Game #8 Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2) at Cincinnati Bengals (2-5) Monday, Nov. 8, 2010 8:30 p.m. (ET) Paul Brown Stadium Cincinnati, Ohio Game #8 Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2) at Cincinnati Bengals (2-5) Date: Monday, Nov. 8, 2010 Kickoff: 8:30 p.m., ET Site: Paul Brown Stadium (65,515) Cincinnati, Ohio Playing Surface: Synthentic TV Coverage: ESPN (locally WTAE-TV, channel 4) Announcers: Mike Tirico (play-by-play) Ron Jaworski (color analyst) Jon Gruden (color analyst) Michele Tafoya (sideline) Suzy Kolber (sideline) 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: Kevin Harlan (play-by-play) Boomer Esiason (color analyst) Mark Malone (sidelines) 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: 36-19 (.655)/fourth season Regular-season record at Pittsburgh: 36-19 (.655)/fourth season Playoff Record/Years: 3-1/two years Cincinnati Bengals Head Coach Marvin Lewis Overall Regular-Season Record: 58-60-1 (.492)/eighth season Regular-Season Record at Cincinnati: 58-60-1 (.492)/eighth season Playoff Record/Years: 0-2/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 (5-2) 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 8:30 p.m. (ESPN) Sunday, Nov. 14 NEW ENGLAND 8:20 p.m. (NBC) Sunday, Nov. 21 OAKLAND 1 p.m. (CBS) Sunday, Nov. 28 at Buffalo 1 p.m. (CBS) Sunday, Dec. 5 at Baltimore 8:20 p.m. (NBC) Sunday, Dec. 12 CINCINNATI 1 p.m. (CBS) Sunday, Dec. 19 NEW YORK JETS 4:15 p.m. (CBS) Thursday, Dec. 23 CAROLINA 8:20 p.m. (NFL Net./KDKA) Sunday, Jan. 2 at Cleveland 1 p.m. (CBS) Times and TV Network may change due to NFL flexible scheduling Postseason Sat.-Sun., Jan. 8-9 Wild Card Weekend (NBC, CBS & FOX) Sat.-Sun., Jan. 15-16 Divisional Playoff Games (CBS & FOX) Sunday, Jan. 23 Conference Championships (CBS & FOX) 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 36-19 record in the regular season during his four-year head coaching career. His.655 winning percentage after three-plus seasons is second-best in team history. By leading the Steelers to a 9-7 record in 2009, Tomlin became only the second Steelers head coach to post winning records after each of his first three seasons. 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 20-5 record and.800 winning percentage at home after three-plus 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. MARVIN LEWIS is in his eighth season as Bengals head coach tying for the longest tenure in franchise history and he is the reigning NFL Coach of the Year. Lewis led the Bengals to a 10-6 record and the AFC North Division championship in 2009. He earned the major share of Coach of the Year awards, winning the flagship Associated Press honor (given annually since 1957) while also getting nods from Sports Illustrated and Pro Football Weekly/Pro Football Writers Association. The Bengals were unbeaten in division play (6-0) for the first time in franchise history. 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 2010 AFC North Standings W L T Pct. Pts. Opp. Pittsburgh 5 2 0.714 147 102 Baltimore 5 2 0.714 149 129 Cincinnati 2 5 0.286 146 163 Cleveland 2 5 0.286 118 142 This Week in the AFC North: Sunday, Nov. 7: New England (6-1) at Cleveland (2-5), 1 p.m. (CBS) Miami (4-3) at Baltimore (5-2), 1 p.m. (CBS) Monday, Nov. 8: Pittsburgh (5-2) at Cincinnati (2-5), 8:30 p.m. (ESPN) All times are Eastern.
QB Charlie Batch (3rd QB), RB Jonathan Dwyer, CB Crezdon Butler, OT Tony Hills, OG Ramon Foster, WR Antonio Brown, DE Aaron Smith and DE Brett Keisel were inactive for the Steelers. Pittsburgh Individual Notes: QB Ben Roethlisberger Finished 17-of-28 for 195 yards passing with one interception (66.8 passer rating). RB Rashard Mendenhall Finished with a game-high 71 yards rushing on 15 carries (4.7 avg.) with one touchdown. Posted his team-best sixth rushing touchdown of the season, a 38-yarder in the fourth quarter. WR Hines Ward Finished with three catches for 15 yards (5.0 avg.). Has now caught a pass in a team-record 185 consecutive games, which is tied for the third-longest streak in NFL history with Terrell Owens. WR Mike Wallace Had a team-high 43 yards receiving on three receptions (14.3 avg.), including a long of 21 yards. WR Emmanuel Sanders Finished with three kickoff returns for 98 yards (32.7 avg.), including a long of 41 yards. Posted a 38-yard punt return late in the first quarter, his first career punt return. WR Antwaan Randle El Had three catches for 33 yards (11.0 avg.), including a long of 13 yards. LB James Harrison Posted a 10-yard sack late in the first half, giving him a teambest six on the year. Finished with five tackles (four solo). LB LaMarr Woodley Recovered his first fumble of the season in the fourth quarter. LB Lawrence Timmons Finished with a game-high 12 tackles (11 solo). CB Ike Taylor Posted his second interception of the year late in the first half. CB Bryant McFadden Posted his first sack of the season and forced a fumble on the play, his second forced fumble of the year. Finished with seven tackles (all solo). P Daniel Sepulveda Averaged 48.0 yards on four punts, including a long of 54 yards. Downed two of his four punts inside the 20-yard line. Posted a 43.8 net average on four punts. STEELERS-BENGALS SERIES NOTES Series History: Series began in 1970 Overall: Pittsburgh leads 47-32 At Pittsburgh: Pittsburgh leads 26-14 At Cincinnati: Pittsburgh leads 21-18 Neutral Sites: n/a Last Regular-Season Meeting: Nov. 15, 2010 (in Pittsburgh) Cincinnati 18, Pittsburgh 12 Postseason Series: Pittsburgh leads 1-0 (postseason record not included in overall series record) Pittsburgh leads the all-time regular-season