Game #13 Pittsburgh Steelers (9-3) vs. Cleveland Browns (4-8) Thursday, Dec. 8, 2011 8:20 p.m. (ET) Heinz Field Pittsburgh, Pa. Game #13 Pittsburgh Steelers (9-3) vs. Cleveland Browns (4-8) Date: Thursday, Dec. 8, 2011 Kickoff: 8:20 p.m., ET Site: Heinz Field (65,500) Pittsburgh, Pa. Playing Surface: Grass TV Coverage: NFL Network (locally KDKA-TV, channel 2) Announcers: Brad Nessler (play-by-play) Mike Mayock (color analyst) Alex Flanagan (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 Announcers: Ian Eagle (play-by-play) Boomer Esiason (color analyst) Laura Okmin (sideline) Spanish Radio: Grupo Imagen - Destrito Federal (Mexico City) XEDA-FM 90.5 A Look at the Coaches: Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin Overall regular-season record: 52-24 (.684)/fifth season Regular-season record at Pittsburgh: 52-24 (.684)/fifth season Playoff Record/Years: 5-2/three years Cleveland Browns Head Coach Pat Shurmur Overall regular-season record: 4-8 (.333)/first season Regular-season record at Cleveland: 4-8 (.333)/first season Playoff Record/Years: n/a For all of the most up-to-date information on the Pittsburgh Steelers, visit the team s official 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 2011 Schedule/Results Preseason (3-1) Friday, Aug. 12 at Washington L, 7-16 (KDKA) Thursday, Aug. 18 PHILADELPHIA W, 24-14 (FOX) Saturday, Aug. 27 ATLANTA W, 34-16 (KDKA) Thursday, Sept. 1 at Carolina W, 33-17 (KDKA) Regular Season (9-3) Sunday, Sept. 11 at Baltimore L, 7-35 (CBS) Sunday, Sept. 18 SEATTLE W, 24-0 (FOX) Sunday, Sept. 25 at Indianapolis W, 23-20 (NBC) Sunday, Oct. 2 at Houston L, 10-17 (CBS) Sunday, Oct. 9 TENNESSEE W, 38-17 (CBS) Sunday, Oct. 16 JACKSONVILLE W, 17-13 (CBS) Sunday, Oct. 23 at Arizona W, 32-20 (CBS) Sunday, Oct. 30 NEW ENGLAND W, 25-17 (CBS) Sunday, Nov. 6 BALTIMORE L, 20-23 (NBC) Sunday, Nov. 13 at Cincinnati W, 24-17 (CBS) Sunday, Nov. 20 BYE Sunday, Nov. 27 at Kansas City W, 13-9 (NBC) Sunday, Dec. 4 CINCINNATI W, 35-7 (CBS) Thursday, Dec. 8 CLEVELAND 8:20 p.m. (NFL Net./KDKA) Monday, Dec. 19 at San Francisco 8:30 p.m. (ESPN) Saturday, Dec. 24 ST. LOUIS 1 p.m. (FOX) Sunday, Jan. 1 at Cleveland 1 p.m. (CBS) Times and TV Network may change due to NFL flexible scheduling Postseason Sat.-Sun., Jan. 7-8 Wild Card Weekend (NBC, CBS & FOX) Sat.-Sun., Jan. 14-15 Divisional Playoff Games (CBS & FOX) Sunday, Jan. 22 Conference Championships (CBS & FOX) Sunday, Jan. 29 AFC-NFC Pro Bowl (Hawaii) (NBC) Sunday, Feb. 5 Super Bowl XLVI (Indianapolis) (NBC) 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 compiled a 43-21 record in the regular season during his first four years as head coach. His.672 winning percentage after four seasons tied for first in team history. WIth nine wins so far in 2011, Tomlin became only the second Steelers head coach to post winning records in each of his first five seasons. The Steelers offense ranked 14 th in the NFL (14 th passing, 11 th rushing) despite playing its first four games without its starting quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger. Pittsburgh s defense ranked second in the NFL (first vs. run, 12 th vs. pass) while leading the NFL with 48 quarterback sacks. The Steelers set a team record and led the NFL, allowing only 62.8 rushing yards per game. The Steelers continued to be dominant at Heinz Field under Tomlin in 2010. Pittsburgh finished with a 5-3 home record in 2010 after finishing 7-1 (2007), 6-2 (2008) and 6-2 (2009) at home during Tomlin s first three seasons. Tomlin s 24-8 record and.750 winning percentage at home after four seasons ranks second in Steelers history. 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. 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 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. 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 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. PAT SHURMUR was named the 13th full-time head coach in Browns history on January 13, 2011. In 12 seasons as an NFL assistant, Shurmur has been a member of teams that have qualified for the playoffs seven times, won five division titles and appeared in one Super Bowl. Shurmur s most recent job was as the St. Louis Rams offensive coordinator from 2009-10, where he helped shape young quarterback Sam Bradford. Prior to that he spent 10 seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles (1999-2008), the firs three coaching tight ends and the last seven as the quarterbacks coach. He also coached collegiately at Michigan (1988-97) and Stanford (1998). STEELERS RADIO COVERAGE For the 13th 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. For the second straight year, all Steelers games will be broadcast in Spanish on Estadio W (730 AM). 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) 2011 AFC North Standings W L T Pct. Pts. Opp. Baltimore 9 3 0.750 296 192 Pittsburgh 9 3 0.750 268 195 Cincinnati 7 5 0.583 266 250 Cleveland 4 8 0.333 175 240 This Week in the AFC North: Thursday, Dec. 8: Cleveland (4-8) at Pittsburgh (9-3), 8:20 p.m. (NFL Network, locally KDKA-TV, channel 2) Sunday, Dec. 11: Indianapolis (0-12) at Baltimore (9-3), 1:00 p.m. (CBS) Houston (9-3) at Cincinnati (7-5), 1:00 p.m. (CBS) All times are Eastern. 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 (3) 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 (1) Mexico City-Imagen DF (90.5 FM)
