Game # 13 Pittsburgh Steelers (7-5) at Cincinnati Bengals (8-3-1) Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014 1 p.m. (ET) Paul Brown Stadium Cincinnati, Ohio Game #13 Pittsburgh Steelers (7-5) at Cincinnati Bengals (8-3-1) Date: Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014 Kickoff: 1 p.m., ET Site: Paul Brown Stadium (65,535) Cincinnati, Ohio Playing Surface: FieldTurf TV Coverage: CBS (locally KDKA-TV, channel 2) Announcers: Ian Eagle (play-by-play) Dan Fouts (color analyst) Jenny Dell (sideline) Local Radio: Steelers Radio Network WDVE-FM (102.5)/WBGG-AM (970) Announcers: Bill Hillgrove (play-by-play) Tunch Ilkin (color analyst) Craig Wolfl ey (sideline) National Radio: Sports USA Announcers: Larry Kahn (play-by-play) John Robinson (color analyst) Troy West (sideline) A Look at the Coaches: Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin Overall regular-season record: 78-46 (.629)/eighth season Regular-season record with Pittsburgh: 78-46 (.629)/eighth season Playoff Record/Years: 5-3/four years Cincinnati Bengals Head Coach Marvin Lewis Overall regular-season record: 98-88-2 (.527)/12th season Regular-season record with Cincinnati: 98-88-2 (.527)/12th season Playoff Record/Years: 0-5/fi ve years For all of the most up-to-date information on the Pittsburgh Steelers, visit the team s offi cial web site at. Updated daily, the web site has the most extensive information on upcoming games and the most comprehensive news on the Steelers. Pittsburgh Steelers 2014 Schedule Preseason (1-3) Saturday, Aug. 9 at N.Y. Giants L, 20-16 (KDKA) Saturday, Aug. 16 BUFFALO W, 19-16 (KDKA) Thursday, Aug. 21 at Philadelphia L, 31-21 (KDKA) Thursday, Aug. 28 CAROLINA L, 10-0 (KDKA) Regular Season (7-5) Sunday, Sept. 7 CLEVELAND W, 30-27 (CBS) Thursday, Sept. 11 at Baltimore L, 26-6 (CBS) Sunday, Sept. 21 at Carolina W, 37-19 (NBC) Sunday, Sept. 28 TAMPA BAY L, 27-24 (FOX) Sunday, Oct. 5 at Jacksonville W, 17-9 (CBS) Sunday, Oct. 12 at Cleveland L, 31-10 (CBS) Monday, Oct. 20 HOUSTON W, 30-23 (ESPN) Sunday, Oct. 26 INDIANAPOLIS W, 51-34 (CBS) Sunday, Nov. 2 BALTIMORE W, 43-23 (NBC) Sunday, Nov. 9 at N.Y. Jets L, 20-13 (CBS) Monday, Nov. 17 at Tennessee W, 27-24 ESPN) Sunday, Nov. 23 BYE WEEK Sunday, Nov. 30 NEW ORLEANS L, 35-32 (FOX) Sunday, Dec. 7 at Cincinnati 1 p.m. (CBS) Sunday, Dec. 14 at Atlanta 1 p.m. (CBS) Sunday, Dec. 21 KANSAS CITY* 1 p.m. (CBS) Sunday, Dec. 28 CINCINNATI* 1 p.m. (CBS) * Times and TV Network may change due to NFL flexible scheduling Postseason Sat.-Sun., Jan. 3-4 Sat.-Sun., Jan. 10-11 Sunday, Jan. 18 Sunday, Jan. 25 Sunday, Feb. 1 NOTE: All times are Eastern. Home games in Bold/CAPS. Wild Card Weekend (CBS, ESPN, FOX, NBC) Divisional Playoff Games (CBS, FOX, NBC) Conference Championships (CBS & FOX) AFC-NFC Pro Bowl (Glendale, Ariz.) (NBC) Super Bowl XLIX (Glendale, Ariz.) (NBC)
STEELERS RADIO COVERAGE MEDIA NOTES Weekly Press Conference: Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin will conduct his press conference on Tuesday, Dec. 2, at Noon (LIVE on ROOT Sports) in the Steelers press conference room. Official Steelers Website: Media and fans can read about the latest Steelers news on the offi cial Steelers website. The site, www. steelers.com, 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 http:// /mediarelations/ and register as a new user below the left hand navigation bar. Then follow the instructions on the Media Relations page and 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 NATION HD RADIO Steelers Nation Radio is a 24-hour/day HD radio station dedicated specifi cally to the Pittsburgh Steelers. It can be heard on, the Steelers Gameday Plus app or the iheart app on your smartphone (under the heading of Black and Gold Radio), and at 102.5 WDVE HD2. For the 16th consecutive year, WDVE-FM (102.5) and WBGG-AM (970) are carrying all Steelers games. Additionally, Steelers games can be heard on a 47-station network spanning Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio and Maryland. All Steelers games will be broadcast in Spanish on steelers.com. For the 20th straight season, Bill Hillgrove serves as the Voice of the Steelers and handles play-by-play duties for the broadcast. Joining Hillgrove for his 16th season as an expert analyst is Tunch Ilkin, the former Steelers All-Pro offensive tackle. Joining the team for his 12th season is former Steeler offensive lineman Craig Wolfley, who provides sideline analysis. Fans in Mexico can also listen to Steelers broadcasts on Grupo Imagen and games are heard on /espanol. Stations on the Steelers Radio Network include: FLAGSHIP STATIONS (2) WDVE-FM (102.5) WBGG-AM (970) PENNSYLVANIA (31) Allentown-WSAN (1470) Altoona-WVAM (1430) Altoona-WRKY (104.9) Beaver Falls-WBVP (1230) Beaver Falls-WMBA (1460) Bedford-WBVE (107.5) 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-WRVV (97.3) Homer City-WCCS (1160) Johnstown-WNTJ (1490) Latrobe-WCNS (1480) Mount Union-WHUN (106.9) Punxsutawney-WPXZ (104.1) Riverside/Selinsgrove-WVSL (92.3) Saegertown-WUUZ (94.3) Somerset-WLLI (990) State College-WRSC (103.1) Uniontown-WMBS (590) Washington-WJPA (1450) Williamsport-WCXR (93.3) Williamsport-WZXR (103.7) Wilkes-Barre-WHBS (102.3) OHIO (3) Columbus-WTOH (98.9) Fremont-WOHF (92.1) Youngstown-WNIO (1390) MARYLAND (3) Cumberland-WTBO (1450) Frostburg-WFRB (560) Hagerstown-WHAG (1410) WEST VIRGINIA (7) Charleston-WCHS (580) Cross Lanes-WSWW (1490) Fairmont-WRLF (94.3) Fairmont-WMMN (920) New Martinsville-WXCR (92.3) St. Mary s-wjaw (630) Wheeling-WKWK (97.3) NEW YORK (1) Syracuse-WTLA (1200) SOUTH CAROLINA (1) Myrtle Beach-WRXZ (107.1) A daily schedule of what is on Steelers Nation HD Radio is available at www.facebook.com/steelersnationradio. Tuesday, Dec. 2 Wednesday, Dec. 3 Thursday, Dec. 4 Open locker room 9:30-10 a.m. Coach Tomlin Press Conference: Noon Live on ROOT Sports No player availability - players day off Open locker room 9:30-10 a.m. Practice 1:15-3:15 p.m. Coach Tomlin available upon request after practice Open locker room 3:15-3:45 p.m. THIS WEEK S SCHEDULE (SUBJECT TO CHANGE) Practice 1-3 p.m. Coach Tomlin available upon request after practice Coordinators available coming off the fi eld after practice Friday, Dec. 5 Practice 10:45 a.m. - Noon Open locker room Noon - 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6 No media availability Players Day Off Sunday, Dec. 7 Monday, Dec. 8 1 p.m. (ET) Road Game at Cincinnati Bengals (Paul Brown Stadium) CBS (locally, KDKA-TV, channel 2) TBD Open locker room 3-3:30 p.m.