series 47-32 despite being swept last year in the series for the first time since 1998...Pittsburgh had won the previous five games in the series...the Steelers had won eight straight games versus the Bengals in Cincinnati prior to their Week 3 loss in 2009...Pittsburgh owns a 24-11 mark against the Bengals since the beginning of the Free Agency Era in 1993. TEAM NOTES Monday Night Madness: Pittsburgh owns a 38-22 all-time record on Monday night games. The Steelers have won five straight games on Monday Night Football. The Steelers 38 wins rank second in the AFC behind Miami (40) and fourth in the NFL (Dallas - 42, San Francisco - 39). Pittsburgh s 38 wins are more than the other three AFC North teams combined (30; Cleveland 15, Cincinnati 9, Baltimore 6). This marks the eighth meeting between Pittsburgh and Cincinnati on Monday Night Football and the first since a 20-0 Steelers victory on Oct. 19, 1992. The Steelers are 1-1 in Cincinnati in such games and 4-1 at home. The Steelers are 15-17 all-time on the road on Monday night and are looking for their third straight road win in such games. In The Spotlight: The Steelers are 12-4 in primetime regularseason games under fourth-year head coach Mike Tomlin. The Steelers had won 12 straight games in primetime under Tomlin prior to their Week 12 setback to the Baltimore Ravens in 2009. Pittsburgh is scheduled to play five primetime games this year. The Steelers played in primetime in Week 8 (at New Orleans) and will also play in primetime in Week 9 (at Cincinnati), Week 10 (vs. New England), Week 13 (at Baltimore) and Week 16 (vs. Carolina). Imposing Their Will: The Steelers are averaging 117.3 rushing yards per game this season, which ranks seventh in the AFC and 11th in the NFL. The Steelers have outrushed six of their seven opponents this year, averaging over 50 more yards on the ground than opponents. Road Warriors: The Steelers have had great success playing away from Heinz Field over the last decade. The Steelers are 3-1 on the road this season. Since the beginning of the 2000 season, the Steelers own the fourth-best road winning percentage in the NFL. The following is a list of the top five road winning percentages since 2000: Team W L T Pct. Indianapolis 57 27 0.679 Philadelphia 54 29 1.651 New England 53 30 0.639 Pittsburgh 49 35 0.583 New Orleans 47 36 0.566 New York Giants 47 36 0.566
On The Road Again: The Steelers are concluding a stretch of three straight road games when they battle the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. Pittsburgh won the first leg of the road trip, defeating the Miami Dolphins 23-22 in Week 7, but fell in Week 8, 20-10, at New Orleans. The Steelers conclude the three-game road trip in Week 9 at Cincinnati on Monday Night Football. The last time Pittsburgh played three straight regular-season road games was in 1994, playing at the New York Giants (W, 10-6), at Arizona (L, 20-17 in OT) and at the Houston Oilers (W, 12-9 in OT). Steelers-Bengals Connections: Several Steelers have ties to the Bengals and the Cincinnati area. Steelers with connections to the Bengals include head coach Mike Tomlin, who spent two seasons as the defensive backs coach at the University of Cincinnati. Defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau, who was an assistant coach with the Bengals from 1980-91 and 1997-00 and was the team s head coach from 2000-02. Defensive backs coach Ray Horton played for the Bengals from 1983-88 and coached with Cincinnati from 1997-01. Assistant special teams coach Amos Jones coached at University of Cincinnati (1999-2002). There are a number of Bengals who have direct connections to the Steelers and the Pittsburgh area, including Head Coach Marvin Lewis, who is from McDonald, Pa., and was the Steelers linebackers coach from 1992-95. Lewis also coached at Pitt from 1990-91. Defensive line coach Jay Hayes, who is from South Fayette, Pa., was the Steelers special teams coach from 1999-01. Tight ends coach Jonathan Hayes, Jay s younger brother, played tight end with the Steelers from 1994-96. Offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski was the Steelers wide receivers coach from 1999-2000. Swarming Defense: The Steelers have been putting on a defensive showcase in each of their first seven games of 2010. The team has given up just eight touchdowns in seven games. Additionally, the Steelers have 19 takeaways in seven games. The following is a quick look at some of the impressive defensive statistics the Steelers have put up in their first seven games combined: Category Statistic Total Points Allowed... 102 Points Allowed/First Half (Total)... 41 Touchdowns Allowed... 8 Total Takeaways... 19 Fumbles Recovered... 9 Interceptions... 10 Total Sacks... 20 Total Rushing Yards Allowed... 412 Rushing Yards Allowed/Game... 58.9 Turning Up the Heat: Since 1994, the Steelers have led the AFC in sacks five times and the entire NFL twice. Since 2004, the Steelers have the most sacks in the NFL with 281. The Steelers have 20 sacks in 2010, including a season-high five in Week 6 versus Cleveland. The 20 sacks rank fourth in the AFC and ninth 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 * Several Steelers and Bengals are products of the same colleges, including the following: STEELERS-BENGALS COLLEGE CONNECTIONS STEELERS COLLEGE BENGALS Anthony Madison (CB)... Alabama... Evan Mathis (OG) Andre Smith (OT/OG) Antonio Brown (WR)... Central Michigan... Dan LeFevour (QB) Maurkice Pouncey (C)... Florida... Andre Caldwell (WR) Max Starks (OT) Carlos Dunlap (DE) Reggie Nelson (S) Hines Ward (WR)... Georgia... Geno Atkins (DT) Robert