STEELERS PRONUNCIATIONS Arnaz Battle... (ARE-nez) Trai Essex... (TRAY) Ramon Foster... (ra-mone) Jeremy Kapinos... (CAP-in-os) Brett Keisel... (KEE-sull) Chris Kemoeatu... (kay-moy-ah-too) Keenan Lewis... (KEY-nan) Jamon Meredith... (JUH-mon) Mewelde Moore... (Muh-WELL-dee) Troy Polamalu... (Pole-uh-MAH-lu) Maurkice Pouncey... (Mar-KEESE POUN-see) Ben Roethlisberger... (ROTH-lis-ber-ger) Shaun Suisham... (Swee-zum) LaMarr Woodley... (la-marr) Jason Worilds... (Worlds) MEDIA NOTES Cleveland Browns Conference Call: ClevelandHead Coach Pat Shurmur and QB Colt McCoy will be available for interviews via conference call on Tuesday, Dec. 6, in the Steelers media workroom. Shurmur will be available between 12-12:15 p.m. and McCoy will available between 2:50-3 p.m. Weekly Press Conference: Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin will conduct his weekly press conference every Tuesday at noon in the Steelers media workroom at their UPMC Sports Performance Complex headquarters. The press conference will be broadcast live on ROOT Sports. Official Steelers Website: Media and fans can read about the latest Steelers news on the official Steelers website. The site,, features breaking news, statistics, player biographies and much more. Media-Only Section of The Steelers Media Relations Department offers a Media- Only section on steelers.com. To sign up for this service, go to 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 LAST GAME Pittsburgh 35, Cincinnati 7 Sunday, Dec. 4 Pittsburgh, Pa. (Heinz Field) Pittsburgh Team Notes: The Steelers are now 331-208 all-time against AFC opponents. Pittsburgh has won seven of its last eight games. The Steelers swept the regular season series against the Bengals for the seventh time since 2000. Pittsburgh improved to 51-32 versus the Bengals during the regular season, including a 7-4 record at Heinz Field. The Steelers won their fourth consecutive game against the Bengals. Pittsburgh improved to 140-2-1 (.986) in the regular season when leading by 11 or more points since the beginning of the 1992 season. The Steelers were 4-4 in red zone efficiency, scoring a touchdown each time. In two games against the Bengals, the Steelers scored seven touchdowns and one field goal on eight red zone opportunities. Pittsburgh defense allowed the Bengals to only enter the red zone two times, holding them to one touchdown. Over the last seven games the Steelers defense has allowed their opponents to enter the red zone a total of 10 times. Scored three touchdowns in 4:14 to take a 21-0 lead with 8:33 left in the second quarter. The Steelers special teams helped build Pittsburgh a 28-7 lead in the first half, accounting for a blocked field, fumble recovery on a kickoff return and a punt return for a touchdown. The Steelers recorded 100+ rushing yards for the third week in a row and the seventh time this season, improving to 6-1 in those contests. The Steelers forced two turnovers against the Bengals (interception and fumble recovery on kickoff return), marking the third consecutive game that Pittsburgh forced at least two turnovers (two interceptions at Cincinnati, three interceptions and one fumble recovery at Kansas City). Pittsburgh scored 28 points in the second quarter, becoming the first team since Green Bay Packers (vs. Dallas, 11/7/10) to score 28 points in the second quarter. Dating back to 1991, this was the only time the Steelers have scored 28 points in the second quarter. For the 11th consecutive game the Steelers defense held their opponent to 23 points or less (0, 20, 17, 17, 13, 20, 17, 23, 17, 9, 7). The 10-play, 93-yard drive that resulted in a touchdown to give Pittsburgh a 35-7 lead was the longest drive for the Steelers offense this season. Registered four touchdowns in the first half. It marked the first time since 1/2/11 at Cleveland that Pittsburgh scored four touchdowns in the first half. Tuesday, Dec. 6 Open locker room 12:30-1 p.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) Wednesday, Dec. 7 Thursday, Dec. 8 Friday, Dec. 9 Saturday, Dec. 10 Sunday, Dec. 11 Monday, Dec. 12 No media availability 8:20 p.m. (ET) TBA No media availability No media availability Practice 10:45 a.m.- Home Game 1 p.m. vs. Open locker room Cleveland Browns 1-1:30 p.m. (Heinz Field) NFL Network (KDKA-TV, locally channel 2)
Pittsburgh totaled 74 rushing yards on 16 carries (4.6) in the first half, marking the fourth time this season they registered at least 70 yards rushing in the first half (134 vs. Jac, 114 vs. Ten, 94 vs. Sea), all wins. The Steelers started all four linebackers, LaMarr Woodley, James Harrison, James Farrior and Lawrence Timmons, for the fifth time this season and the first time since 10/2/11 at Houston. QB Dennis Dixon, LB Larry Foote, LB Chris Carter, DE Al Woods, OT Jamon Meredith, NT Chris Hoke, and WR Arnaz Battle were inactive for the Steelers. Pittsburgh Individual Notes: Head Coach Mike Tomlin Improved to 52-24 overall and 29-9 at home during the regular season. With 52 regular season wins, Tomlin passed Raymond (Buddy) Parker (51-48-6, 1957-64) for the third most regularseason wins in franchise history. For the fourth time in five years as the Steelers head coach, Tomlin has led Pittsburgh to a 9-3 record in their first 12 games (2007, 08, 10) Became the sixth head coach in NFL history to win at least nine games in each of his first five seasons since the NFL merger in 1970. Tomlin joins George Seifert, Mike Holmgren, Bill Cowher, Chuck Knox and Mike Sherman. Is the second head coach in Steelers history to post a winning record in each of his first five seasons (Bill Cowher). Improved to 20-8 against teams from the AFC North. Is now 8-2 against Cincinnati, including 4-1 at home. Swept the regular season series against the Bengals for the fourth time in five years. Improved to 35-1 (.972) during the regular season when leading by 11 or more points. QB Ben Roethlisberger Is now 78-32 as a starter, including 43-13 at home. Improved to 31-9 against the AFC North, including 16-5 at home. Is now 12-4 against the Bengals. Reached 2,026 career completions to pass Terry Bradshaw (2,025) for the most in franchise history. Recorded fourth 100.0+ passer rating of the season and 45 th of his career. Surpassed 250 completions on the season, extending his franchise record of seasons with 250+ completions to five (2006-09). Registered two touchdown passes, marking the eighth consecutive game he has thrown at least one touchdown. Roethlisberger has thrown at least one touchdown pass in 11 of 12 games this season. WR Hines Ward Recorded a team-high five receptions for 30 yards. Reached 12,021 career receiving yards, becoming the first Steeler and 19 th player in NFL history to reach 12,000 career receiving yards. Ward is the third player in league history to reach 12,000 career receiving yards and win multiple Super Bowls (Hall of Famers Jerry Rice and Art Monk). Is 10 receptions shy of 1,000 for his career. WR Antonio Brown Returned a punt 60 yards for a touchdown, the first of his career. It marked the first punt return for a touchdown by a Steeler during the regular season since Santonio Holmes