2014 SEASON HIGHLIGHTS 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF FIRST TITLE The Steelers celebrated the 40th anniversary of the team s fi rst championship, Super Bowl IX, with a variety of events. Super Bowl IX was Pittsburgh s first title game appearence. The team captured their first NFL Championship with a 16-6 victory over the Minnesota Vikings in Tulane Stadium. RB Franco Harris was named the game s MVP with a rushing performance of 158 yards on 34 carries, establishing a new Super Bowl record. Harris gave the Steelers a 9-0 lead in the third quarter on a nine-yard rush. QB Terry Bradshaw connected with Larry Brown for a four-yard touchdown toss to seal the Steelers victory. Some highlights that took place in recognition of the team s Super Bowl IX win during the 2014 season included: Super Bowl IX 40th Anniversary Patch: The team wore wear a special patch on their uniform against the New Orleans Saints (Nov. 30). November 30 Halftime Ceremony: Players from the Super Bowl IX team were recognized during a halftime ceremony of the Saints game. Commemorative Game Ticket Logo: The Steelers printed a separate Super Bowl IX 40th Anniversary logo on game tickets for the November 30th game. Alumni Weekend: November 29-30 served as the team s annual Alumni Weekend to celebrate the team s 40th Anniversary victory in Super Bowl IX. Alumni Weekend Dinner Gala: On November 29, Heinz Field hosted the Alumni Weekend Dinner Gala with proceeds benefitting the UPMC Sports Medicine Concussion Program and The Cancer Caring Center. Players from the Super Bowl IX Championship team were introduced at the event and shared their stories from the 1974 season. 1974 Audio Replays: Replay of audio from the 1974 season and Super Bowl IX, which features Myron Cope and Jack Fleming, will be broadcast on Steelers Nation Radio on Alumni Weekend. 2014 CAPTAINS ANNOUNCED The Steelers selected four players to serve as team captains for the 2014 season, the team announced through a vote of their teammates for the 2014 season. QB Ben Roethlisberger will serve as the offensive captain, S Troy Polamalu will serve as the defensive captain and S Robert Golden and K Shaun Suisham will serve as the special teams captains. Roethlisberger has been selected as an offensive captain for the sixth time in his career (2008, 09, 11, 12, 13 and 14). This marks Golden s, Polamalu s and Suisham s fi rst selections as captains. CHUCK NOLL DAY AND DECAL Steelers President Art Rooney II announced in July on Steelers Nation Radio that the team will wear helmet decals as part of a season-long commemoration of Chuck Noll s coaching career. The decals, unveiled on Monday, September 1, were displayed on the team s helmets for the fi rst time during the team s Week One home opener against the Cleveland Browns, a date designated Chuck Noll Day as the result of bipartisan resolution introduced by Pennsylvania s two United States Senators Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) and Bob Casey (D-Pa.). Noll, the only coach to win four Super Bowls (IX, X, XIII and XIV), compiled a 209-156-1 record in 23 seasons at the helm of the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1969-1991. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993. GREENE NUMBER 75 RETIRED The Steelers retired Joe Greene s Number 75 in a ceremony on November 2, when the team hosted Baltimore at Heinz Field. Greene, the leader of the Steel Curtain defense during the 1970s, helped lead the team to four Super Bowl victories and six AFC Championship game appearances. Throughout his 13-year playing career, all with Pittsburgh, Greene earned All-NFL honors fi ve times and all-conference accolades 11 straight years to begin his tenure. He was twice named the NFL s Defensive Player of the Year in 1972 and 1974. The team s No. 1 draft pick in 1969, Greene quickly emerged in the league as he was named the NFL s Rookie of the Year and received the fi rst of his 10 Pro Bowl selections. Greene was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1987 and has been recognized with the following honors: All-Time NFL Team (2000) NFL 75th Anniversary Team Super Bowl Silver Anniversary Team 1970s All-Decade Team Greene s Number 75 has not been issued by the Steelers since his retirement following the 1981 season. He will join Ernie Stautner (No. 70) as the only players in franchise history to officially have their number retired. After a 13-year playing career, Greene briefl y worked as a color analyst for CBS Sports before becoming the Steelers defensive line coach from 1987-91. He then went on to coach the defensive line for the Miami Dolphins (1992-95) and the Arizona Cardinals (1996-03) before retiring from coaching and moving into the player personnel department with the Steelers. He spent nine years as a special assistant for pro and college personnel for Pittsburgh before retiring in 2013.