Geathers (DE) Dennis Roland (OT) Jonathan Dwyer (RB)... Georgia Tech... J.P. Foschi (TE) Keyaron Fox (LB) Michael Johnson (LB/DE) William Gay (CB)... Louisville... Brandon Johnson (LB) Ryan Clark (S)... LSU... Nate Livings (OG) Andrew Whitworth (OT) Byron Leftwich (QB)... Marshall... Chris Crocker (S) Doug Legursky (OG) Larry Foote (LB)... Michigan... Leon Hall (CB) LaMarr Woodley (LB) Dhani Jones (LB) Morgan Trent (CB) Flozell Adams (OT)... Michigan State... Kyle Cook (C) Domato Peko (DT) Arnaz Battle (WR)... Notre Dame... Chinedum Ndukwe (S) Will Allen (S)... Ohio State... Mike Nugent (K) Keenan Lewis (CB)... Oregon State... Chad Ochocinco (WR) Troy Polamalu (S)... USC... Rey Maualuga (LB) Carson Palmer (QB) Keith Rivers (LB) Frostee Rucker (DE) Casey Hampton (DT)... Texas... Cedric Benson (RB) Tony Hills (OT) Quan Cosby (WR) Jonathan Scott (OT) Roddrick Muckleroy (LB) Jordan Shipley (WR) Chris Kemoeatu (OG)... Utah... Jonathan Fanene (DE) Stevenson Sylvester (LB) James Farrior (LB)... Virginia... Cedric Peerman (RB) Heath Miller (TE) 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... 20 1990... 34 * Team Record Defense! Defense! Defense!: Pittsburgh is allowing 302.0 yards of total offense this year, which ranks second in the AFC and fifth in the NFL. The Steelers have allowed just 412 rushing yards (63.7 avg.) on the year. 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. Pittsburgh gave up 295 yards of total offense in its Week 1 overtime victory against the Atlanta Falcons. The Steelers allowed only 58 yards rushing and 237 yards passing against the Falcons. Additionally, they posted two sacks and had one interception.
What To Look For: PITTSBURGH TEAM NOTES The Steelers look to improve to 48-32 all-time in the regular season against the Bengals. The Steelers look to improve to 2-1 against AFC North opponents this year. The Steelers look improve to 27-14 all-time in the regular season at home in the series history. The Steelers look to improve to 4-1 on the road this year. Pittsburgh looks for their sixth straight win on Monday Night Football and improve to 39-22 all-time in such games. PITTSBURGH INDIVIDUAL NOTES TE Heath Miller Needs 57 receiving yards to become just the second tight end in team history to reach 3,000 yards for his career. Miller currently has 2,943 career receiving yards and trails only Elbie Nickel (5,133) on the all-time list for tight ends. The Steelers ranked fourth in the AFC and fifth in the NFL in total defense in 2009 by allowing 305.3 yards per game. 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 have allowed just 412 yards rushing on the year, an average of just 58.9 yards per game. That average ranks 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. In the past eight seasons, Pittsburgh has allowed an NFL-low nine 100-yard rushers. Baltimore is second with 16. Additionally, since 1994 the Steelers have led the AFC in rushing defense eight times and the entire NFL three times. 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 412 58.9 1st/1st Total 12,970 86.1 1st/1st Run Stuffers: The Steelers rank first in the league by allowing just 58.9 yards per game. They allowed a season-low 30 yards rushing in Week 8 at New Orleans. Pittsburgh has allowed only one 100-yard rusher in the past 41 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 have fared in rushing yards this season, 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 46 yds. Tampa Bay (Week 3) 119.0 75 yds. Baltimore (Week 4) 89.0 70 yds. Bye Week (Week 5) Cleveland (Week 6) 102.8 70 yds. Miami (Week 7) 115.6 64 yds. New Orleans (Week 8) 92.6 30 yds. Defensive Dominance: The Steelers have given up just 102 points on the year, which ranks first in the NFL. The Steelers have allowed the fewest points in the NFL since the beginning of the 2007 season. Pittsburgh has allowed just 918 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 918 Indianapolis 1,009 Baltimore 1,018 New England 1,022 Total Defensive Package: Pittsburgh has allowed the fewest total yards in the NFL since the beginning of the 2006 season. The Steelers have given up 19,862 yards of total offense (5,985 rushing, 13,877 passing) since the beginning of 2006. The total yards allowed ranks first in the NFL during that span, while the rushing yards and passing yards each rank third in the league. Gimme The Ball: On the year, the Steelers have tallied 19 takeaways, which rank first (tied) in the AFC and 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 rank first in the NFL with a plus-nine (+9) turnover advantage (19 takeaways, 10 giveaways). Picking Your Poison: The Steelers have 10 interceptions on the year, including a team-best two by S Troy Polamalu and CB Ike Taylor. The Steelers posted two interceptions (S Ryan Clark, LB Lawrence Timmons) in their Week 6 victory over the Cleveland Browns. 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. It was the first pick six for the Steelers since S Tyrone Carter returned an interception 48 yards for a touchdown on Nov. 9, 2009 at Denver. 200 Plateau: The Steelers have won 26 straight games in which they have rushed for more than 200 yards. Since the NFL merger in 1970, Pittsburgh is 97-6 (.942) in the regular season when it rushes for more than 200 yards in a game. 2010 REGULAR SEASON STATISTICAL COMPARISON Steelers Category Bengals 21.0... Points Scored Per Game... 20.9 14.6... Points Allowed Per Game... 23.3 14.6... First Downs Per Game... 20.9 297.6... Total Yards Per Game... 355.4 117.3... Rushing Yards Per Game... 101.0 180.3... Passing Yards Per Game... 254.4 20... Sacks By... 6 10... Interceptions By... 9 29:56... Avg. Time of Possession... 31:10 16... Touchdowns... 15 6... Rushing Touchdowns... 2 8... Passing Touchdowns... 12 2... Touchdowns on Returns... 1 12-17... Field Goals... 14-16 46.9... Punting Avg.... 43.4 7.1... Punt Return Avg.... 6.9 28.4... Kickoff Return Avg.... 19.6