returned a punt 65 yards for a touchdown at Carolina on 12/17/06. Registered a career-long 45-yard reception down to the 15-yard line in the first quarter. It marked the third time over the past four weeks that Brown has increased his career-long: 32-yard reception vs. Baltimore (11/6) and 34-yard reception at Kansas City (11/27). Recorded a team-high 67 yards on two receptions, marking the fifth consecutive game he led the Steelers in receptions or receiving yards. Over the last six games Brown has totaled 512 receiving yards on 32 receptions with one receiving touchdown. RB Rashard Mendenhall Registered the 27 th and 28 th rushing touchdowns of his career to pass John Henry Johnson and Barry Foster (26) for the fifth most in franchise history (trails Terry Bradshaw, 32, for fourth place). Including the 2010 regular and postseason, Mendenhall has 16 rushing touchdowns in the last 17 games he has played in, reaching the end zone in 12 of those contests. Including the postseason, it marked his sixth career multi-touchdown game. Recorded two first half rushing touchdowns for the third time in his career and the first since 1/2/11 vs. Cleveland. Four of his eight rushing touchdowns this season have come against the Bengals. WR Mike Wallace Recorded two touchdown receptions for the fourth time in his career and for the first time since 11/14/10 vs. New England. Now has eight touchdown receptions this season and 24 in his career during the regular season. Is two touchdowns shy of tying his career-high of 10 set in 2010. Drew a 45-yard pass interference penalty early in the second quarter, moving the ball to the Cincinnati 20-yard line on a drive that resulted in touchdown to give Pittsburgh a 14-0 lead. WR Isaac Redman Finished second on the team with a career-high 51 yards on eight carries (6.4 avg.). Recorded a career-long 27-yard run to the Cincinnati 29-yard line in the third quarter. WR Emmanuel Sanders Registered first career fumble recovery at the Cincinnati 23-yard line after LB Stevenson Sylvester forced a fumble on a kickoff return by Brandon Tate. LB James Harrison Registered three sacks for a loss of 24 yards, giving him eight sacks on the season. It was the second time in the past four games he has registered three sacks, becoming the third Steelers player to register at least three sacks multiple times in one season since 1982 (Chad Brown, 1996, 2; Mike Merriweather, 1984, 3). It was the 13 th regular season multi-sack game of his career. For his career, Harrison has eight sacks against Cincinnati during the regular season, marking the second-most sacks he has recorded against any team (9.0 vs. Baltimore). CB Ike Taylor Registered one interception for the second consecutive week, marking the first time in his career during the regular season where he recorded an interception in back-to-back games. DE Cameron Heyward Registered first career blocked field on the first drive of the game. It was the first blocked field goal by the Steelers in 43 games. The last Steeler to block a field goal was Aaron Smith on 9/10/09 vs. Tennessee.
LOOKING AHEAD... The Steelers go back on the road to face the San Francisco 49ers on Monday, Dec. 19, at Candlestick Park. Kickoff is set for 8:30 p.m. and will be televised on ESPN (locally WTAE-TV, channel 4). LB Stevenson Sylvester Forced a fumble of Brandon Tate on a kickoff return that was recovered at the Cincinnati 23-yard line by Emmanuel Sanders. K Shaun Suisham Connected on five extra points to give him 73 career points at Heinz Field, tying Kris Brown (73) for the second most points scored at Heinz Field during the regular season. Suisham trails Jeff Reed (484) for first place. WHAT TO LOOK FOR PITTSBURGH TEAM NOTES The Steelers look to improve to 332-208 all-time against AFC opponents. Pittsburgh looks to earn its eighth victory in the last nine games. With a win, will improve to 61-56 against the Browns during the regular season, including 38-21 at home. The Steelers look to win their third consecutive game against Cleveland and improve to 14-1 against the Browns since the start of the 2004 season. With a win will improve to 11-1 against the Browns at Heinz Field in the regular season. Pittsburgh looks to improve to 5-1 at home this season, which would mark the eighth straight season the Steelers have won at least five games at home. The Steelers look to force at least two turnovers for the fourth consecutive game (two at Cincinnati, four at Kansas City and two verus Cincinnati). Over the past three games Pittsburgh has six interceptions and two fumble recoveries. With a win the Steelers will be 3-2 against AFC North teams this season. The Steelers look to keep their third consecutive opponent to under 10 points (9, 7). Pittsburgh s defense will look to hold their 12th straight opponent to 23 points or less (0, 20, 17, 17, 13, 20, 17, 23, 17, 9, 7). PITTSBURGH INDIVIDUAL NOTES Head Coach Mike Tomlin With a win will go 10-3 through the first 13 games for the second consecutive season and the third time (2008) in five years as head coach of the Steelers. Will look to improve to 8-1 against Cleveland, including 5-0 at home. With a win will improve to 21-8 against teams in the AFC North. Will look to improve to 53-24 overall and 30-9 at home during the regular season. With a win will be 18-6 in primetime games and 5-1 in Thursday night games. Will also improve to 3-1 in primetime games this season. QB Ben Roethlisberger With a win will improve to 13-1 against the Browns. Will look to improve to 79-32 as a starter and 44-13 at home. With a win will be 32-9 against the AFC North, including 17-5 at home. Looks to improve to 22-8 as a starter in primetime games during the regular season, including 6-1 in Thursday night games. Looks to throw for at least 300 yards for the fourth time in the last seven games. Would mark the 20th 300-yard passing performance of Roethlisberger s career and the fifth of this season, tying a career-high for 300+ passing games during the regular season (five in 2009). Looks for fifth 100.0+ rating of the season and 46th of his career. WR Hines Ward Needs 10 receptions to reach 1,000 for his career. He would be eighth player in NFL history to reach the mark and the first in Steelers history. Ward will become the