FROM LAST GAME VS. NEW ORLEANS THE STEELERS The Steelers are now 7-8 in the all-time regular-season series against the Saints. Pittsburgh is 419-271-2 during the regular season since 1970. The Steelers have scored 30 or more points in six games in 2014 - the second-most such games in a season in team history and fi rst since 1979. The Steelers have produced a 3,000-yard passer, 1,000-yard receiver and a 1,000-yard running back in the same season for the sixth time in franchise history (1979, 1997, 2001, 2009, 2010 and 2014). HEAD COACH MIKE TOMLIN Is now 78-46 during the regular season (45-17 at home). Is now 20-13 in the month of November as the team s head coach (10-6 at home). Is now 0-2 as the Steelers head coach against New Orleans (0-1 at home). QB BEN ROETHLISBERGER Made his 154th career regular season start and completed 32-of-58 passes for 435 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions for a passer rating of 76.4. Is now to 102-52 as a starter during the regular season and 58-20 at home. Is now 26-13 in his regular-season career as a starter in the month of November and 13-6 at home in the month. Is now 1-2 against New Orleans in the regular season as a starter, 1-1 at home. Has recorded the fourth-most pass completions in a single-season by a Steelers QB (314). Has completed 314 passes in 2014 to mark the fourth such season of his NFL career with at least 300 completions (2009: 337, 2011: 324 and 2013: 375). Has thrown for 3,705 passing yards in 2014 to mark the fi fth 3,500 yard season of his NFL career and becomes the fi rst Steeler to accomplish the feat in back-to-back campaigns (2013: 4,261). Has posted the fi fth-most passing yards in a season by a Steelers QB (3,705). Totaled 435 passing yards, his 34th 300-yard passing game and seventh 400-yard game of his career during the regular season. Registered his 25th touchdown pass of the 2014 season with his fi rst of two scoring strikes, recording at least 25 scoring tosses in fi ve seasons in his NFL career. Became the fi rst Steeler to record three straight seasons of 25 touchdown passes (2012: 26 and 2013: 28). Has thrown at least one touchdown pass in 10 consecutive games (Sept. 21, 2014-present) to mark the fourth 10-game streak with a touchdown pass of his NFL career. WR ANTONIO BROWN Was one of three Steelers to tie for the game-high of eight catches, totaling 97 yards and two touchdown catches. Has recorded at least one reception in 68 consecutive games in which he has played, including the postseason dating back to October 3, 2010. With two receiving scores, extended his personal single-season high to 11 (eight in 2013). Marked his sixth career multi-touchdown game. Became the 10th player (13th occasion) in Steelers history with at 10 touchdown catches in a season. Became the seventh player (ninth occasion) in Steelers history to record at least 11 touchdown catches in a single-season, one shy of matching the team record (12 Buddy Dial, 1961, Louis Lipps, 1985 and Hines Ward, 2002). Hauled in the 25th touchdown of his NFL career with his fi rst of two becoming the 11th player in team history to record 25 touchdown catches. Totaled the 90th catch of 2014 with his second grab. Joins Hines Ward (2001-03) as only the second player in team history to have two consecutive seasons with at least 90 receptions. Joins Hines Ward (2001-03 and 2009) as only the second player in team history to have 90 catches in multiple seasons (2013 and 2014). His 96 receptions in 2014 rank as the third-most in a single-season in team history. Has recorded the eighth most receiving yards in a single-season in franchise history (1,258) in 2014. Became the first Steeler in franchise history to reach 1,200 receiving yards through the fi rst 12 games of a season. Became the fi fth player in team history to reach 350 catches with his first reception, ranking fifth in team history with 357 career receptions. WR ANTONIO BROWN (Cont d) Has caught the seventh-most receiving yards in team history (4,819). Became the first Steeler in team history to register back-to-back seasons of 1,200 receiving yards (1,499 in 2013). Joins Yancey Thigpen (1995 and 1997) as the only Steelers to register 1,200 receiving yards in two seasons with the team. Has caught the second-most catches through the first 12 games of a season in NFL history with 96. Has recorded at least fi ve catches in 28 consecutive games, dating back to Week One of the 2013 season - an NFL record. Has recorded at least fi ve catches and 50 receiving yards in 28 straight games, dating back to Week One of the 2013 season, an NFL record. Matched an NFL record of 14 consecutive games with at least five catches and 70 receiving yards (Marvin Harrison, 2002). WR MARKUS WHEATON Caught fi ve passes for 61 yards. Established a career-long kickoff return of 41 yards, also the longest of the by a Steeler in 2014. Finished with three kickoff returns for 87 yards. TE HEATH MILLER Was one of three Steelers to tie for the game-high of eight catches (82 yards). Extended his consecutive regular-season games started streak to 26 - third-longest active treak among NFL tight ends. Extended his consecutive games played with a catch streak to 100 - dating back to 11/3/2008 vs. Washington (including the postseason). Eclipsed 50 receiving yards for the 48th time in his NFL career (regular season), the third most such games by an active NFL tight end. RB Le VEON BELL Established single-game career highs in receiving yards (159) and yards from scrimmage (254). Extended his consecutive regular-season games started streak to 25 - tied as the fi fth-longest active streak among NFL running backs. Scored his third rushing touchdown of the season (11th) of career. Now has rushing touchdowns in back-to-back games on the season. Totaled 254 (95 rushing and 159 receiving) yards from scrimmage, the second-highest total in team history in a game. Became the first player in team history to record back-to-back games with 200 scrimmage yards. Became the fi rst player in team history to record at least 150 receiving and 50 rushing yards in the same game. Became the third running back in Steelers history to eclipse 100 receiving yards in a game, setting a franchise record with 159. Rushed for 71 yards in the fi rst quarter a career-high in the opening quarter of a game. Set career-long reception of 48 yards in the third quarter (previous was 43). Registered the fi rst 1,000 rushing yard season of his NFL career and first by a Steeler since 2010 (Rashard Mendenhall, 1,273). Is the eighth Steeler (24th occasion) to eclipse 1,000 rushing yards in a season. With 95 rushing yards, extended his new single-season career-high to 1,046 surpassing his 2013 rookie total of 860. Becomes the third running back (seventh occasion) in Steelers history to record 500 receiving yards in a single-season and fi rst since 1958. Became the fifth Steeler (sixth occasion) to tally at least 1,500 yards from scrimmage in a season (1,689). Becomes the first Steeler in team history to record 100 yards from scrimmage in 10 games of a season since 2007 (Willie Parker, 10 games). Has recorded the second most yards from scrimmage by a Steeler through the fi rst 12 games of a season (1,689). Extended his franchise record for the most receptions by a running back in a season to 65. With 95 rushing yards, extended his team record for most rushing yards by a Steeler in their fi rst two seasons in the NFL to 1,906. Increased his franchise record for the most yards from scrimmage by a Steeler in their fi rst two seasons in the NFL to 2,948. CB WILLIAM GAY Extended his consecutive regular-season games played streak to 124 longest active streak among NFL cornerbacks. DE CAM HEYWARD Extended his consecutive regular-season games played streak to 60 - tying as the fi fth-longest active consecutive games played streak among NFL defensive ends. LB LAWRENCE TIMMONS Extended his streak of consecutive regular-season games started to 65 the longest active streak among current Steelers. K SHAUN SUISHAM Scored 10 points (three field goals and on extra point), increasing his total to 509 points since joining the Steelers in 2010, becoming the fourth kicker in team history to reach the milestone.