LOOKING AHEAD... The Steelers return home for the first time in nearly a month as they host the New England Patriots on Sunday, Nov. 14. Kickoff at Heinz Field is set for 8:20 p.m. and will be nationally televised on NBC (locally WPXI-TV, channel 11). In Week 3, the Steelers rushed for a season-high 201 yards at Tampa Bay. Pittsburgh is 7-0 all-time in the postseason when rushing for more than 200 yards. If You Build It, They Will Come: The Steelers are averaging 64,502 fans at home in two games this year, including a seasonhigh 65,168 in Week 6 versus Cleveland. That mark was the fifthhighest attendance total in Heinz Field history, including the postseason. Last season, 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 296 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 193,506 64,502 Team record Heinz Field Advantage: The Steelers own the best home record in the NFL with a 224-86-1 record (.722) since 1970. Pittsburgh is 39-12 (.765) at home over the past seven seasons, including a 2-1 record this year. 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 2-1 Return The Favor: Rookie WR Antonio Brown returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown in the Steelers Week 2 victory at Tennessee. It marked the first kickoff return for Pittsburgh since Allen Rossum returned a kickoff 98 yards for a score against the San Francisco 49ers on Sept. 23, 2007. The following is a list of the kickoff returns for touchdowns (4) for Pittsburgh over the last 10 years (start of 2000 season): Date Player Yards Opponent Sept. 19, 2010 Antonio Brown 89 at Tennessee Sept. 23, 2007 Allen Rossum 98 vs. San Francisco Oct. 12, 2002 Antwaan Randle El 99 at Cincinnati Dec. 24, 2000 Will Blackwell 98 at San Diego Among The Best: The Steelers have 565 career wins (including postseason), which is the fifth-most in NFL history. The following is a listing of the top five teams in the NFL for career wins (including postseason): Team Wins 1. Chicago Bears 713 2. Green Bay Packers 684 3. New York Giants 651 4. Washington Redskins 568 5. Pittsburgh Steelers 565 Continued Success: Since the 1970 merger of the National and American Football Leagues, the Pittsburgh Steelers own the best record in the NFL. The following is a look at the top three regular-season records since the merger in 1970: Team W L T Pct. 1. Pittsburgh Steelers 377 244 2.607 2. Miami Dolphins 376 245 2.605 3. Dallas Cowboys 368 255 0.590 Additionally, Pittsburgh owns the second-best record in the NFL since the free-agency era (since 1993) with a 174-104-1 (.625) record. The following is a look at the top three regular-season records in the free agency era (since 1993): Team W L T Pct. 1. New England Patriots 177 102 0.635 2. Pittsburgh Steelers 174 104 1.625 3. Green Bay Packers 174 105 0.624 Regular-Season Success: Pittsburgh owns the third-best regular-season record in the NFL over the past 10 years. The Steelers have averaged over 10 wins per year and have earned six playoff berths, five division titles and two Super Bowl victories in that time period. The following are the top five teams in regular-season winning percentage from 2000-2010: Team W L T Pct. Playoff Berths Indianapolis 120 47 0.719 9 New England 118 49 0.707 7 Pittsburgh 108 58 1.650 6 Philadelphia 107 59 1.644 8 Green Bay 100 68 0.595 6 Sustaining Success: Pittsburgh has made the playoffs five times and won the AFC North four times since the divisional realignment in 2002. The Steelers won the AFC North Division for the second consecutive year in 2008. The Steelers have won 19 division titles since the NFL merger in 1970, the most in the AFC during that time. The following is a list of teams that have won the most division titles and qualified for the playoffs since 2002: Team Playoffs Division Titles Indianapolis 8 6 New England 6 6 Philadelphia 6 4 San Diego 5 5 Pittsburgh 5 4 Green Bay 5 4
Controlling The NFC: The Steelers have won 22 of their past 27 regular-season games versus teams in the NFC, dating back to 2003. The Steelers are 96-57-1 (.627) all-time against teams from the NFC (including Super Bowls), including a 54-19-1 record at home and a 36-37 mark on the road. Pittsburgh had won eight straight games versus NFC teams at home prior to its 2008 loss to the New York Giants. The Steelers are 6-1 versus the NFC in the Super Bowl. In the Red Zone: The Steelers have converted 18 (seven touchdowns, 11 field goals) of their 19 attempts in the red zone into points in 2010. Following is a look at how the Steelers offense has performed in the red zone in 2010: Opponent Att./Scores TDs FGs Pts Atlanta... 2/2... 0... 2... 6 @ Tennessee... 4/4... 0... 4... 12 @ Tampa Bay... 3/3... 2... 1... 17 Baltimore... 2/2... 2... 0... 14 Cleveland... 4/3... 3... 0... 21 @ Miami... 3/3... 0... 3... 9 @ New Orleans... 1/1... 0... 1... 3 Total... 19/18... 7... 11... 82 Red Zone Defense: The Steelers defense has allowed 15 scores (eight field goals, seven touchdowns) in 19 possessions in the red zone in 2010. The 36.8 touchdown percentage on defense ranks second (tied) in the AFC and third (tied) in the NFL. Following is a look at how the Steelers defense has performed in the red zone in 2010: Opponent Att./Scores TDs FGs Pts Atlanta... 1/1... 0... 1... 3 @ Tennessee... 3/1... 1... 0... 7 @ Tampa Bay... 3/2... 1... 1... 10 Baltimore... 4/3... 2... 1... 