoff Game 1/15/05 New York Jets W, 20-17 (OT) AFC Divisional Playoff Game Steelers Postseason Notes: The Steelers are 32-20 in the postseason (.640), including a 19-10 record at home, a 7-9 mark on the road and a 6-1 record at neutral sites (Super Bowls IX, X, XIII, XIV, XXX, XL and XLIII). The Steelers are 7-7 all-time in AFC Championship Games, including a 5-5 mark at home (1-2 at Heinz Field) and a 2-2 record on the road. Pittsburgh advanced to its 15th AFC Championship Game, surpassing Dallas (14) for the most appearances in a Conference Championship Game since 1970. The following is a look at Pittsburgh s postseason history while playing in an AFC Championship Game: Date Opponent Result Site 12/31/72 Miami Dolphins L, 21-17 Pittsburgh, Pa. 12/29/74 Oakland Raiders W, 24-13 Oakland, Calif. 1/4/76 Oakland Raiders W, 16-10 Pittsburgh, Pa. 12/26/76 Oakland Raiders L, 24-7 Oakland, Calif. 1/7/79 Houston Oilers W, 34-5 Pittsburgh, Pa. 1/6/80 Houston Oilers W, 27-13 Pittsburgh, Pa. 1/6/85 Miami Dolphins L, 45-28 Miami, Fla. 1/15/95 San Diego Chargers L, 17-13 Pittsburgh, Pa. 1/14/96 Indianapolis Colts W, 20-16 Pittsburgh, Pa. 1/11/98 Denver Broncos L, 24-21 Pittsburgh, Pa. 1/27/02 New England Patriots L, 24-17 Pittsburgh, Pa. 1/23/05 New England Patriots L, 41-27 Pittsburgh, Pa. 1/22/06 Denver Broncos W, 34-17 Denver, Colo. 1/18/09 Baltimore Ravens W, 23-14 Pittsburgh, Pa. The Steelers seven wins in AFC Championship Games are the most in the conference s history. New England, Buffalo and Denver are second (tied) with six. The Steelers are 4-1 during the Mike Tomlin era in the postseason, and have won their last four games. The Steelers have played in 52 playoff games, which is second all-time behind Dallas (58). Pittsburgh has won eight of its last nine postseason games. The Steelers have played a team in the postseason 16 times after losing to them in the regular season. In those 16 postseason rematches, Pittsburgh is 8-8 in such games. The following is a look at Pittsburgh s postseason history when playing a team after losing to them in the regular season (since 1970): Date Opponent Result Game 9/29/74 Oakland Raiders L, 17-0 Regular season 12/29/74 at Oakland Raiders W, 24-13 AFC Championship 9/12/76 at Oakland Raiders L, 31-28 Regular season 12/26/76 at Oakland Raiders L, 24-7 AFC Championship 11/6/77 at Denver Broncos L, 21-7 Regular season 12/24/77 at Denver Broncos L, 34-21 AFC Divisional Playoff 10/23/78 Houston Oilers L, 24-17 Regular season 12/3/78 at Houston Oilers W, 13-3 Regular season 1/7/79 Houston Oilers W, 34-5 AFC Championship 9/9/79 Houston Oilers W, 38-7 Regular season 12/10/79 at Houston Oilers L, 20-17 Regular season 1/6/80 Houston Oilers W, 27-13 AFC Championship 10/7/84 Miami Dolphins L, 31-7 Regular season 1/6/85 at Miami Dolphins L, 45-28 AFC Championship 10/22/89 at Houston Oilers L, 27-0 Regular season 12/3/89 Houston Oilers L, 23-16 Regular season 12/31/89 Houston Oilers W, 26-23 (OT) AFC Wild Card 11/5/89 at Denver Broncos L, 34-7 Regular season 1/7/90 at Denver Broncos L, 24-23 AFC Divisional Playoff 11/8/92 at Buffalo Bills L, 28-20 Regular season 1/9/93 Buffalo Bills L, 24-3 AFC Divisional Playoff 12/24/94 at San Diego Chargers L, 37-34 Regular season 1/15/95 San Diego Chargers L, 17-13 AFC Championship 11/4/01 Baltimore Ravens L, 13-10 Regular season 12/16/01 at Baltimore Ravens W, 26-21 Regular season 1/20/02 Baltimore Ravens W, 27-10 AFC Divisional Playoff 11/17/02 at Tennessee Titans L, 31-23 Regular season 1/11/03 at Tennessee Titans L, 34-31 (OT) AFC Divisional Playoff 10/23/05 at Cincinnati Bengals W, 27-13 Regular season 12/4/05 Cincinnati Bengals L, 38-31 Regular season 1/8/06 at Cincinnati Bengals W, 31-17 AFC Wild Card 11/28/05 at Indianapolis Colts L, 26-7 Regular season 1/15/06 at Indianapolis Colts W, 21-18 AFC Divisional Playoff 12/16/07 Jacksonville Jaguars L, 29-22 Regular season 1/5/08 Jacksonville Jaguars L, 31-29 AFC Wild Card 10/3/10 Baltimore Ravens L, 