STEELERS-BENGALS SERIES HISTORY Series History: Series began in 1970 Overall Regular Season: Steelers lead, 53-34 At Pittsburgh: Steelers lead, 29-15 At Cincinnati: Steelers lead, 24-19 Neutral Sites: n/a Streak: Steelers won previous meeting Last Regular-Season Meeting: Dec. 15, 2013 in Pittsburgh Pittsburgh 30, Cincinnati 20 Postseason Series: Steelers lead, 1-0 Last Postseason Meeting: Jan. 8, 2006 at Cincinnati Pittsburgh 31, Cincinnati 17 (preseason and postseason record not included in overall series record) This week s game marks the 88th time the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals will meet in the regular season and the 44th time in Cincinnati, where the Steelers hold a five game advantage... the two teams will meet for the 20th time in the month of December (11-8) and for the sixth in Cincinnati (3-2) in the month of December. 2014 TEAM STATS Steelers Category Bengals 26.7... Points Scored Per Game...21.7 24.8...Points Allowed Per Game...20.6 24.6... First Downs Per Game...19.5 417.3...Total Yards Per Game...343.6 118.1...Rushing Yards Per Game...124.5 299.3... Passing Yards Per Game...219.1 21.0...Sacks By...15.0 8... Interceptions By...12 33:25...Avg. Time of Possession...29:02 36... Touchdowns...29 5... Rushing Touchdowns...14 27... Passing Touchdowns...14 4... Touchdowns on Returns...0 21-24... Field Goals...19-25 42.6... Punting Avg....47.5 7.2...Punt Return Avg....9.8 21.0... Kickoff Return Avg...27.4 2014 AFC NORTH STANDINGS 2014 AFC North Standings W L T Pct. Pts. Opp. Cincinnati 8 3 1.708 260 247 Pittsburgh 7 5 0.583 320 298 Baltimore 7 5 0.583 328 242 Cleveland 7 5 0.583 252 245 This Week in the AFC North: Sunday, Dec. 7: Pittsburgh (7-5) at Cincinnati (8-3-1), 1 p.m. (CBS, locally KDKA-TV) Baltimore (7-5) at Miami (7-5) 1 p.m. (CBS) Cleveland (7-5) vs. Indianapolis (8-4), 1 p.m. (CBS) All times are Eastern. THE LAST TIME VS. CINCINNATI Pittsburgh 30, Cincinnati 20 Dec. 15, 2013 Heinz Field (45,873) PITTSBURGH The Steelers raced to a 21-0 lead at the end of the first quarter and defeated the Bengals, 30-20, on Sunday Night Football at Heinz Field. After Pittsburgh s defense forced a three-and-out on Cincinnati s first possession, Bengals P Kevin Huber fumbled the snap and was tackled at the one-yard line by S Will Allen. RB Le Veon Bell scored on a one-yard run two plays later to give Pittsburgh a 7-0 lead. QB Ben Roethlisberger and WR Antonio Brown connected on a 12-yard touchdown to give the Steelers a 14-0 lead late in the first quarter. Pittsburgh s defense forced another Bengals three-and-out and Brown made a splash play in the return game. Brown returned the punt 67 yards for a score to give the team a commanding 21-0 lead. It marked Brown s longest career punt return. K Shaun Suisham nailed a 25-yard field goal to put Pittsburgh up, 24-0, early in the second quarter. Cincinnati RB Giovani Bernard scored on a one-yard run midway through the second quarter to cut the lead, 24-7. But with less than two minutes remaining in the fi rst half, Suisham made a 45-yarder to increase Pittsburgh s lead, 27-7, at halftime. Suisham added a 26-yard field goal midway through the third for the Steelers final points of the contest. The Bengals tried to mount a comeback, scoring twice in the fourth quarter. QB Andy Dalton s one-yard pass to TE Tyler Eifert and Dalton s 13-yard pass to WR Marvin Jones got the Bengals within 10 points, 30-20, but the Steelers offense picked up a key fi rst down to run out the clock. GAME SUMMARY Bengals (9-5) 0 7 0 13 20 STEELERS (6-8) 21 6 3 0 30 TEAM Q TIME PLAY DRIVE SCORE PIT 1 9:58 Bell 1-yd. run (Suisham kick) 2-1; 0:42 7-0 PIT 1 2:16 A. Brown 12-yd. pass from Roethlisberger (Suisham kick) 8-47; 4:20 14-0 PIT 1 1:12 A. Brown 67-yd. punt return (Suisham kick) -; -:- 21-0 PIT 2 9:36 Suisham 25-yd. FG 11-60; 4:55 24-0 CIN 2 5:14 Bernard 1-yd. run (Nugent kick) 9-47; 4:22 24-7 PIT 2 1:14 Suisham 45-yd. FG 10-46; 4:00 27-7 PIT 3 6:18 Suisham 26-yd. FG 9-55; 4:19 30-7 CIN 4 14:09 Eifert 1-yd. pass from Dalton (Nugent kick) 13-63; 7:09 30-14 CIN 4 5:46 Jones 13-yd. pass from Dalton (pass failed) 10-75; 4:26 30-20 TEAM STATISTICS Bengals Steelers 1st Downs 19 19 3rd Downs 4-14 (29%) 2-10 (20%) 4th Downs 3-5 (60%) 2-2 (100%) Total Net Yards 279 290 Plays-Avg. 67-4.2 62-4.7 Rushing Yards 57 106 Rush Att.-Avg. 22-2.6 36-2.9 Passing Yards 222 184 Att.-Comp.-Int. 44-25-0 25-20-1 Sacks By 1-7 1-8 Punts-Avg. 4-41.5 3-38.3 Penalties 6-50 4-25 Fumbles-Lost 2-1 0-0 Time of Poss. 28:24 31:36 INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS RUSHING: Cin. Bernard 13-33, 1 TD; Dalton 4-20; Green-Ellis 4-4; Huber 1-0. Pit. Bell 24-57, 1 TD; Dwyer 6-26; Jones 5-22; A. Brown 1-1. PASSING: Cin. Dalton 44-25-0, 230, 2 TD. Pit. Roethlisberger 25-20-1, 191, 1 TD. RECEIVING: Cin. Green 9-93; Jones 5-48, 1 TD; Eifert 3-33, 1 TD; Gresham 3-23; Sanu 3-20; Bernard 2-13. Pit. A. Brown 5-66, 1 TD; Bell 5-50; Sanders 5-38; Miller 4-35; Cotchery 1-2.