17 Cleveland... 1/1... 1... 0... 7 @ Miami... 3/3... 0... 3... 9 @ New Orleans... 4/4... 2... 2... 20 Total... 19/15... 7... 8... 73 Five & 10: The Steelers rank in the top five in the AFC and/or the top 10 in the NFL in several key team and individual categories in 2010. Following is a list of those rankings: Pittsburgh Steelers 2010 AFC/NFL Rankings Team Offense Statistic Rank (AFC/NFL) Passing Net Yards/Play... 8.34... 2nd/2nd Team Defense Statistic Rank (AFC/NFL) Yards/Game... 302.0... 2nd/5th Yards/Play... 4.8... 2nd/4th Rushing Yards/Game... 58.9... 1st/1st Rushing Yards/Attempt... 2.6... 1st/1st Passing/Percent Had Intercepted... 3.8... 2nd/7th First Downs/Game... 17.6... 5th/9th Sacks (Total)... 20... 4th/9th Points/Game... 14.6... 1st/1st Points/Game Differential... 6.4... 5th/5th Takeaways... 19... 2nd/T-4th Turnover Advantage... +9... 1st/1st Red-Zone Efficiency (TD pct.)... 36.8... T-2nd/T-3rd First-Down Plays... 4.60... 1st/4th Special Teams Statistic Rank (AFC/NFL) Kickoff Return Average (Offense)... 28.4... 2nd/3rd Gross Punting Average (Offense)... 46.9... 2nd/4th Net Punting Average (Offense)... 40.5... 3rd/5th Kickoff Return Average (Defense)... 21.4... 3rd/8th Gross Punting Average (Defense)... 41.6... 4th/5th Avg. Starting Position (Receiving)... 30.8... 2nd/4th Avg. Starting Position (Kicking)... 24.2... 4th/7th Individual Offense Statistic Rank (AFC/NFL) Mendenhall (Rushing Yards)... 603... 6th/10th Mendenhall (Rushing Touchdowns)... 6... T-4th/T-4th Wallace (Yards/Reception)... 23.4... 1st/1st Individual Defense Statistic Rank (AFC/NFL) Polamalu (Total INTs)... 2... T-4th/T-15th Taylor (Total INTs)... 2... T-4th/T-15th Harrsion (Sacks)... 6.0... T-5th/T-11th Fox (Def. Fumble Recoveries)... 2... T-2nd/T-4th Individual Special Teams Statistic Rank (AFC/NFL) Sepulveda (Punting Avg.)... 46.9... 3rd/5th Sepulveda (Net Punting Avg.)... 40.5... 3rd/5th Sanders (Kickoff Return Avg.)... 27.5... 3rd/6th COACHING NOTES In Control: Head Coach Mike Tomlin owns a 14-6 all-time mark against teams in the AFC North. Tomlin owns an impressive 9-2 record against divisional foes at Heinz Field. Fast Start: Head Coach Mike Tomlin owns a 36-19 overall record in his four seasons as head coach. That record marks the best total by a Steelers head coach in his first four seasons at the helm. Tomlin Versus the NFC: Head Coach Mike Tomlin owns an 11-4 regular-season record against NFC teams in his four seasons at the helm of the Steelers. The Steelers are 2-1 this year against NFC teams (Week 1 victory over the Atlanta Falcons, Week 3 victory against Tampa Bay, Week 8 defeat at New Orleans). Our House: Head Coach Mike Tomlin owns a 21-6 regularseason record at Heinz Field in his four seasons in Pittsburgh. Last year, the Steelers finished 6-2 at home. Perfect To Start: Head Coach Mike Tomlin owns a perfect 4-0 record in season openers. He is the only current coach to have a 4-0 record on Kickoff Weekend. Few And Far Between: Head Coach Mike Tomlin became only the second coach in Steelers history to post winning records in each of his first three seasons. Tomlin is the only coach in team history to win division titles in each of his first two seasons (2007-08). In 2007, Tomlin became just the second head coach in team history to post a winning record in his first season with a mark of 10-6. High Honor Roll: Defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in August of this year. LeBeau had an outstanding NFL career, finishing with 62 career interceptions (seventh all-time) and 171 consecutive starts (then- NFL record for a cornerback) with the Detroit Lions. LeBeau was also inducted into the Ohio State University Hall of Fame in 2009. He played at Ohio State as a cornerback and halfback and was a member of the 1957 national championship team.
INDIVIDUAL OFFENSIVE NOTES Starting In Style: In his first seven seasons, QB Ben Roethlisberger owns a 62-27 (.697) record as a starting quarterback in the regular season. That mark is the second-best record in the NFL among all active quarterbacks. The following is a look at the starting records of the top five active quarterbacks in the NFL (min. 25 starts): Name W L T Pct. 1. Tom Brady, Patriots 103 31 0.769 2. Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers 62 27 0.697 3. Peyton Manning, Colts 136 63 0.683 4. Philip Rivers, Chargers 49 23 0.681 5. Tony Romo, Cowboys 39 22 0.639 Controlling The North: QB Ben Roethlisberger owns a 25-7 (.781) record as a starter against AFC North opponents during his career with the Steelers. Roethlisberger had won 12 straight games against divisional foes as the starter prior to the Week 3 setback at Cincinnati in 2009, which was the longest streak in the NFL and the longest since Peyton Manning won 12 straight from 2004-06. In his 32 career games versus division opponents, Roethlisberger has posted a perfect passer rating once (11/5/07 vs. Baltimore) and has recorded a passer rating of over 100.0 a total of 13 times. The following is a look at his statistics against the AFC North in his 32 games as a starter: 32 games vs. Statistic AFC North (as a starter) Record... 25-7 Completion Pct. (Comp.-Att.)... 60.9 (546-896) Passing Yards... 6,966 Passing Touchdowns... 46 Interceptions... 30 Passer Rating... 88.4 Also, the following is a look at Roethlisberger s career statistics against AFC North opponents as a starter at home compared to the road: Statistic Home vs. AFC North Away vs. AFC North Record... 14-4... 11-3 Completion Pct. (Comp.-Att.)... 60.7 (311-512)... 61.2 (235-384) Passing Yards... 4,100... 2,866 Passing Touchdowns... 28... 18 Interceptions... 20... 