17-14 Regular season 12/5/10 at Baltimore Ravens W, 13-10 Regular season 1/15/11 Baltimore Ravens W, 31-24 AFC Divisional Playoff The Steelers captured the AFC North Division title for fourth time since divisions were re-aligned in 2002. Mike Tomlin is the youngest coach in NFL history to win a Super Bowl. Following is a look at the youngest head coaches in Super Bowl history: Season Coach Team Yrs. Days 2008 Mike Tomlin Pittsburgh 36 323* 1995 Bill Cowher Pittsburgh 38 265 1968 Don Shula Baltimore 39 8 2002 Jon Gruden Tampa Bay 39 162 1967 John Rauch Oakland 40 147 * Age on Feb. 1, 2009 Mike Tomlin became just the seventh coach in NFL history to win a Super Bowl within his first two seasons as head coach. Following is a look at the seven coaches who have won a Super Bowl within their first two seasons: Season Coach Team Season 2008 Mike Tomlin Pittsburgh Steelers 2nd 2000 Brian Billick Baltimore Ravens 2nd 1995 Barry Switzer Dallas Cowboys 2nd 1989 George Siefert San Francisco 49ers 1st 1982 Joe Gibbs Washington Redskins 2nd 1980 Tom Flores Oakland Raiders 2nd 1971 Don McCafferty Baltimore Colts 2nd
The announced crowd of 65,350 at the 2008 AFC Championship Game was the largest postseason crowd in Heinz Field history, surpassing the 2004 AFC Championship Game total of 65,242 against New England on Jan. 23, 2005. The Steelers won the AFC Central title a team-record six consecutive seasons from 1974-79. They also won four consecutive division titles from 1994-97. The Steelers won a team-record seven consecutive postseason games, including two Super Bowls (IX and X), from Dec. 22, 1974 through Dec. 19, 1976. They won six consecutive postseason games from Dec. 30, 1978 through Jan. 20, 1980, including victories in Super Bowls XIII and XIV. The Steelers have been shut out only once in the postseason, during the 1947 Eastern Division Playoff game, Dec. 21, 1947, versus the Philadelphia Eagles. The Steelers and Eagles finished that season with 8-4 records and tied for first place in the Eastern Division. In those days, there was only one NFL Championship Game, so the two Pennsylvania neighbors squared off for the right to face the Chicago Cardinals in the Championship Game. The Eagles won, 21-0, but lost in the Championship Game, 28-21, to the Cardinals, the same franchise the Steelers faced in Super Bowl XLIII. The Steelers record for fewest points allowed in a playoff game is five, during a 34-5 win in the 1978 AFC Championship Game versus the Houston Oilers at Three Rivers Stadium, Jan. 7, 1979. The Steelers allowed a team-high 45 points during a 45-28 AFC Championship Game road loss to the Miami Dolphins Jan. 6, 1985. Pittsburgh has faced 21 different teams in the postseason and has a winning record against 12 of those opponents. The Steelers have split their postseason contests with two teams and have a losing record versus seven teams. The Steelers rank among the most successful teams in the NFL in the postseason. Pittsburgh is first with 20 division titles since 1970, is tied for third in consecutive playoff victories, and is second in total playoff berths since 1970. STEELERS POSTSEASON RANKINGS DIVISION TITLES SINCE 1970 MERGER PITTSBURGH... 20 Dallas... 17 San Francisco... 17 Minnesota... 16 Indianapolis... 13 Oakland... 13 Miami... 12 PLAYOFF BERTHS SINCE 1970 MERGER Dallas... 26 PITTSBURGH... 25 Minnesota... 24 Miami... 22 San Francisco... 21 CONSECUTIVE PLAYOFF VICTORIES New England (2001, 2003-05)... 10 Green Bay (1961-62, 1965-67)... 9 PITTSBURGH (1974-76)... 7 San Francisco (1988-90)... 7 Dallas (1992-94)... 7 Denver (1997-98)... 