second player in NFL history to reach 1,000 career receptions and win multiple Super Bowls (Hall of Famer Jerry Rice ). TE Heath Miller Needs three receptions to surpass Elbie Nickel (329) for the most receptions by a tight end in Steelers history. Is 106 yards shy of passing Santonio Holmes (3,835) for ninth place on the Steelers all-time receiving yards list. WR Antonio Brown Will look to lead the Steelers in either receptions or receiving yards for the sixth consecutive game. RB Rashard Mendenhall Looks to record multiple rushing touchdowns in back-to-back regular-season games for the first time in his career. Is 43 yards away from passing Merril Hoge (3,115) for the 11th most career rushing yards in franchise history. Rk. Player Rushing Yards Car. 10. Fran Rogel 3,271 900 11. Merril Hoge 3,115 819 12. Rashard Mendenhall 3,073 754 WR Mike Wallace Needs 28 yards to reach 1,000 for the second consecutive season (1,257 in 2010). Is three receptions shy of passing single season career-high of 60 set in 2010. With 100 yards receiving will record his 13th 100-yard receiving game of his career and the fifth of this season. If Wallace records at least 100 yards receiving it will be his eighth 100+ yard receiving game in the last 15 regular-season games. SS Troy Polamalu After returning a fumble 16 yards for the second fumble returned for a touchdown of his career vs. Indianapolis (Week 3), is one away from tying Jason Gildon (3) for the most fumbles returned for touchdowns in franchise history. Needs one touchdown to move into a tie for the second-most defensive touchdowns in Steelers history: Player INT TDs FR TDs Total Def. TDs Rod Woodson 5 1 6 Carnell Lake 3 2 5 Dwayne Woodruff 3 2 5 Jack Butler 4 1 5 Troy Polamalu 2 2 4 Mel Blount 2 2 4 Jim Bradshaw 2 2 4 Donnie Shell 2 2 4 Chad Scott 4 0 4 One interception shy of tying Jack Lambert (28) for the ninth-most in Steelers history. Needs one interception return for a touchdown to tie Carnell Lake, Dwayne Woodruff, Deshea Townsend and Tony Campagno (3) for the third-most in franchise history. Needs 41 yards to surpass Chad Scott (368) for the ninth-most interception return yards in a career in Steelers history.
LB James Harrison Needs two sacks to reach 10.0 on the season, becoming the first Steeler since sacks became an official statistic in 1982 to record four consecutive years with at least 10.0 sacks (2010-10.5, 2009-10.0, 2008-16.0). After registering three sacks vs. Cincinatti (Week 13) and vs. Baltimore (Week 9) looks to become the second Steeler to register at least three sacks three times in one season since 1982 (Mike Merriweather, 1984, 3). Looks to record sixth career regular-season game with at least three sacks to pass Joey Porter (5) for the most 3+ sack games during the regular season by a Steelers player since 1982. LB LaMarr Woodley Needs one sack to reach 10.0 on the season, becoming the first Steeler since sacks became an official statistic in 1982 to record four consecutive years with at least 10.0 sacks (2010-10.0, 2009-13.5, 2008-11.5). Two sacks shy of becoming the sixth Steeler to record 50 career sacks. STEELERS-BROWNS SERIES HISTORY Series History: Series began in 1950 Overall: Pittsburgh leads 60-56 At Pittsburgh: Pittsburgh leads 37-21 At Cleveland: Cleveland leads 35-23 Neutral Sites: n/a Last Regular-Season Meeting: Jan. 2, 2011 (in Cleveland) Pittsburgh 41, Cleveland 9 Postseason Series: Pittsburgh leads 2-0 (postseason record not included in overall series record) Pittsburgh leads the all-time regular-season series 60-56...the Steelers had won 12 straight games in the series prior to the Week 14 setback in 2009 in Cleveland...the Steelers have not lost to the Browns at home since a 33-13 defeat in 2003...QB Ben Roethlisberger is 12-1 against the Browns in his career...cleveland has not won the season series against the Steelers since defeating Pittsburgh 23-9 at Three Rivers Stadium and 27-7 at Cleveland Municipal Stadium in 1988...Pittsburgh owns a 52-25 record against the Browns since the 1970 NFL merger. 2011 REGULAR SEASON STATISTICAL COMPARISON Steelers Category Browns 22.3... Points Scored Per Game... 14.6 16.3... Points Allowed Per Game... 20.0 21.8... First Downs Per Game... 17.6 367.9... Total Yards Per Game...290.7 111.8... Rushing Yards Per Game... 93.7 256.1... Passing Yards Per Game...197.0 27... Sacks By... 23 8... Interceptions By... 6 32:47... Avg. Time of Possession...29:39 30... Touchdowns... 17 9... Rushing Touchdowns... 3 19... Passing Touchdowns... 14 2... Touchdowns on Returns... 0 18/24... Field Goals...19/24 45.3... Punting Avg.... 40.7 11.7... Punt Return Avg.... 8.9 25.6... Kickoff Return Avg.... 24.3 PIT-CLE CONNECTIONS Local Connections Steelers offensive coordinator Bruce Arians was on the Browns staff from 2001-2003. Steelers linebackers coach Keith Butler was on the Browns staff from 1999-2002. Steelers quarterbacks coach Randy Fichtner was born in Cleveland. Steelers defensive line coach John Mitchell was on the Browns staff from 1991-1993. Steelers LB James Harrison was born in Akron, Ohio, less than an hour south of Cleveland. Harrison attended Coventry High School in Akron, and then attended Kent State University. The majority of Harrison s family still lives in the Akron area. Browns running backs coach Gary Brown played at Penn State University from 1987-1990. Browns linebackers coach Bill Davis was born in nearby Youngstown, Ohio. Davis was on the Steelers staff from 1992-1994. Browns quarterbacks coach Mark Whipple was on the Steelers staff from 2004-2006. Browns OL Jason Pinkston was born in Pittsburgh. He attended Baldwin High School and the University of Pittsburgh. Pinkston was a first-team All-Big East selection and a second-team All- American by SI.com during the 2009 season. He was drafted by the Browns in the fifth round (150 th overall) of the 2011 NFL Draft. Browns DE Jabaal Sheard was a teammate of Pinkston at the University of Pittsburgh. Sheard earned first-team All-America honors in 2010. Sheard was drafted by the Browns in the second round (37 th overall) of the 2011 NFL Draft. Browns S Ray Ventrone was born in Pittsburgh and attended Chartiers Valley High School. Browns DL Scott Paxson played at Penn State University from 2002-2005. Paxson