10 Passer Rating... 88.0... 89.0 Facing The NFC: With a career record of 62-27 as a starter, QB Ben Roethlisberger has posted gaudy numbers no matter the opposition. During his first six seasons, Roethlisberger has feasted on competition from the NFC. In 24 career regular-season games against NFC opponents, Roethlisberger has posted an 18-6 record while completing 362-of-597 passes (60.6 pct.) for 4,921 yards with 32 touchdowns and 17 interceptions for a passer rating of 93.0. Roethlisberger s statistics against the NFC are more impressive in games at Heinz Field. In 12 career games against NFC opponents at home, Roethlisberger has an 11-1 mark while completing 173-of-303 passes (57.1 pct.) for 2,521 yards with 16 touchdowns and eight interceptions for a passer rating of 90.9. Roethlisberger won his first seven starts when facing NFC teams. Home Cooking: QB Ben Roethlisberger owns a 35-10 (.778) mark in the regular season in his career at Heinz Field, including winning his first eight starts. At Heinz Field, Roethlisberger is 790-of-1,253 (63.0 pct.) for 10,314 yards with 64 touchdowns and 41 interceptions for a passer rating of 92.3. He has thrown for more than 300 yards seven times and has 20 multi-touchdown games at home (16-4 record in such games). Roethlisberger has twice posted a perfect passer rating at home, including most recently in Week 9 of 2007 against Baltimore. He also had a perfect passer rating (158.3) against Tennessee in the 2005 season opener and has posted at least a 125.0 passer rating seven times. The Steelers have scored at least 20 points in 37 of the 45 games at home with Roethlisberger as the starter. 300-Yard Plateau: QB Ben Roethlisberger has thrown for over 300 yards 13 times in his career, including in Week 7 (302 yards) at Miami of this season. The 13 career 300-yard passing games are a team record. Roethlisberger threw for over 300 yards in 2009 against Tennessee (363) in Week 1, San Diego (333) in Week 4, Cleveland (417) in Week 6, Kansas City (398) in Week 11 and Green Bay (503) in Week 15. Roethlisberger s five 300-yard passing games in 2009 broke the team record of four previously held by Tommy Maddox (2003) and Neil O Donnell (1995). Comeback Kid: QB Ben Roethlisberger has one fourth quarter/ overtime game-winning drive this year after posting three in 2009. He now has 21 in his career in the regular season. Roethlisberger led the Steelers from a 22-20 deficit late in the fourth quarter to a 23-22 victory in Week 7 at Miami this year. A listing of all of Roethlisberger s fourth quarter and overtime game-winning drives entering this season are available on page 255 of the Steelers media guide. Title Man: QB Ben Roethlisberger has led the Steelers to the AFC Championship Game three times in his first six seasons. He is one of only two active NFL quarterbacks to win multiple Super Bowl titles (Tom Brady). Roethlisberger joined Roger Staubach, Bernie Kosar, Tom Brady and Donovan McNabb as the only quarterbacks to lead their teams to the conference title game at least three times in their first five seasons as the starting quarterback. Passing Perfection: QB Ben Roethlisberger has achieved a number of outstanding single-season accomplishments in his six-year career, including achieving a feat three times that is rarely done in the NFL. Roethlisberger, who set the team s single-season mark for passer rating (104.1) in 2007, has had a perfect passer rating (158.3) three times in his career, tying him with QB Peyton Manning for the most in NFL history (minimum 10 attempts). Roethlisberger s 38 career 100-plus passer rating games in the regular season rank first in team history, surpassing Terry Bradshaw, who had 31 such games since the passer rating rule was implemented in 1973. Steelers Highest Single-Season Passer-Ratings Leaders (Among Qualifiers) Player Rating 1. Ben Roethlisberger (2007) 104.1 2. Ben Roethlisberger (2009) 100.5 3. Ben Roethlisberger (2005) 98.6 4. Ben Roethlisberger (2004) 98.1 5. Terry Bradshaw (1975) 87.8
Steelers Top Single-Season Completion Percentage Leaders (Minimum 250 Attempts) Player Att. Comp. Pct. 1. Ben Roethlisberger (2009) 506 337 66.6 2. Ben Roethlisberger (2004) 295 196 66.4 3. Ben Roethlisberger (2007) 404 264 65.3 4. Ben Roethlisberger (2005) 268 168 62.7 5. Tommy Maddox (2002) 377 234 62.1 Best of the Batch: QB Charlie Batch started two games this year for the Steelers (Weeks 3-4) and went 1-1 in those two starts. Against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 3, Batch finished 12-of-17 for 186 yards passing with three touchdowns and two interceptions (106.5 passer rating). He tied a career high with his three touchdown passes. Batch now has a 23-29 record as a starting quarterback, including a 4-2 record in his nine seasons with Pittsburgh. In his six career starts with the Steelers, Batch is 77-of-129 (59.7 pct.) for 969 yards with eight touchdowns and six interceptions (84.4 passer rating). Batch did not start the Week 2 game at Tennessee earlier this year, but he came on in the second quarter and finished the game following a knee injury to starter Dennis Dixon. Batch finished 5- for-11 for 25 yards against the Titans. Seasoned Veteran: QB Byron Leftwich owns a 24-25 all-time record as a starting QB, having started 44 games for the Jacksonville Jaguars (2003-06), two for the Atlanta Falcons (2007) and three for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2009). Leftwich played in five games for the Steelers in 2008, but did not start any of those contests. In those five games for Pittsburgh, he was 21-for-36 for 303 passing yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions (104.3 passer rating). Leftwich also had one of his nine career rushing touchdowns as a backup with the Steelers. For his career, Leftwich has 10,218 career passing yards with 58 touchdowns and 41 interceptions (79.6 passer rating). Ward Still Has It: WR Hines Ward surpassed 11,000 receiving yards for his career in the 2010 season opener against the Atlanta Falcons. Ward finished with 108 yards receiving on six catches and became the first receiver in team history to post 900 career receptions. Ward had a season-high 131 yards receiving on seven receptions in the Week 7 victory at Miami. He also added his 81st career receiving touchdown against the Dolphins. Ward has two 100-yard receiving games this year, giving him a club-record 27 in his career. He had five 100-yard receiving games in 2009 and also posted his club-record sixth 1,000-yard receiving season of his career. Ward, who is in his 13th year in the league, proved he is still one of the elite wide receivers in the game by closing out the 2009 campaign ranking eighth in the NFL in receptions (95) and ninth (tied) in receiving yards (1,167). Ward currently ranks third among active wide receivers (12th overall in NFL history) with 922 career receptions. The following is a list the top three active wide receivers with the most career receptions: Active Player Career Receptions Terrell Owens 1,051 Randy Moss 948 Hines Ward 922 Catching Consistency: WR Hines Ward has caught at least one pass in a Steelers record 185 consecutive games. The streak began on Nov. 9, 1998 versus Green Bay. That streak ranks first among active players for consecutive games with at least one reception and third (tied) in NFL history. Jerry Rice (274) owns the top all-time record for consecutive games with a reception. The following is a look at the top two active players in the NFL with at least one reception in consecutive regular-season games: Player (Team) Consecutive Games Hines Ward (Steelers) 185 Tony Gonzalez (Falcons) 154 The following is a look at the top five all-time players in the NFL with the most consecutive regular-season games with at least one reception: Player Consecutive Games Jerry Rice 274 Marvin Harrison 190 Hines Ward 185 Terrell Owens 185 Art Monk 183 Top Dawg: WR Hines Ward leads the Steelers in at least 14 different career receiving categories. Ward is the team s all-time leader in receiving yards (11,312), receptions (922) and receiving touchdowns (81). Ward is the only wide receiver in Steelers history to be voted to four Pro Bowls. Ward s 1,167 receiving yards in 2009 made him the first Steelers receiver to reach 1,000 yards six times during his career with the team. No other Steeler has more than three. Additionally, Ward has 26 career 100-yard receiving games, which is first on the team s all-time list. In 2002, Ward became the first receiver in Steelers history to catch 100 passes (112) in a season. He also became the first Steelers receiver with three consecutive games with at least 100 yards receiving. His 12 touchdown receptions in 2002 tied him with Louis Lipps (1985) and Buddy Dial (1961) for the highest single-season total in team history. Ward was selected to the 2002-05 AFC Pro Bowl squads. The following is where Ward ranks in Steelers history in several key receiving categories: Ward s Rankings Among Steelers Receivers (All-Time) Category Statistic Rank Receptions... 922... 1 st Receiving Yards... 11,312... 1 st Receiving TDs... 81... 1 st Consecutive Games w/ Catch... 185... 1 st 1,000-Yd. Seasons (2001-04, 2008-09)... 6... 1 st Consecutive 1,000-Yd. Seasons (2001-04)... 4... 1 st 90-plus Catch Seasons (2001-03, 2009)... 4... 1 st Consecutive 90-plus Catch Seasons (2001-03)... 3... 1 st Receptions in a Season (2002)... 112... 1 st Career 100-Yard Games... 27... 1 st Consecutive 100-Yard Games (2002)... 3... 1 st Rushing Yards by a Receiver... 428... 1 st Consecutive Pro Bowls by Receiver (2002-05)... 4... 1 st TD Receptions in a Season (2002)... 12... T-1 st Receptions in a Single Game (11/30/03)... 13... 2 nd Receiving Yards in a Season (2002)... 1,329... 3 rd 100-Yard Games in a Season (2002, 2005, 2008, 2009)... 5... T-3 rd Receiving Yards in a Game (10/22/06)... 171... 11 th Chart Topper: WR Hines Ward is the leading receiver in Steelers history in receptions, receiving yardage and touchdown catches. He has more receptions than Hall of Fame receivers John Stallworth and Lynn Swann combined. Following are the Steelers career receiving leaders: Steelers All-Time Leading Receivers Rank Player No. Yds. Avg. TDs 1. Hines Ward (1998-present)... 922... 11,312... 12.3... 81 2. John Stallworth (1974-87)... 537... 8,723... 16.2... 63 3. Louis Lipps (1984-91)... 358... 6,018... 16.8... 39 4. Lynn Swann (1974-82)... 336... 5,462... 16.3... 51 5. Elbie Nickel (1947-57)... 329... 5,133... 15.6... 37 6. Franco Harris (1972-83)... 306... 2,284... 7.5... 9