7 Following is the Steelers record versus each individual opponent: Steelers vs. Individual Postseason Opponents Team Record Pct. Baltimore/Indianapolis Colts 6-0 1.000 Cleveland Browns 2-0 1.000 Baltimore Ravens 2-0 1.000 Arizona Cardinals** 1-0 1.000 Cincinnati Bengals 1-0 1.000 Los Angeles Rams** 1-0 1.000 Minnesota Vikings** 1-0 1.000 New York Jets 1-0 1.000 Seattle Seahawks** 1-0 1.000 Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans 3-1.750 Buffalo Bills 2-1.667 Dallas Cowboys** 2-1.667 Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders 3-3.500 Denver Broncos 3-3.500 Miami Dolphins 1-2.333 San Diego Chargers 1-2.333 New England Patriots 1-3.250 Detroit Lions 0-1.000 Jacksonville Jaguars 0-1.000 Kansas City Chiefs 0-1.000 Philadelphia Eagles* 0-1.000 Total 32-20.640 * 1947 Eastern Division playoff game. ** Super Bowl opponent. Winningest Active Coaches in the Postseason (Winning Percentage) Name W L Pct. Mike Tomlin 4 1.800 Rex Ryan 4 1.800 Bill Belichick 15 5.750 Sean Payton 4 2.667 Ken Whisenhunt 4 2.667 Mike Shanahan 8 5.615 Lovie Smith 3 2.600 Mike McCarthy 3 2.600 John Harbaugh 4 3.571 Andy Reid 10 8.556 Tom Coughlin 8 7.533 Jim Caldwell 2 2.500 Norv Turner 4 4.500 Jeff Fisher 5 6.455 Jack Del Rio 1 2.333 Pete Carroll 1 3.250 Tony Sparano 0 1.000 Mike Smith 0 2.000 Marvin Lewis 0 2.000 Chan Gailey 0 2.000 STEELERS INDIVIDUAL POSTSEASON INFORMATION Head Coach Mike Tomlin Owns a 4-1 record all-time in the postseason. Became the youngest head coach in NFL history to win a Super Bowl (Super Bowl XLIII). Became just the seventh coach in NFL history to win a Super Bowl within his first two seasons as head coach. QB Ben Roethlisberger Owns a 9-2 all-time record in the postseason as the starting quarterback. Had led the Steelers to four AFC Championship Games in his first seven seasons as the starting quarterback. Became the youngest quarterback in league history to win a Super Bowl (Super Bowl XL) at 23 years old.
Is the second-youngest starting quarterback to win his second Super Bowl (26 years, 336 days old on Feb. 1, 2009; Tom Brady - 26 years, 182 days on Feb. 1, 2004). Engineered a game-winning, 78-yard drive that culminated with a six-yard touchdown pass to WR Santonio Holmes for the goahead score with 35 seconds left in Super Bowl XLIII. Became just the 10th quarterback in NFL history to win more than one Super Bowl (Terry Bradshaw, Joe Montana - 4; Troy Aikman, Tom Brady - 3; Ben Roethlisberger, John Elway, Bob Griese, Jim Plunkett, Bart Starr, Roger Staubach - 2). In 11 career postseason games, has a 61.6 completion percentage (191 of 310) for 2,465 yards. His 191 completions and 2,465 passing yards are the second-most in team postseason history. Has 17 touchdowns and 12 interceptions and an 88.7 passer rating in 11 postseason games. Has six multi-touchdown passing games. Had a career playoff-high 65-yard touchdown pass to WR Santonio Holmes in the 2008 AFC Championship Game versus the Baltimore Ravens. Posted a career playoff-high 337 yards passing in the 2007 AFC Wild Card game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Has engineered three postseason fourth quarter/overtime gamewinning drives, including most recently in the 2010 AFC Divisional Playoff Game against the Baltimore Ravens. WR Hines Ward MVP of Super Bowl XL as he finished with 123 yards receiving on five receptions with one touchdown. Has 79 career catches for 1,089 yards (13.8 avg.) with nine touchdowns. Ranks first on the team s all-time postseason list for receptions with 79, the only receiver in team history to post at least 70 receptions. Ranks first on the team s all-time postseason list for receiving yards with 1,089 career postseason yards. Became just the second player in team history to post 1,000 yards receiving in the postseason, joining Hall of Famer John Stallworth. Has caught a pass in 15 straight postseason games, tied with John Stallworth (1975-85) for the longest streak in team history. Has five career 100-yard receiving games in the postseason. Has one multi-touchdown postseason game (1/11/03 at Tennessee two receiving touchdowns). Owns a career record of 11-4 in the postseason. WR Antonio Brown In his first career postseason game, finished with a game-high 75 yards receiving in the Steelers 2010 AFC Divisional Playoff win over the Baltimore Ravens. Hauled