signed as an undrafted rookie free agent with the Steelers in 2006. He was on and off of the Steelers practice squad and active roster from 2006-2010. Browns WR Jordan Norwood played at Penn State University from 2005-2008. Pro Connections Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin was the defensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings in 2006 when Browns OL Artis Hicks played for the Vikings. Browns DL Jayme Mitchell also played for the Vikings in 2006. Steelers WR Arnaz Battle and Browns DB Mike Adams were teammates with the San Francisco 49ers from 2004-2006. When Battle was a rookie with the 49ers in 2003, Browns offensive assistant Chris Beake was on the 49ers staff. Browns linebackers coach Bill Davis was on the 49ers staff when Battle played for the 49ers from 2005-2006 and so was Browns offensive line coach George Warhop (2005-2008). Battle was also teammates with Browns OL Tony Pashos with the 49ers in 2009. Steelers special teams coordinator Al Everest was on the 49ers coaching staff in 2009 when Pashos played for the 49ers. Everest and Warhop also were on the Arizona Cardinals staff together from 1998-1999. Steelers S Will Allen and Browns TE Alex Smith were teammates with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2005-2008. Steelers tight ends coach James Daniel and Browns linebackers coach Bill Davis were on the Atlanta Falcons staff together from 2001-2003. Steelers defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau was on the Cincinnati Bengals coaching staff in 1980, when Browns defensive coordinator Dick Jauron played for the Bengals. Jauron was on the Detroit Lions staff from 2004-2005 with Steelers offensive line coach Sean Kugler. Jauron and Kugler also were on the Buffalo
Bills staff together from 2007-2009 when Jauron was the head coach. Steelers WR Jerricho Cotchery played for the New York Jets when Browns defensive backs coach Jerome Henderson (2007-2008) and assistant strength and conditioning coach Rick Lyle (2006-2008) were on the Jets coaching staff. Steelers wide receivers coach Scottie Montgomery played for the Denver Broncos when Browns senior assistant-defense Ray Rhodes was on the Broncos staff from 2001-2002. College Connections Steelers OT Marcus Gilbert and C Maurkice Pouncey were teammates with Browns CB Joe Haden at the University of Florida from 2007-2009. All played key roles in the Gators 2009 BCS National Championship. Steelers LB Chris Carter and Browns LB Benjamin Jacobs were teammates at Fresno State from 2007-2010. Steelers LB James Harrison and Browns WR Joshua Cribbs were teammates at Kent State University in 2001. Steelers QB Dennis Dixon and Browns DB T.J. Ward were teammates at the University of Oregon in 2007. Steelers CB Keenan Lewis and Browns DB James Dockery were teammates at Oregon State University in 2008. Steelers P Jeremy Kapinos was teammates with Browns DL Scott Paxson from 2003-2005. Kapinos was also teammates at Penn State with Browns WR Jordan Norwood from 2005-2006. Kapinos, Paxson and Norwood were all teammates for one season in 2005. Steelers OG Ramon Foster and Browns RB Montario Hardesty were teammates at the University of Tennessee from 2005-2008. Steelers CB Curtis Brown and Browns QB Colt McCoy and RB Chris Ogbonnaya were teammates at the University of Texas from 2007-2009. Steelers NT Casey Hampton and Browns K Phil Dawson from 1996-1997. Steelers quarterbacks coach Randy Fichtner was on the Memphis Tigers coaching staff when Browns OL Artis Hicks played for the Tigers in 2001. Steelers wide receivers coach Scottie Montgomery was on the Duke Blue Devils staff from 2006-2009 when Browns QB Thaddeus Lewis played for the Blue Devils. Steelers defensive backs coach Carnell Lake was on the UCLA Bruins staff in 2009 when Browns LS Christian Yount played for the Bruins. Browns defensive assistant Chuck Bullough was also on the Bruins staff in 2009. Steelers assistant special teams coach Amos Jones was on the Mississippi State Bulldogs coaching staff from 2004-2006 when Browns LB Titus Brown played for the Bulldogs. Browns wide receivers coach Mike Wilson was on the University of Southern California Trojans coaching staff when Steelers S Troy Polamalu played for the Trojans in 1999. Several Steelers and Bengals are products of the same colleges, including the following: STEELERS-BROWNS COLLEGE CONNECTIONS STEELERS COLLEGE BROWNS OT Marcus Gilbert... Florida... CB Joe Haden C Maurkice Pouncey OT Max Starks LB Chris Carter... Fresno State... LB Benjamin Jacobs WR Hines Ward... Georgia... WR Mohamed Massaquoi DL Kiante Tripp TE Benjamin Watson RB Rashard Mendenhall... Illinois... OL Tony Pashos LB James Harrison... Kent State... WR Joshua Cribbs DB Usama Young WR Mike Wallace... Mississippi... DL Jayme Mitchell LS Greg Warren... North Carolina... WR Greg Little QB Dennis Dixon... Oregon... DB T.J. Ward CB Keenan Lewis... Oregon State... DB James Dockery P Jeremy Kapinos... Penn State... WR Jordan Norwood DL Scott Paxson OT Jamon Meredith... South Carolina... DB Sheldon Brown TE Weslye Saunders S Troy Polamalu... Southern California... TE Jordan Cameron LB Kaluka Maiava OG Ramon Foster... Tennessee... RB Montario Hardesty NT Casey Hampton... Texas... QB Colt McCoy CB Curtis Brown K Phil Dawson OT Jonathan Scott RB Chris Ogbonnaya TEAM NOTES Primetime Matchup: The Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns are facing off for the 11th time in primetime. The Steelers lead the primetime series 6-4. Six of the 11 games have happened since 2000, and the Steelers have won four. They have met twice on Thursday Night Football (2006, 09), splitting the two games, with both teams winning at home. The last time they met on Thursday night the Browns defeated the Steelers, 13-6, in Cleveland on 12/10/09. Pittsburgh is 7-5 overall on Thursday Night Football, including a 5-1 record at home. Under Head Coach Mike Tomlin the Steelers are 1-1 against the Browns in primetime, winning 10-6 at Cleveland on 9/14/08 (Sunday night) and losing 13-6 on 12/10/09 on the road. Toughest Division?: The AFC North is one of only two divisions (NFC North) in the NFL to have three teams with at least seven victories. It is also the only division that has two teams with nine victories. The