7. Plaxico Burress (2000-2004)... 261... 4,164... 16.0... 22 8. Charles Johnson (1994-98)... 250... 3,400... 13.6... 15 9. Merril Hoge (1987-93)... 241... 2,054... 8.5... 13 10. Ray Mathews (1951-59)... 230... 3,919... 16.1... 34 Steelers All-Time Receiving Yardage Leaders Rank Player Rec. Yds. Avg. TDs 1. Hines Ward (1998-present)... 922... 11,312... 12.3... 81 2. John Stallworth (1974-87)... 537... 8,723... 16.2... 63 3. Louis Lipps (1984-91)... 358... 6,018... 16.8... 39 4. Lynn Swann (1974-82)... 336... 5,462... 16.3... 51 5. Elbie Nickel (1947-57)... 329... 5,133... 15.6... 37 6. Buddy Dial (1959-63)... 229... 4,723... 20.6... 42 7. Plaxico Burress (2000-04)... 261... 4,164... 16.0... 22 8. Ray Mathews (1951-59)... 230... 3,919... 16.1... 34 9. Roy Jefferson (1965-69)... 199... 3,671... 18.4... 29 10. Yancey Thigpen (1992-97)... 222... 3,641... 16.4... 21 Steelers All-Time Scoring Leaders Rank Player TDs PATs 2pt. FGs Pts 1. Gary Anderson (1982-93)... 0... 416... 0... 309.. 1,343 2. Jeff Reed (2002-present)... 0... 303... 0... 201... 906 3. Roy Gerela (1971-78)... 0... 293... 0... 146... 731 4. Franco Harris (1972-83)... 100... 0... 0... 0... 600 5. Hines Ward (1998-present)... 82... 0... 5... 0... 502 6. Jerome Bettis (1996-2005)... 80... 0... 1... 0... 482 7. Norm Johnson (1995-98)... 0... 137... 0... 105... 452 8. John Stallworth (1974-87)... 64... 0... 0... 0... 384 9. Kris Brown (1999-01)... 0... 98... 0... 80... 338 10. Lynn Swann (1974-82)... 53... 0... 0... 0... 318 11,000 And Counting: WR Hines Ward became the first receiver in team history to reach 11,000 career receiving yards when he finished with 108 yards receiving in Week 1 versus the Atlanta Falcons. Ward currently has 11,312 receiving yards for his career. Ward became just the fifth player in NFL history to reach 11,000 receiving yards while playing on only one team in their career. Additionally, Ward, who has 922 career receptions, became just the 12th player in NFL history to record 900 receptions and 11,000 yards in a career. The following is a list of the players who have played their entire career with one team and posted more than 10,000 receiving yards: Player (Team) Total Receiving Yds. Marvin Harrison (Colts) 14,580 Steve Largent (Seahawks) 13,089 Michael Irvin (Cowboys) 11,904 Rod Smith (Broncos) 11,389 Hines Ward (Steelers) 11,312 Hines Hanging Around: WR Hines Ward has been with the Steelers since he was drafted in the third round in the 1998 NFL Draft. Ward owns the longest tenure among wide receivers with their current team. The following is a list of the longest-tenured wideouts with the current team: Player Team First Year With Team Hines Ward Steelers 1998 Donald Driver Packers 1999 Brian Finneran Falcons 2000 Red-Zone Receiver: WR Hines Ward has been a major target for Pittsburgh quarterbacks in the red zone. Since 2002, Ward is third in the NFL with 46 red-zone touchdowns. Ward has two red-zone touchdowns in 2010. The following is a look at the top three active players in the NFL with touchdowns in the red zone since 2002: Player (Team) # of Red-Zone TDs 1. Randy Moss (Vikings/Patriots/Raiders) 51 2. Antonio Gates (Chargers) 50 3. Hines Ward (Steelers) 46 Ward On The Run: WR Hines Ward s versatility makes him a threat to run the football as well as catch a pass. Ward has 428 career rushing yards to mark the most by a Steelers wide receiver in team history. Ward scored his first (and only) career rushing touchdown in 2004 against Philadelphia. Wallace Ready For More: WR Mike Wallace leads all Steelers with 397 receiving yards. Wallace continues to be one of the NFL s top deep threats, averaging 23.4 yards per catch, after leading the NFL in receiving average as a rookie in 2009. Only two receivers in NFL/AFL history have led the league in receiving average in their first two seasons, Bill Groman (1960-61) and Wesley Walker (1977-78). Wallace had a 53-yard touchdown catch in the Week 7 victory at the Miami Dolphins and hauled in a 50-yard reception in the Week 6 victory over the Cleveland Browns. He finished with three catches for 90 yards, including a 29-yard touchdown, against the Browns. Wallace caught a 46-yard touchdown and a 41-yard touchdown from QB Charlie Batch in the Steelers Week 3 victory at Tampa Bay. He became the first Steelers receiver to have two 40-plusyard touchdowns in the same game since Louis Lipps on Dec. 4, 1988 at Houston. Only five times in club history has a receiver had two touchdown catches of at least 40 yards. Wallace finished with three catches for 100 yards and two touchdowns. Wallace finished with two catches for 62 yards (31.0 avg.) in the Week 1 overtime victory over the Atlanta Falcons. He hauled in a 52-yarder from QB Dennis Dixon in the third quarter. It marked the third-longest catch of his career and the fourth reception of over 50 yards. During his rookie year, Wallace had 39 catches for 756 yards (19.4 avg.) with six touchdowns. His 19.4 yards per catch average led the NFL. Wallace led all AFC rookies with 756 receiving yards and ranked fourth among all AFC rookies with 39 receptions. The following is a list of all of Wallace s catches of at least 40 yards: Reception Opponent Date 60 yards (TD) vs. Green Bay 12/20/09 54 yards (TD) at Miami 1/3/10 53 yards (TD) at Miami 10/24/10 52 yards vs. Atlanta 9/12/10 51 yards at Cincinnati 9/27/09 50 yards vs. Cleveland 10/17/10 47 yards (TD) at Detroit 10/11/09 46 yards (TD) at Tampa Bay 9/26/10 45 yards vs. Baltimore 12/27/09 41 yards (TD) at Tampa Bay 9/26/10 40 yards vs. Minnesota 10/25/09 The following is a look at the five times in franchise history a player has posted two touchdown receptions of at least 40 yards in a game: Reception Opponent Date Mike Wallace at Tampa Bay 9/26/10 Louis Lipps at Houston 12/4/88 Lynn Swann Cincinnati 12/2/79 Gary Ballman Washington 9/25/66 Ray Mathews Cleveland 10/17/54 Mendenhall Makes The Most Of It: RB Rashard Mendenhall began the 2010 season in the same fashion he ended the 2009 campaign...in style. He currently ranks sixth in the AFC and 10th in the NFL with 603 yards rushing, and he leads the team with six touchdowns (all rushing). Mendenhall has two 100-yard rushing games on the season, including most recently in Week 3 at Tampa Bay. He finished with 143 yards rushing on 19 carries (7.5 avg.) with one touchdown against the Buccaneers.