in a career postseason long catch of 58 yards on the Steelers final drive to set up the game-winning touchdown. TE Heath Miller Team is 8-1 in the postseason during his career. Has 31 career postseason receptions for 387 yards (12.5 avg.) with four touchdowns, all team postseason records for tight ends. Had career playoff-highs of eight catches for 85 yards in the 2007 AFC Wild Card Game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Of his 31 postseason catches, 19 have gone for first downs or touchdowns. RB Rashard Mendenhall Posted two rushing touchdowns in his first career postseason game in the Steelers 2010 AFC Divisional Playoff victory over the Baltimore Ravens. Finished with 46 yards rushing on 20 carries (2.3 avg.) with two touchdowns against the Ravens. DE Aaron Smith Team is 10-3 in 13 career postseason games in which he has started or played for Pittsburgh. Has 32 career postseason tackles (21 solo) with three sacks and one fumble recovery. DE Brett Keisel Has 30 career tackles (17 solo), three sacks, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries in 13 postseason games. Finished with five tackles and recovered the fumble at the end of the game that sealed the Steelers victory in Super Bowl XLIII. Has three career postseason sacks, including two in the 2005 AFC Championship Game against Denver and one in the 2008 AFC Divisional Playoff Game versus San Diego. Team is 2-0 when he posts a sack in the postseason. DT Casey Hampton Has 31 career tackles (18 solo) in 13 playoff games (12 starts). Has one career postseason sack, a five-yarder in Super Bowl XL. Has forced one fumble and recovered one fumble in his 13 career postseason games. DT Chris Hoke In 11 career postseason games, has 12 tackles and two sacks. Posted his first career postseason sack against the New York Jets in the 2004 AFC Divisional Playoff. One of 10 current Steelers to have at least 11 games of postseason experience. Made his two career playoff starts in 2004, filling in for injured DT Casey Hampton Team is 9-2 in his 11 games played. LB James Farrior In 16 career postseason games (three with NYJ and 13 with Pittsburgh), has 96 career tackles (69 solo). Finished with a team-high (tied) seven tackles in Super Bowl XLIII. Led the team with 21 tackles in the 2008 postseason. Has posted five postseason sacks, including four with Pittsburgh. Has two career interceptions in the playoffs, the most recent coming in the 2007 AFC Wild Card Game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. LB James Harrison Has posted 28 tackles (18 solo) in nine career playoff games (five starts). Had one of the most memorable and game-changing plays in Super Bowl history with his record-breaking 100-yard interception return for a touchdown in Super Bowl XLIII. It marked the longest play in Super Bowl history, breaking the old mark of 99 yards on a kickoff return by Desmond Howard (Green Bay) versus New England in Super Bowl XXXI. Finished Super Bowl XLIII with four tackles (three solo) and one interception and two QB hurries. Has 5.5 sacks in his postseason career, including three in the 2010 AFC Divisional Playoff Game versus Baltimore. His three sacks in the 2010 AFC Divisional Game against the Ravens tied the team s postseason single-game record. Chad Brown had three against the Colts on 12/29/96 and Gerald Williams had three against the Chiefs on 1/8/94. LB LaMarr Woodley In five career postseason games, has nine sacks, including two in Super Bowl XLIII. Has recorded at least one sack in every postseason game he has played.