AFC North is first in the NFL for most wins as a division (29), and it has the highest winning percentage (.604) of any division in the NFL. The defenses are leading the way for teams in the division. The AFC North has given up the fewest points allowed as a division (877), and it s the only division that has two teams that have given up less than 200 total points (Baltimore 192, Pittsburgh 195). In addition, all four teams are in the top-8 in the NFL in total defense. The AFC North also boasts four top-10 pass defenses (Cleveland 1, Pittsburgh 2, Baltimore 5, Cincinnati 10) and three top-10 rush defenses in the NFL (Baltimore 2, Cincinnati 6, Pittsburgh 7). Team Rank (NFL) Total Yds. Rush Yds. Pass Yds. Pittsburgh 1 273.8 96.9 176.8 Baltimore 3 287.3 88.8 198.6 Cincinnati 6 306.7 96.3 210.3 Cleveland 8 324.6 151.3 173.3 The AFC North is also one of only three divisions in the NFL (AFC East, NFC South) to have at least seven wins against nonconference opponents. Since 2008, the AFC North has had two teams in the playoffs each year.
Ground Success: Over the past three weeks the Steelers have controlled the clock for over 32 minutes in each game by registering at least 28 carries and over 100 yards rushing in each (136 on 33 vs. Cincinnati / 108 on 28 carries at Kansas City / 105 yards on 30 carries at Cincinnati). The Steelers have now recorded at least 28 carries in eight games this season, winning all eight. Against New England in Week 8, the Steelers totaled 98 yards on 23 carries (4.3 avg.), helping the offense control the ball for 39:22, the highest T.O.P. by the Steelers in a non-overtime game since 10/4/09 vs. San Diego (40:20). In seven of the past eight games, Pittsburgh has outrushed their opponent. In Weeks 5 and 6, the Steelers recorded 174 and 185 rushing yards, marking the first time Pittsburgh reached at least 160 rushing yards in back-to-back games since 2010 (162, 11/21/10 vs. Oak and 206, 11/28/10 at Buf). The Steelers have achieved success on the ground by using a number of running backs. Four different Steelers have over 120 rushing yards through 12 games and two have eclipsed 300 yards (RB Rashard Mendenhall, 634/RB Isaac Redman, 318). All the backs have combined to total 1,342 rushing yards on 323 carries, averaging 4.2 yards per carry. If that average holds it will mark the third consecutive season that Pittsburgh has averaged over 4.0 yards per rush (2010-4.1, 2009-4.2). Limiting QBs: Pittsburgh has faced 12 different quarterbacks this season, holding seven to a passer rating lower than 73.0. Over the last three games, Pittsburgh s defense has recorded six interceptions by five different players (Lawrence Timmons and William Gay at Cincinnati, Ike Taylor, Ryan Mundy and Keenan Lewis at Kansas City and Taylor vs. Cincinnati). The Steelers have also only allowed one quarterback to throw for 300 yards and have held nine under 200 yards. The only quarterback to throw for 300 yards on the Steelers this season was Joe Flacco and he attempted 47 passes, completing 28 to get to 300 yards in Week 9. The Steelers limited Tom Brady to 198 passing yards, after he averaged 360.5 thourgh his first six games this season. It was the first time Brady was held under 200 yards in 2011. Opp QB Cmp Pct. Yds. Rtg. Joe Flacco (@ Bal) 58.6 224 117.6 Tavaris Jackson (Sea) 69.0 159 82.4 Kerry Collins (@ Ind) 44.8 93 52.8 Curtis Painter (@ Ind) 45.4 60 62.7 Matt Schaub (@ Hou) 66.7 138 100.9 Matt Hasselbeck (Ten) 59.2 262 72.0 Blaine Gabbert (Jac) 46.2 109 70.8 Kevin Kolb (@ Ariz) 52.9 272 86.9 Tom Brady (NE) 68.6 198 101.8 Joe Flacco (Bal) 59.6 300 85.4 Andy Dalton (@ Cin) 50.0 170 61.8 Tyler Palko (@ KC) 64.3 167 40.9 Andy Dalton (Cin) 45.8 135 77.6 Bruce Gradkowski (Cin) 50.0 17 16.7 Tough In The Air: This season has seen an unprecendented number of 300-yard passing games throughout the NFL. The Steelers second-ranked pass defense has held seven teams under 175 net passing yards, winning six of those games. Pittsburgh is also tied for giving up the third fewest pass plays of 25+ yards (16) this season. In four of the past five games the Steelers have held their opponents to 170 net passing yards or less (NE, @ Cin, @ KC, Cin). In Week 5, the Steelers limited the Jacksonville offense to 76 net passing yards. Pittsburgh only gave up 10 net passing hards in the first two quarters, which is the fifth-fewest net passing yards allowed by Pittsburgh s defense in the first half, dating back to 1991. Opp. Net Passing Yards W/L at Bal, 9/11 (Week 1) 215 L vs. Sea, 9/18 (Week 2) 133 W at Ind, 9/25 (Week 3) 144 W at Hou, 10/2 (Week 4) 138 L vs. Ten, 10/9 (Week 5) 240 W vs. Jac, 10/16 (Week 6) 76 W at Ariz, 10/23 (Week 7) 257 W vs. NE, 10/30 (Week 8) 170 W vs. Bal, 11/6 (Week 9) 289 L at Cin, 11/13 (Week 10) 170 W at KC, 11/27 (Week 12) 162 W vs. Cin, 12/4 (Week 13 128 W Under Head Coach Mike Tomlin (2007-present) the Steelers have given up a league-low 189.3 net passing yards per game during the regular season: Team Net Passing Yards/Game (2007-Present) Pittsburgh 188.5 New York Jets 197.8 Tampa Bay 201.1 Oakland 203.5 Since the start of the 2007 season, Pittburgh s defense has allowed only 85 passing touchdowns, the third fewest in the NFL over that time span (Indianapolis Colts, 84 and New York Jets, 84). Difficult Stretch: Pittsburgh has wrapped up a five-game stretch where they played two teams that are in first place in their division (NE, BAL) and another twice (CIN) that is two games back. The Steelers emerged 4-1 in the five games. In Week 8 the Steelers handed New England their second loss of the season. In Week 9 Pittsburgh lost by three in the final seconds to the then 6-2 Ravens. In Week 10 the Steelers beat Cincinnati, ending its five-game winning streak, and beat them again in Week 13, 35-7. In Week 12 the Steelers traveled to the always tough Arrowhead Stadium to face Kanas City and came out with a 13-9 victory. Things don t get any easier as the Steelers will play divisional foe Cleveland at home on a Thursday night before traveling across the country to play 10-2 San Francisco on Monday Night Football. If You Build It, They Will Come: The Steelers registered three of the top-10 all-time attendance records for a single game during the 2010 season, including the single-game record. In the 2010 AFC Championship victory over the N.Y. Jets, the Steelers broke the single-game record. The attendance of 66,662 surpassed the old mark of 65,597 set October 25, 2009, during a game versus the Minnnesota Vikings. The previous regular-season record was 65,392, which was set on November 16, 2009 versus Cincinnati. Pittsburgh set the team home attendance record in 2009 by averaging 63,458 (507,882 total). Pittsburgh has sold out 307 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- plus years at Heinz Field: Year Total Attendance Avg. 2001 499,191 62,399 2002 490,274 61,284 2003 477,584 59,698 2004 507,385 63,423 2005 507,434 63,429 2006 499,461 62,433 2007 496,675 62,084 2008 503,125 62,890 2009 507,882 63,458 2010 504,669 63,084 2011 383,444 63,907 Team record