STEELERS-BENGALS CONNECTIONS Steelers in Bold; Bengals in Bold Italic Former Steelers/Bengals Steelers DC Dick LeBeau worked two stints with the Cincinnati Bengals. LeBeau was on the Bengals staff from 1980-1991 and from 1997-2002. He was the head coach of the Bengals from the fourth game of the 2000 season through 2002. Pittsburgh LB James Harrison played one season (2013) in Cincinnati. Steelers QB Bruce Gradkowski played two seasons (2011-12) with the Bengals. Bengals TE coach Jonathan Hayes coached with the Steelers from 1994-1996 and his brother, DL coach Jay Hayes, coached with the Steelers from 1999-2001. Family Connection Steelers DE Clifton Geathers brother, Robert, is a DE for the Bengals. Area Connections Steelers HC Mike Tomlin was the defensive backs coach at the University of Cincinnati from 1999-2000. Bengals HC Marvin Lewis was born in McDonald, Pa., only 30 miles south west of Pittsburgh. Lewis coached for the University of Pittsburgh from 1990-1991. Lewis also served as the Steelers LB coach from 1992-1995. Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger, an Ohio native, played his collegiate football at Miami University (OH) in Oxford. Cincinnati DE Will Clarke is from Pittsburgh. Bengals TE coach Jonathan Hayes and DL coach Jay Hayes were born in South Fayette, Pa. Bengals WR coach James Urban coached at Clarion University from 1997-1998. Steelers LB James Harrison is from Akron, Ohio and attended Kent State. Pittsburgh WR/RB Dri Archer also played collegiately at Kent State. NFL Connections Steelers Defensive Asst. Jerry Olsavsky played for the Baltimore Ravens when Bengals STC Darrin Simmons was on the Ravens staff in 1998. Pittsburgh STC Danny Smith and Cincinnati QB coach Ken Zampese worked together on the Philadelphia Eagles coaching staff in 1998. Smith spent five seasons (2005-09) with Bengals QB Jason Campbell in Washington. Steelers OC Todd Haley was the head coach for the Kansas City Chiefs from 2009-2011 when Bengals DE Wallace Gilberry was on the Chiefs squad. Gilberry and Steelers C/G Cody Wallace were teammates with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the start of the 2012 season. Gradkowski spent one season (2010) with Bengals OC Hue Jackson in Oakland. Steelers S Mike Mitchell and WR Darrius Heyward-Bey spent two seasons (2010-11) in Oakland with Campbell and Jackson. Pittsburgh K Shaun Suisham (2005, 06, 09) was teammates with Cincinnati S Terence Newman (2003-11) in Dallas. Cincinnati LB coach Matt Burke spent fi ve seasons (2004-08) in Tennessee with Pittsburgh OL coach Mike Munchak. Munchak coached Bengals CB Adam Jones for two seasons (2005-06) in Tennessee. Steelers CB Brice McCain spent three seasons (2011-13) with Bengals DB coach Vance Joseph in Houston. STEELERS-BENGALS CONNECTIONS Steelers in Bold; Bengals in Bold Italic College Connections Steelers S Troy Polamalu and Bengals OC Hue Jackson both spent time together (1999-2000) at the University of Southern California. Steelers C Maurkice Pouncey (2007-09) and OT Marcus Gilbert (2006-09) were teammates with Bengals DE Carlos Dunlap (2007-09) and S Reggie Nelson (2006) at Florida. Steelers DE Cameron Heyward (2007-10) and OT Mike Adams (2008-11) played at Ohio State with Bengals WR Dane Sanzenbacher (2007-10). Pittsburgh S Will Allen played three seasons (2000-03) with Cincinnati K Mike Nugent at Ohio State. Steelers G David DeCastro played three seasons (2009-11) with Bengals H-B Ryan Hewitt at Stanford. Steelers T/G Kelvin Beachum and Bengals DE Margus Hunt were teammates at Southern Methodist University for three seasons (2009-11). Steelers QB Landry Jones and Bengals TE Jermaine Gresham were teammates at Oklahoma for two seasons (2008-09). Pittsburgh S Robert Golden played two seasons (2010-11) with Cincinnati LB Marquis Flowers at Arizona. Steelers TE Michael Palmer (2008-09) and WR Martavis Bryant (2011) were teammates with Bengals DT Brandon Thompson at Clemson. Pittsburgh P Brad Wing played one season (2012) with Cincinnati RB Jeremy Hill at LSU. Steelers RB Le Veon Bell was teammates with Bengals CB Darqueze Dennard and WR James Wright for three seasons (2010-12) at Michigan State. Pittsburgh DT Cam Thomas was teammates with Cincinnati WR Greg Little (2007-08) and WR Brandon Tate (2006-08) at North Carolina. Steelers FB Will Johnson (2009-10) and LB Terence Garvin (2009-12) were teammates with Bengals DE Will Clarke at West Virginia. Cincinnati Asst. LB/Quality Control coach David Lippincott was a graduate asst. at Minnesota in 2003-04 when Pittsburgh TE Matt Spaeth was a player. PIT-CIN SERIES HIGHS Passing Yards Steelers Ben Roethlisberger 386 12/4/2005 Bengals Jon Kitna 411 12/30/2001 Rushing Yards Steelers Franco Harris 157 11/2/1975 Bengals James Brooks 133 9/30/1985 Receiving Yards Steelers Lynn Swann 192 12/2/1979 Bengals Eddie Brown 216 11/6/1988
WHAT TO LOOK FOR FROM THE STEELERS The Steelers look to improve to 54-34 in the all time regularseason series against Cincinnati to 25-19 on the road. With a win, Pittsburgh will have defeated Cincinnati in four of the previous fi ve games in Cincinnati. Pittsburgh looks to win its fourth consecutive game in the month of December. FROM HEAD COACH MIKE TOMLIN A win would improve Tomlin to 79-46 during the regular season, inlcuding 34-29 on the road. Looks to move to 11-4 as the Steelers Head Coach against Cincinnati and to 6-2 against the Bengals on the road. With a victory, would improve to 19-12 as the team s head coach during the month of December and to 6-6 on the road during the month. With a win, will have led the Steelers to at least eight wins in each of his eight years as the team s head coach. Would become the seventh head coach in NFL history to lead a team to at least eight wins in each of their fi rst eight years as a head coach and the fourth to do so with one team. FROM THE STEELERS OFFENSE QB BEN ROETHLISBERGER Is scheduled to make his 155th regular-season start Sunday. Looks to improve to 15-6 against Cincinnati as a starter (9-2 on the road) with a win. With a win, will improve to 28-13 all-time in the month of December as a starter (11-5 on the road). Five touchdown passes to become the 17th player (fi fth active) in NFL