Finished Super Bowl XLIII with four tackles, two sacks and one forced fumble. His forced fumble sealed the victory with just five seconds remaining in the game. Became the first player in NFL history to record four straight multi-sack playoff games. He posted two sacks in his first four career postseason games. Has 25 tackles (17 solo) in five postseason games and finished second on the team with 19 tackles (13 solo) during the 2008 playoffs. Had a career postseason-high nine tackles in the 2008 AFC Championship Game against the Baltimore Ravens. LB Lawrence Timmons In five career postseason games, has 20 tackles, one fumble recovery and four special teams tackles. Had five tackles in the 2008 AFC Championship Game. His lone fumble recovery sealed the 2008 AFC Championship Game victory over the Baltimore Ravens. Team is 4-1 in his five games played (one start). Made his first career postseason start in the 2010 AFC Divisional Playoff Game against the Baltimore Ravens and finished with nine tackles. LB Larry Foote Has started 10 postseason games (13 total played). Has recorded 61 career tackles (42 solo) in the postseason. Has posted a half-sack and two interceptions in his postseason career, including a diving interception in the 2008 AFC Divisional Playoff Game against San Diego. S Troy Polamalu Team is 9-2 in 11 playoff games as a starter. Has 58 career postseason tackles (34 solo) with a half-sack and three interceptions (one touchdown). Team is 3-0 when he records an interception. Had a 40-yard interception return for a touchdown in the AFC Championship Game against Baltimore, the first postseason interception return for a touchdown in Steelers history. S Ryan Clark Has played in six career playoff games, including four with Pittsburgh. Has 36 career postseason tackles (24 solo), including a careerhigh eight in the 2008 AFC Championship Game against Baltimore. In the 2010 AFC Divisional Playoff Game against the Ravens, posted his first career postseason interception and added his second career forced fumble in the Steelers victory. CB Ike Taylor Team is 8-0 when he starts and 9-2 overall in the postseason. Has three interceptions in 11 playoff games. Finished with a team-high (tied) seven tackles (five solo) in Super Bowl XLIII. CB Bryant McFadden Has played in 11 career postseason games, starting six. As a Steeler, has played in nine games, starting four. Has 23 tackles and five pass breakups in those nine games for Pittsburgh. Played in all four postseason games as a rookie for the Steelers in 2004 had five tackles and three pass breakups in the 2004 postseason. Had a career-high 14 tackles in the 2009 postseason for the Arizona Cardinals had a career-high seven tackles in each game. Teams are a combined 9-2 in his 11 games played. TEAM NOTES AFC North Division Champions: Pittsburgh captured the AFC North Division championship after its Week 17 victory over the Cleveland Browns. It marked the Steelers 20th division title, the most in the NFL since the merger in 1970. Head Coach Mike Tomlin has won the AFC North title in three of his first four years. Run Stuffers: The Steelers shattered the team record for rushing yards/game allowed in 2010 by giving up just 62.8 yards per game. The previous mark was 74.7 rushing yards/game set in 2001. The Steelers ranked first in the league and allowed a seasonlow 30 yards rushing in Week 8 at New Orleans. The following is a look at the top 5 yards/game rushing defenses in team history, including this year s 62.8 average: Year Avg./Game 2010 62.8 2001 74.7 2008 80.3 2004 81.2 1997 82.4 Additionally, the Steelers rush defense finished as one of the best since the NFL merger. The following is a list of the top five rush defenses (since 1970): Year Team Rushing Yds. Allowed/Game 2000 Baltimore Ravens 60.6 yds./game 2006 Minnesota Vikings 61.6 yds./game 2010 Pittsburgh Steelers 62.8 yds./game 1995 San Francisco 49ers 66.3 yds./game 1994 Minnesota Vikings 68.1 yds./game Swarming Defense: The Steelers put on a defensive showcase in 2010 by leading the NFL in at least eight categories. The following is a look at some of the impressive defensive statistics the Steelers compiled in 2010: Category Statistic NFL Rk. Total Points Allowed... 232... 1st Touchdowns Allowed... 22... 1st Total Sacks... 48... 1st Total Rushing Yards Allowed... 1,004... 1st Rushing Yards Allowed/Game... 62.8... 