Heinz Field Advantage: The Steelers own the best home record in the NFL with a 232-89-1 record (.723) since 1970. Pittsburgh is 47-15 (.758) at home over the past seven seasons, including a 5-1 record in 2011. This season marked the third time in the past five seasons that the Steelers opened 4-0 at home. In five seasons under Head Coach Mike Tomlin the Steelers have won at least five games at home each season. The last time Pittsburgh did not win at least five home games in a season was 2003. Pittsburgh finished the 2004 regular season with an undefeated (8-0) home record for only the third time in team history and for the first time in 25 years. The Steelers finished the 1979 regular season with an undefeated home record (8-0) and eventually won Super Bowl XIV. The Steelers were also undefeated at home (7-0) in 1972. The following is a look at the list of the Steelers records at home since 2004: Year Record 2004 8-0 2005 5-3 2006 5-3 2007 7-1 2008 6-2 2009 6-2 2010 5-3 2011 5-1 Road Warriors: The Steelers have had great success playing away from Heinz Field over the last decade. Dating back to the start of 2010 season, the Steelers have won 11 of their past 14 road games, including winning their last three. 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 road winning percentages since 2000: Team W L T Pct. New England 61 33 0.649 Philadelphia 60 33 1.645 Indianapolis 59 35 0.628 Pittsburgh 57 37 0.606 New Orleans 54 40 0.574 New York Giants 53 41 0.564 Turning Up the Heat: Pittsburgh has registered 27 sacks in 2011. The Steelers have registered 22 of the 27 sacks at Heinz Field to rank second in the NFL for sacks at home. LB James Harrison registered all three of Pittsburgh s sacks against Baltimore in Week 9 and versus Cincinnati in Week 13. He now has five career games with at least three sacks. In Week 6 versus Jacksonville, Pittsburgh registered four of its five sacks in the first half, marking the 16 th time since 1991 and the first time since 11/3/08 vs. Washington (4) that the Steelers recorded at least four sacks in the first half. The Steelers recorded five sacks in Week 2 versus Seattle, tying for the third highest single-game total of the Mike Tomlin era and the most since registering six versus Oakland on 11/21/10. On the road the Steelers have recorded sacks at key times. Against Arizona in Week 7 LB LaMarr Woodley recorded a sack on third-and-seven at the PIT 45-yard line that forced a punt. Woodley also forced Cardinals QB Kevin Kolb into an intentionally grounding penalty in the end zone that resulted in a safety. In Week 3 versus Indianapolis, Harrison forced a fumble on a sack of Curtis Painter that S Troy Polamalu returned 16 yards for a touchdown to give Pittsburgh a 20-13 lead in the fourth quarter. Since 1994, the Steelers have led the AFC in sacks six times and the entire NFL three times, including in 2010. Since 2004, the Steelers have the most sacks in the NFL with 336. Sacks became an official NFL statistic in 1982, however, a record of passers tackled was kept prior to that time. Following are the Steelers single-season sack totals dating back to 1970: Pittsburgh Steelers Team Sack Totals (Since 1970) Year Total Year Total 1970... 26 1991... 38 1971... 33 1992... 36 1972... 40 1993... 42 1973... 33 1994... 55 * 1974... 52 1995... 42 1975... 43 1996... 51 1976... 41 1997... 48 1977... 32 1998... 41 1978... 44 1999... 39 1979... 49 2000... 39 1980... 18 2001... 55 * 1981... 40 2002... 50 1982... 34 2003... 35 1983... 50 2004... 41 1984... 47 2005... 47 1985... 36 2006... 39 1986... 43 2007... 36 1987... 26 2008... 51 1988... 19 2009... 47 1989... 31 2010... 48 1990... 34 2011... 27 * Team Record Safety First: In Weeks 7 and 8 the Steelers defense registered two safeties: in Week 7 LB LaMarr Woodley forced QB Kevin Kolb into an intentional grounding penalty in the end zone and in Week 8 DE Brett Keisel stripped the ball from QB Tom Brady in the closing seconds and it rolled out of the end zone. Dating back to 1960, this was the first time that the Steelers registered safeties in back-to-back weeks. The last team in the NFL to register safeties in back-to-back games was the New York Giants in 2008. It is only the third time since 1960 that Pittsburgh registered two safeties in one season (1962, 1980). Defensive Dominance: The Steelers have given up 16.3 points per game in 2011 to rank fourth in the NFL. In six home games the Steelers have allowed a total of 77 points, giving up 12.8 points per game at home, the second lowest in the NFL Rk Team Points per game at home 1. San Francisco 12.0 2. Pittsburgh 12.8 3. Houston 13.0 4. Baltimore 15.8 5. Dallas 16.0 Since Dick LeBeau has been defensive coordinator (2004- present) the Steelers have allowed an average of 15.9 points per game at Heinz Field, ranking second in the NFL over that time span for points given up at home during the regular season (Baltimore, 14.9). The Steelers have allowed the fewest points in the NFL since the beginning of the 2007 season. Pittsburgh has allowed just 1,243 points during that span (16.4 per game). The following is a list of the top four teams in the NFL who have allowed the fewest points since the start of the 2007 campaign: Team Points Allowed Pittsburgh 1,243 Baltimore 1,351 New England 1,428 Green Bay 1,470 Controlling The NFC: After beating Arizona and Seattle in 2011, the Steelers have won 25 of their past 30 regular-season games versus teams in the NFC, dating back to 2003.