history to record 250 career touchdown passes. Will set a franchise record for the most touchdown passes in a season with his seventh (32 in 2007). Needs 24 pass completions to record the second-most in a season in team history and 62 to surpass his own franchise record (375 in 2013). Is 295 yards from away from recording 4,000 in 2014 to mark the fourth such season of his NFL career and in backto-back seasons. RB Le VEON BELL Will become the fi rst Steelers running back to record 1,100 yards in a season since 2010 (Rashard Mendenhall) with 54. Needs 94 rushing yards to tally 2,000 in his NFL career. Will set a single-season team record for the most receiving yards by a running back with 120 (Ray Mathews, 762, 1955). If he has 200 yards from scrimmage on Sunday, will become the sixth player in NFL history to do so in three straight games. Is 346 yards from scrimmage away from setting a Steelers single-season record (Barry Foster, 2,034, 1992). WR ANTONIO BROWN Two catches to surpass Louis Lipps (358) for the fourthmost in team history. With his fourth catch, will record 100 on the season for the second consecutive year to become the fi rst Steeler to accomplish the feat. Will match a Steelers single-season record for touchdown catches (12) with his next scoring grab (fourth occasion in team history). Needs 242 receiving yards to set a new career high and team record (1,499 in 2013). FROM THE STEELERS OFFENSE (CONT D) TE HEATH MILLER Will move into sole possession of fourth in Steelers team history for most receiving touchdowns with his next scoring grab. Will hit 6,000 career receiving yards with 144. Is 17 receiving yards from tallying 600 in 2014 to mark his fourth 600-plus yard season. WR MARTAVIS BRYANT With his next touchdown catch, will become the fourth Steelers rookie in team history to post 7 in their first campaign and fi rst since 1990 (Eric Green, 7). WR DARRIUS HEYWARD-BEY Needs 28 receptions to notch 200 in his NFL career. Is 87 receiving yards away from 2,500 in his NFL tenure. FROM THE STEELERS DEFENSE S TROY POLAMALU With his next interception, will move into sole possession for seventh-most in Steelers history (33). Is one interception returned for a touchdown to match Chad Scott and Jack Butler (4) for the second-most INT-TDs in team history. CB WILL GAY Will set a single-season career-high with his next interception (three). Needs one interception returned for a touchdown to set a new single-season Steelers record (three). LB JAMES HARRISON Will record his 70th sack as a Steeler with his second Needs one multi-sack game to match Jason Gildon (17) for the most such games in Steelers history since sacks became an offi cial statistic in 1982 LB LAWRENCE TIMMONS Will record the 30th sack of his NFL career with his second quarterback takedown. FROM THE STEELERS SPECIAL TEAMS K SHAUN SUISHAM Needs four points to record his fourth consecutive season with at least 100. WR/PR ANTONIO BROWN Needs eight punt return yards to move into fourth in team history (Louis Lipps, 1,212) and 55 to surpass Theo Bell (1,259) for third most in Steelers record books.
SINGLE-SEASON TEAM MARKS IN REACH QB Ben Roethlisberger is on pace to surpass his own singleseason franchise records for pass completions, passing touchdowns and passing yards in 2014. Below is a look at where his 2104 numbers stand in single-season Steelers history: STEELERS SINGLE-SEASON COMPLETION LEADERS Rk. STEELER, YEAR COMPLETIONS 1. Ben Roethlisberger, 2013 375 2. Ben Roethlisberger, 2009 337 3. Ben Roethlisberger, 2011 324 4. Ben Roethlisberger, 2014 314 5. Tommy Maddox, 2003 298 STEELERS SINGLE-SEASON PASSING TD LEADERS Rk. STEELER, YEAR PASSING TOUCHDOWNS 1. Ben Roethlisberger, 2007 32 T2. Ben Roethlisberger, 2013 28 Terry Bradshaw, 1978 28 T4. Ben Roethlisberger, 2014 26 Ben Roethlisberger, 2012 26 Ben Roethlisberger, 2009 26 Terry Bradshaw, 1979 26 STEELERS SINGLE-SEASON PASSING YARDS LEADERS Rk. STEELER, YEAR PASSING YARDS 1. Ben Roethlisberger, 2009 4,328 2. Ben Roethlisberger, 2013 4,261 3. Ben Roethlisberger, 2011 4,077 4. Terry Bradshaw, 1979 3,724 5. Ben Roethlisberger, 2014 3,705 SINGLE-SEASON TEAM MARKS IN REACH RB Le Veon Bell has already eclipsed the team record for most receptions by a running back in a single-season with 65 and is on pace to set the mark for receiving yards at his position and the team s yards from scrimmage record: STEELERS SINGLE-SEASON RECEPTIONS BY A RUNNING BACK LEADERS Rk. STEELER, YEAR RECEPTIONS 1. Le Veon Bell, 2014 65 2. John L. Williams, 1994 51 3. Merril Hoge, 1988 50 T4. Merril Hoge, 1991 49 Frency Fuqua, 1971 49 STEELERS SINGLE-SEASON RECEIVING YARDS BY A RUNNING BACK LEADERS Rk. STEELER, YEAR RECEIVING YARDS 1. Ray Mathews, 1955 762 2. Ray Mathews, 1954 652 3. Le Veon Bell, 2014 643 STEELERS SINGLE-SEASON SCRIMMAGE YARDS LEADERS Rk. STEELER, YEAR SCRIMMAGE YARDS 1. Barry Foster, 1992 2,034 2. Jerome Bettis, 1997 1,775 3. Willie Parker, 2006 1,716 4. Le Veon Bell, 2014 1,689 5. Jerome Bettis, 1996 1,553 WR Antonio Brown is in reach of setting Steelers single-season records for receptions, receiving touchdowns and receiving yards in 2014: STEELERS SINGLE-SEASON RECEPTION LEADERS Rk. STEELER, YEAR RECEPTIONS 1. Hines Ward, 2002 112 2. Antonio Brown, 2013 110 3. Antonio Brown, 2014 96 T4. Hines Ward, 2009 95 Hines Ward, 2003 95 STEELERS SINGLE-SEASON RECEIVING TD LEADERS Rk. STEELER, YEAR RECEIVING TOUCHDOWNS T1. Hines Ward, 2002 12 Louis Lipps, 1985 12 Buddy Dial, 1961 12 T4. Antonio Brown, 2014 11 Five other occasions 11 STEELERS SINGLE-SEASON RECEIVING YARDS LEADERS Rk. STEELER, YEAR RECEIVING YARDS 1. Antonio Brown, 2013 1,499 2. Yancey Thigpen, 1997 1,398 3. John Stallworth, 1984 1,395 4. Hines Ward, 2002 1,329 5. Plaxico Burress, 2002 1,325 6. Yancey Thigpen, 1995 1,307 7. Buddy Dial, 1963 1,295 8. Antonio Brown, 2014 1,258 9. Mike Wallace, 2010 1,257 10. Santonio Holmes, 2009 1,248