1st Rushing Yards/Attempt... 3.0... 1st Yards/Play... 4.5... 1st First-Down Plays... 4.08... 1st Yards/Game... 276.8... 2nd Passing Net Yards/Play... 6.31... 2nd Turnover Advantage... +14... 2nd Red-Zone Efficiency... 40.0... T-2nd Total Takeaways... 35... T-3rd Fumbles Recovered... 14... T-5th Interceptions... 21... T-5th Making A Point: The Steelers were the first team in NFL history to hold their opponents to 75 or fewer rushing yards in each of their first eight games of a season in 2010. Pittsburgh has allowed only one 100-yard rusher in the past 50 regular-season games. RB Ray Rice had 141 yards in Week 16 of 2009 to snap a previous streak of 32 straight games without allowing a 100-yard rusher. The following is a look at how opponents fared in rushing yards in 2010, comparing what the teams were averaging coming into the game against Pittsburgh and what the Steelers allowed in the contest: Rushing Yards/Game Rushing Yards Team (Week) Entering Game vs. Steelers Atlanta (Week 1) 58 yds. Tennessee (Week 2) 202.0 yds. 46 yds. Tampa Bay (Week 3) 119.0 yds. 75 yds. Baltimore (Week 4) 89.0 yds. 70 yds.
Bye Week (Week 5) Cleveland (Week 6) 102.8 yds. 70 yds. Miami (Week 7) 115.6 yds. 64 yds. New Orleans (Week 8) 92.6 yds. 30 yds. Cincinnati (Week 9) 101.0 yds. 54 yds. New England (Week 10) 107.1 yds. 103 yds. Oakland (Week 11) 162.2 yds. 61 yds. Buffalo (Week 12) 113.7 yds. 70 yds. Baltimore (Week 13) 114.4 yds. 43 yds. Cincinnati (Week 14) 92.3 yds. 34 yds. New York Jets (Week 15) 143.7 yds. 106 yds. Carolina (Week 16) 116.8 yds. 74 yds. Cleveland (Week 17) 106.9 yds. 43 yds. Turning Up the Heat: Since 1994, the Steelers have led the AFC in sacks six times and the entire NFL three times, including in 2010. Since 2004, the Steelers have the most sacks in the NFL with 309. The Steelers had 48 sacks in 2010, including a season-high six in Week 11 versus Oakland. The 48 sacks ranked first in the AFC and in the NFL. In 2009, the Steelers finished with 47 sacks, ranking first in the AFC and second in the NFL. Sacks became an official NFL statistic in 1982, however, a record of passers tackled was kept prior to that time. Following are the Steelers single-season sack totals dating back to 1970: Pittsburgh Steelers Team Sack Totals (Since 1970) Year Total Year Total 1970... 26 1991... 38 1971... 33 1992... 36 1972... 40 1993... 42 1973... 33 1994... 55 * 1974... 52 1995... 42 1975... 43 1996... 51 1976... 41 1997... 48 1977... 32 1998... 41 1978... 44 1999... 39 1979... 49 2000... 39 1980... 18 2001... 55 * 1981... 40 2002... 50 1982... 34 2003... 35 1983... 50 2004... 41 1984... 47 2005... 47 1985... 36 2006... 39 1986... 43 2007... 36 1987... 26 2008... 51 1988... 19 2009... 47 1989... 31 2010... 48 1990... 34 * Team Record Imposing Their Will: The Steelers averaged 120.3 rushing yards per game in 2010, which ranked seventh in the AFC and 11th in the NFL. The Steelers outrushed 14 of their 16 opponents in 2010, averaging nearly 60 more yards on the ground than their opponents. Pittsburgh has achieved this success despite having a number of injuries to the offensive line. On the year, the Steelers started five different combinations on the offensive line. Holding Their Ground: Over the past 10 years, Pittsburgh s defense has been among the best at holding its opponents to the fewest rushing yards in the league. The Steelers allowed just 961 yards rushing in 2010, an average of only 62.8 yards per game. That average ranked first in the NFL. In 2009, the Steelers gave up 89.9 yards per game on the ground, which was first in the AFC and third in the NFL. Additionally, since 1994 the Steelers have led the AFC in rushing defense nine times and the entire NFL four times. In the past eight seasons, Pittsburgh has allowed an NFL-low nine 100-yard rushers. Baltimore is second with 17. Following is a look at the number of yards rushing the Steelers have allowed in each of the past 10 seasons: Year Rushing Yds. Allowed Avg./Game AFC/NFL Rank 2001 1,195 74.7 1st/1st 2002 1,375 85.9 1st/1st 2003 1,741 108.8 8th/12th 2004 1,299 81.2 1st/1st 2005 1,376 85.5 3rd/3rd 2006 1,412 88.2 2nd/3rd 2007 1,438 89.9 2nd/3rd 2008 1,284 80.3 1st/2nd 2009 1,438 89.9 1st/3rd 2010 1,004 62.8 1st/1st Total 13,562 84.8 1st/1st Operation Shutdown: The Steelers had one of their top defensive efforts of the 2010 season in their Week 11 victory over the Oakland Raiders at Heinz Field. The Steelers limited the Raiders to just 182 yards of total offense and posted six sacks on Oakland s quarterbacks. Pittsburgh picked off two passes and also recovered a Raider fumble. Pittsburgh held Oakland to just 61 yards rushing, over 100 yards lower (162.2 avg.) than what the Raiders were averaging entering the matchup. Also, the Raiders converted just 21 percent (3 of 14) of their third-down attempts. Defense! Defense! Defense!: Pittsburgh allowed 276.8 yards of total offense in 2010, which ranked second in the AFC and in the NFL. The Steelers allowed only 119 yards to Carolina in Week 16. The Steelers allowed just 1,004 rushing yards (62.8 avg.) for the 2010 season. Pittsburgh snapped RB Chris Johnson s 12- game streak of rushing for over 100 yards as it limited him to 34 yards on 16 carries (2.1 avg.) in the Week 2 victory at Tennessee. The Steelers finished with seven takeaways (four fumbles, three interceptions) against the Titans. Defensive Dominance: The Steelers have given up just 232 points in 2010, which ranked first in the AFC and in the NFL. The Steelers have allowed the fewest points in the NFL since the beginning of the 2007 season. Pittsburgh has allowed just 1,048 points during that span. The following is a list of the top four teams in the NFL who have allowed the fewest points since the start of the 2007 campaign: Team Points Allowed Pittsburgh 1,048 Baltimore 1,159 New England 1,181 Indianapolis 1,255 Gimme The Ball: The Steelers tallied 35 takeaways in 2010, which ranked second in the AFC and third (tied) in the NFL. Pittsburgh posted seven takeaways in its Week 2 victory at the Tennessee Titans. The seven takeaways are the most by the Steelers since they had seven (four interceptions, three fumbles) on Nov. 9, 1997 against Baltimore. Against the Titans, S Troy Polamalu, CB Bryant McFadden and LB LaMarr Woodley each had an interception while the Steelers also recovered four fumbles. The Steelers ranked second in the AFC and second in the NFL with a plus-17 (+17) turnover advantage (35 takeaways, 18 giveaways). Picking Your Poison: The Steelers had 21 interceptions on the year, including a team-best seven by S Troy Polamalu. The Steelers finished the season with 21 interceptions, the most by the team since 1996 when they had 23. Pittsburgh posted three interceptions (LB LaMarr Woodley, Polamalu -2) in its Week 14 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals,
What To Look For: PITTSBURGH TEAM NOTES The Steelers look to advance to their eighth Super Bowl with a win over the Jets in the AFC Championship Game. The Steelers look to improve to 8-7 all-time in AFC Championship Games. The Steelers look to improve to 33-20 all-time in the playoffs. The Steelers look to improve to 2-0 in the postseason against the Jets. PITTSBURGH INDIVIDUAL NOTES QB Ben Roethlisberger Looks to improve to 10-2 in the postseason. WR Hines Ward Needs one reception to break the team s postseason record for consecutive games with at least one catch. He is currently tied for first on the team s postseason list with 15 straight games. John Stallworth caught at least one pass in 15 straight games from 1975-85. LB LaMarr Woodley Looks for his sixth straight postseason game with at least one sack. In five career postseason games, he has posted nine sacks, including two in each of his first four postseason contests. including two returned for touchdowns (one each for Polamalu and Woodley). It marked the first time the Steelers have returned two interceptions for scores since CB Dewayne Washington returned two on Nov. 22, 1998 against Jacksonville. In Pittsburgh s Week 3 victory at Tampa Bay, DE Brett Keisel posted his first career interception and returned it 79 yards for a score. Pittsburgh s three interception returns for scores in 2010 were the most since 2004 when Polamalu, LB James Farrior and former CB Deshea Townsend each posted a pick six. The team record for a single season is five, set in 1987. The following is a list of the most interception returns for a touchdown by the team in a single season: Rank Year INTs for TDs 1. 