THE TOMLIN FILE 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. Through seven seasons, Tomlin has accomplished many things that have never been done in the team s storied history. His 71-41 record (.634) is tied for the best start in franchise history. He has guided the Steelers defense to the NFL s top ranking in total defense four times, including most recently in 2012. He has also sent a total of 40 selections to the league s annual Pro Bowl, including two following the 2013 season. Tomlin has reached the playoffs four times in his fi rst seven seasons, including two trips to the Super Bowl (winning Super Bowl XLIII). Tomlin is one of only seven coaches in league history to win a Super Bowl within his fi rst two seasons as an NFL head coach. Tomlin is the only head coach in Steelers history to lead the team to two Super Bowls in his fi rst four seasons at the helm, including an appearance against the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl XLV. He is one of only two Steelers head coaches to win three division titles in his first four seasons. Tomlin was appointed by Commisioner Roger Goodell to the NFL s Competition Committee in March, 2013. Arguably one of his best coaching performances may possibly have come in the second half of the 2013 season. Despite an 0-4 and 2-6 start to the season, the Steelers fi nished the regular season surging to a 6-2 second-half record, falling just short of the playoffs. However, he rallied the team despite numerous injuries on both sides of the ball, to stick together and fi nished second in the AFC North. The 2013 campaign also saw quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, wide receiver and team MVP Antonio Brown and running back Le Veon Bell break numerous regular-season records for the Steelers. Brown and safety Troy Polamalu were each selected to the Pro Bowl following the season. Tomlin led the Steelers to a 27-10 victory over the New York Jets in the 2012 home opener, becoming the fi rst coach in team history to win his fi rst six home openers. The Steelers fi nished the season with the top-ranked overall defense (275.8 ypg) and fi nished fi rst in passing defense (185.2 ypg). In 2011, Tomlin led the Steelers to a 12-4 record, marking the second straight season the team posted 12 wins, which marked only the second time in team history it has been achieved. The Steelers fi nished second in total defense under Tomlin s guidance in 2010, allowing only 276.8 yards per game. Pittsburgh led the NFL and set a team record in rushing defense, yielding only 62.8 yards per game (1,004 yards), the third-best total in NFL history dating back to 1970. The Steelers also established an NFL record in 2010 by not allowing an opponent to rush for more than 75 yards in any of their fi rst eight games during the regular season. In all, the Steelers defense led the NFL in 2010 in rushing yards allowed, points allowed (232), touchdowns (22), quarterback sacks (48), rushing average (3.0), yards per play (4.5) and yards allowed on fi rst down (4.08). Tomlin was a three-year starter at wide receiver at William and Mary (1990-94) and fi nished his career with 101 receptions for 2,054 yards and 20 TD catches. A fi rst-team All-Yankee Conference selection in 1994, he established a school record with a 20.2 yardsper-catch average. GOOD FIRST SEVEN Mike Tomlin has accomplished a lot in his fi rst seven seasons as head coach of the Steelers. Tomlin s 71 wins after his fi rst seven seasons are tied for the most wins in team history for any coach after his fi rst seven seasons. His two Super Bowl appearances also are tied for the franchise best for a coach in his fi rst seven seasons. Tomlin s four postseason berths and three division titles are tied for second for the most in a coach s first seven seasons. Below is how Tomlin ranks among Steelers coaches after their fi rst seven seasons: STEELERS HEAD COACHES THROUGH SEVEN YEARS HEAD COACH RECORD Mike Tomlin (2007-2013) 71-41 (.634) (2007-2013) Bill Cowher (1992-2006) 71-41 (.634) (1992-1998) Chuck Noll (1969-1991) 55-42 (.566) (1969-1975) Buddy Parker (1957-1964) 46-38 (.548) (1957-1963) HEAD COACH SUPER BOWL APP. SUPER BOWL WINS Chuck Noll 2 (1974, 75) 2 (1974, 75) Mike Tomlin 2 (2008, 10) 1 (2008) Bill Cowher 1 (1995) HEAD COACH PLAYOFF APPEARENCES Bill Cowher 6 (1992-97) Mike Tomlin 4 (2007, 08, 10, 11) Chuck Noll 4 (1972, 73, 74, 75) Buddy Parker 1 (1962) HEAD COACH Bill Cowher Mike Tomlin Chuck Noll DIVISION TITLES 5 (1992, 94-97) (AFC Central) 3 (2007, 08, 10) (AFC North) 3 (1972, 74, 75) (AFC Central) IN THE DIVISION Mike Tomlin owns a 31-15 all-time record against teams in the AFC North. His 31 regular-season wins against division opponents are the most of any AFC North team since 2007 (Baltimore: 27-19 / Cincinnati: 22-23 / Cleveland: 12-34). Tomlin has won at least four games against division opponents in fi ve of his fi rst seven seasons. He owns an impressive 18-5 record against divisional foes at Heinz Field. OUR HOUSE Mike Tomlin has lead the Steelers to a 45-17 career regularseason record at Heinz Field. In 2012, he won his fi rst four home games for the fourth time in his career (2007, 09 and 11). He has guided the Steelers to a 4-2 mark in the team s fi rst six home games in 2014. Tomlin has led Pittsburgh to at least fi ve home wins in each of his fi rst seven seasons as head coach. His 45 home wins during the regular season are tied as the fourthmost in the NFL since 2007. Below is a look at the best home records during the regular season since 2007: HOME GAME RECORDS: 2007-CURRENT Team W L T Pct. New England 56 6 0.903 Green Bay 49 12 1.798 Baltimore 47 15 0.758 Pittsburgh 45 17 0.726 Indianapolis 45 18 0.714
TOMLIN AMONG THE BEST Since being named named head coach of the Steelers in 2007, Mike Tomlin has led Pittsburgh to 78 victories - the fourth-most wins in the NFL during that time span: NFL TEAM RECORDS: 2007-CURRENT TEAM RECORD PLAYOFF APP. SUPER BOWL APP. New England 97-27 6* 2 Green Bay 83-40-1 6* 1 Indianapolis 81-43 6* 1 Pittsburgh 78-46 4 2 New Orleans 75-49 4* 1 Baltimore 74-50 5 1 *Made the playoffs in 2013 Tomlin also has a.629 winning percentage - tied as the fi fth-best regular season winning mark among active NFL head coaches (min. 50 games): ACTIVE HEAD COACH WINNING PCT (MIN. 50 GAMES) COACH W L T Win Pct. Jim Harbaugh, SF (2011-pres.) 43 16 1.729 Bill Belichick (Cle 1991-95, NE 2000-pres.) 208 108 0.658 Mike McCarthy (GB 2006-pres.) 91 48 1.655 John Harbaugh (Bal 2008-pres.) 69 39 0.639 Mike Tomlin (Pit 2007-pres.) 78 46 0.629 Sean Payton (NO 2006-11, 2013-pres.) 78 46 0.629 FEWEST TO 60 Mike Tomlin reached 60 regular-season wins in 88 games, tying Chuck Knox (88) for the fourth-fewest games to reach 60 career victories among coaches who began their career since 1970. FEWEST GAMES COACHED TO 60 WINS COACH TEAM(S)^ NO. OF GAMES George Seifert San Francisco 75 Joe Gibbs Washington 84 Mike Ditka Chicago 85 Mike Tomlin Pittsburgh 88 Chuck Knox L.A. Rams, Buffalo 88 Bill Cowher Pittsburgh 90 Andy Reid Philadelphia 90 ^ Through fi rst 60 wins TOMLIN VS. NFC During his career, Mike Tomlin s regular-season record against the NFC is 20-11, including 12-4 at home. The Steelers.645 regular-season winning percentage against the NFC since 2007 is third-best among AFC teams: AFC RECORDS VS. NFC: 2007-CURRENT Team W L T Pct. New England 25 7 0.781 Baltimore 22 10 0.688 Pittsburgh 20 11 0.645 Indianapolis 19 12 0.613 Cincinnati 18 12 2.594 Tennessee 18 13 0.581 PRIMETIME SPECIALIST Pittsburgh has played 19 games in primetime since the 2011 season. The Steelers won four consecutive primetime games in 2014, defeating the Panthers 37-19 on Sunday Night Football, the Houston Texans 30-23 on Monday Night Football, Baltimore Ravens on Sunday Night 43-23 and Tennessee Titans 27-24 on Monday in Week 11. Head Coach Mike Tomlin is 25-14 overall in primetime games, including a 12-9 record on the road. He is 9-2 on Monday Night Football, 11-8 on Sunday Night Football and 5-4 on Thursday Night Football. Tomlin joined only Bill Cowher (Steelers), Tom Flores (Raiders), Steve Mariucci (49ers), George Siefert (49ers) and Don Shula (Colts, Dolphins) as coaches to win their fi rst six Monday Night Football games. TOMLIN BY THE NUMBERS 1ST Only one head coach in Steelers history - Mike Tomlin - has led the team to two Super Bowl appearences in their fi rst four seasons. 3RD Tomlin became the third head coach hired by the Steelers since 1969 on Jan. 22, 2007. 4 Number of times the Steelers defense has ranked first in total defense in the NFL under Tomlin, most recently in 2012. The Steelers have reached the playoffs four times in Tomlin s fi rst seven years at the helm, including two trips to the Super Bowl (capturing Super Bowl XLIII). 7 Tomlin is one of only seven coaches in NFL history to win a Super Bowl within his fi rst two years as an NFL head coach. 27-23 Tomlin became the youngest head coach in NFL history to both lead his team to and capture a Super Bowl championship when Pittsburgh defeated the Arizona Cardinals 27-23 in Super Bowl XLIII. 40 Since 2007, Tomlin has sent a total of 40 selections to the League s annual Pro Bowl, including two following the 2013 campaign. 45-17 Tomlin s record in his fi rst seven seasons in games played at Heinz Field - the fourth-best home record in the NFL since 2007. 78-46 Tomlin has compiled a 78-46 record into his eighth season as Pittsburgh s head coach - the best start in Steelers history. Including the postseason Tomlin has a.636 winning percentage against the NFC during his fi rst eight years, which ranks fi rst among Steelers head coaches.
HEINZ FIELD ADVANTAGE Pittsburgh has won four of its fi rst six home games at Heinz Field in 2014. The team is 79-30-1 (.723) at home since Heinz Field opened in 2001, which is tied as the third-best winning percentage in the NFL during that time span in home games: BEST HOME RECORD IN THE NFL - 2001-CURRENT TEAM RECORD WIN PCT. New England Patriots 93-17.845 Baltimore Ravens 83-27.755 Pittsburgh Steelers 79-30-1.723 Green Bay Packers 79-30-1.723 Indianapolis Colts 80-31.721 The Steelers own the fourth best record among AFC teams in home games since the 2001 season in interconference games: BEST HOME RECORD IN THE AFC vs. AFC - 2001-CURRENT TEAM RECORD WIN PCT. New England Patriots 70-12.854 Indianapolis Colts 61-22.735 Baltimore Ravens 59-23.720 Pittsburgh Steelers 57-25.695 Denver Broncos 54-28.659 Pittsburgh s 22-5-1 record at home against NFC opponents since opening Heinz Field in 2001 is third best in the AFC: BEST HOME RECORD IN THE AFC vs. NFC - 2001-CURRENT TEAM RECORD WIN PCT. Baltimore Ravens 24-4.857 New England Patriots 23-5.821 Pittsburgh Steelers 22-5-1.804 Denver Broncos 20-8.714 Indianapolis Colts 19-9.679 San Diego Chargers 19-9.679 WINNING AT LEAST 4 AT HOME The Steelers have won at least four home games in each of the previous 15 seasons (since 2000), marking the second-longest active streak in the NFL: MOST CONSECUTIVE SEASONS WITH AT LEAST FOUR HOME WINS - ACTIVE STREAK TEAM CONSECUTIVE SEASONS Baltimore Ravens 17 (1998-2014) Pittsburgh Steelers 15 (2000-14) New England Patriots 14 (2001-14) WINNING ERA OF FREE AGENCY Pittsburgh owns the third-best regular-season record in the NFL since the free-agency era (since 1993) with a 216-131-1 (.622) record. The Steelers are one of fi ve teams (New England, 231 / Green Bay, 222, Denver, 209 and Indianapolis, 206) to record over 200 regular season wins since 1993. 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 231 117 0.664 2. Green Bay Packers 222 125 1.639 3. Pittsburgh Steelers 216 131 1.622 IN A SPAN OF 10-PLUS YEARS Pittsburgh is one of four teams to win at least 115 regular-season games since the start of the 2003 season. They are also second in Super Bowl appearances over that time span and tied for the lead with two Super Bowl victories. The following are the top-fi ve teams in regular-season winning percentage from 2003-present: Team W L T Pct. Playoff Berths SB App. SB Wins New England 147 41 0.782 10* 4 2 Indianapolis 131 57 0.697 10* 2 1 Pittsburgh 118 70 0.628 6 3 2 Green Bay 115 72 1.614 8* 1 1 Baltimore 112 76 0.596 7 1 1 Denver 112 76 0.596 6 1 0 *made the 2013 playoffs DEFENSE FEELS AT HOME Since Dick LeBeau has been defensive coordinator (2004-present), the Steelers have allowed an average of 16.8 points per game at Heinz Field - the second fewest in the NFL: NFL POINTS PER GAME ALLOWED AT HOME - 2004-CURRENT 2004-current 2004-current TEAM HOME GP POINTS PER HOME GAME/ALLOWED Baltimore 86 15.7 Pittsburgh 86 16.8 New England 86 17.6 Seattle 86 17.7 San Diego 86 18.5 HOME NUMBER TO NOTE 248-97-1 The Steelers own the best home record in the NFL with a 248-97-1 record (.718) since 1970.