1987 5 2. 1984 4 1983 4 1947 4 5. 2010 3 2004 3 1998 3 1996 3 1995 3 1973 3 1954 3 1951 3 Heinz Field Advantage: The Steelers own the best home record in the NFL with a 227-88-1 record (.720) since 1970. Pittsburgh is 58-21-1 all-time at Heinz Field. The Steelers are 42-14 (.750) at home over the past seven seasons, including a 5-3 record in 2010. Pittsburgh finished the 2004 regular season with an undefeated (8-0) home record for only the third time in team history and for the first time in 25 years. The Steelers finished the 1979 regular season with an undefeated home record (8-0) and eventually won Super Bowl XIV. The Steelers were also undefeated at home (7-0) in 1972. The following is a look at the list of the Steelers records at home since 2004: Year Record 2004 8-0 2005 5-3 2006 5-3 2007 7-1 2008 6-2 2009 6-2 2010 5-3 If You Build It, They Will Come: The Steelers averaged 63,084 fans at home games in 2010. Pittsburgh had a season-high 65,168 in Week 6 versus Cleveland, the fifth-highest attendance total in Heinz Field history, including the postseason. In 2009, the Steelers broke two attendance records at Heinz Field. In their Week 7 victory over the Minnesota Vikings, the Steelers broke the single-game record. The attendance of 65,597 surpassed the old mark of 65,350 set January 18, 2009, during the AFC Championship Game against the Baltimore Ravens. For the 2009 season, Pittsburgh averaged 63,458 fans (507,882 total) at home games, breaking the old mark of 63,429 (507,434) in 2005. Pittsburgh has sold out 301 straight games at home, dating back to Nov. 5, 1972 versus Cincinnati. Following is a look at the team s average attendance in its 10 years at Heinz Field: Year Total Attendance Avg. 2001 499,191 62,399 2002 490,274 61,284 2003 477,584 59,698 2004 507,385 63,423 2005 507,434 63,429 2006 499,461 62,433 2007 496,675 62,084 2008 503,125 62,890 2009 507,882 63,458 2010 504,669 63,084 Team record Home Sweet Home: The Steelers played three straight home games (Weeks 14-16) in 12 days near the end of the 2010 season. The Steelers started the three-game home stand with a 23-7 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 14. Pittsburgh then suffered a 22-17 setback to the New York Jets in Week 15 before closing out the three-game stretch with a 27-3 victory over the Carolina Panthers in Week 16. The three-game homestand was the first for the Steelers since 1986 and the first time in team history they have played three homes games in 12 days. Road Warriors: The Steelers have had great success playing away from Heinz Field over the last decade. The Steelers were 7-1 on the road in 2010. Since the beginning of the 2000 season, the Steelers own the fourth-best road winning percentage in the NFL. FINAL 2010 REGULAR SEASON STATISTICAL COMPARISON Steelers Category Jets 23.4... Points Scored Per Game... 22.9 14.5... Points Allowed Per Game... 19.0 18.4... First Downs Per Game... 19.2 345.3... Total Yards Per Game... 351.0 120.3... Rushing Yards Per Game... 148.4 225.1... Passing Yards Per Game... 202.6 48... Sacks By... 40 21... Interceptions By... 12 31:53... Avg. Time of Possession... 32:03 41... Touchdowns... 39 15... Rushing Touchdowns... 14 22... Passing Touchdowns... 20 4... Touchdowns on Returns... 5 29-37... Field Goals... 30-39 44.3... Punting Avg.... 42.6 6.1... Punt Return Avg.... 9.4 23.5... Kickoff Return Avg.... 25.2