The Steelers are 99-58-1 all-time against the NFC, including 56-19-1 at home. Pittsburgh has won seven of there last eight games against NFC opponents. The Steelers have reeled off six consecutive home victories versus NFC teams. Pittsburgh last lost to an NFC team at Heinz Field in 2008 (21-14, vs. New York Giants). Prior to losing to the Giants, Pittsburgh had won eight straight games versus NFC teams at home. The Steelers are 6-2 versus the NFC in the Super Bowl. Defense! Defense! Defense!: Pittsburgh shut out the Seattle Seahawks in Week 2, 24-0. It marked the fourth shutout during the Mike Tomlin era and the first since 12/28/08 (31-0, vs. Cleveland). It marked the 28th shutout for the Steelers since 1960, which is the second most in the NFL during that time span: Team Shutouts Chicago 30 Pittsburgh 28 Miami 25 San Francisco 25 New England 24 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 393 249 2.612 2. Miami Dolphins 383 259 2.596 3. Dallas Cowboys 380 264 0.590 Among The Best: The Steelers have 586 career wins (including postseason), which is the fourth-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 727 2. Green Bay Packers 700 3. New York Giants 662 4. Pittsburgh Steelers 586 5. Washington Redskins 575 Additionally, Pittsburgh owns the third-best record in the NFL since the free-agency era (since 1993) with a 190-109-1 (.635) 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 194 106 0.647 2. Green Bay Packers 191 109 0.637 3. Pittsburgh Steelers 190 109 1.635 Regular-Season Success: Pittsburgh owns the third-best regular-season record in the NFL over the past 10-plus seasons. The Steelers have averaged over 10 wins per year and have earned seven playoff berths, six division titles and two Super Bowl victories in that time period. The following are the top five teams in regular-season winning percentage from 2000-2011: Team W L T Pct. Playoff Berths New England 135 53 0.718 8 Indianapolis 125 63 0.665 9 Pittsburgh 124 63 1.662 7 Philadelphia 117 70 1.625 9 Green Bay 117 71 0.622 7 Sustaining Success: Pittsburgh has made the playoffs six times and won the AFC North five times since the divisional realignment in 2002. The Steelers won the AFC North Division for the third time in four years in 2010. The Steelers have won 20 division titles since the NFL merger in 1970, the most in the NFL 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 9 7 New England 7 7 Philadelphia 7 6 Pittsburgh 6 5 San Diego 5 5 Green Bay 6 4 In the Red Zone: Over the past seven games the Steelers are 28-for-30 in the red zone, coming away with 18 touchdowns and 10 field goals. In Week 13 the Steelers were 4-4 in red zone efficiency against Cincinnati, scoring a touchdown each time. In two games against the Bengals this season, the Steelers scored seven touchdowns and one field goal on eight red zone opportunities. Pittsburgh was 5-for-5 in both Week 8 versus New England and in Week 5 against Tennessee. Following is a look at how the Steelers offense has performed in the red zone this season: Opponent Att./Scores TDs FGs Pts @ Baltimore... 2/1... 1... 0... 7 vs. Seattle... 4/3... 2... 1... 17 @ Indianapolis... 2/1... 0... 1... 3 @ Houston... 3/2... 1... 1... 10 vs. Tennessee... 5/5... 4... 1... 31 vs. Jacksonville... 2/2... 1... 1... 10 @ Arizona... 3/3... 2... 1... 17 vs. New England... 5/5... 2... 3... 23 vs. Baltimore... 4/3... 1... 2... 13 @ Cincinnati... 4/4... 3... 1... 24 @ Kansas City... 3/2... 1... 1... 10 vs. Cincinnati... 4/4... 4... 0... 28 Total... 41/35... 22... 13... 193 Red Zone Defense: Over the past seven games the Steelers have allowed their opponents to enter the red zone a total of just 10 times. Twice this season, Week 12 at Kansas City where they gave up nine points and in a Week 2 shutout of Seattle, the Steelers defense didn t allow either offense to reach the red zone and only one Seattle possession ended across mid-field. Following is a look at how the Steelers defense has performed in the red zone in 2011: Opponent Att./Scores TDs FGs Pts @ Baltimore... 6/5... 3... 2... 27 vs. Seattle... 0/0... 0... 0... 0 @ Indianapolis... 3/3... 1... 2... 13 @ Houston... 2/2... 1... 1... 10 vs. Tennessee... 3/3... 2... 1... 17 vs. Jacksonville... 1/1... 1... 0... 7 @ Arizona... 2/2... 2... 0... 14 vs. New England... 2/2... 2... 0... 14 vs. Baltimore... 2/2... 1... 1... 10 @ Cincinnati... 1/1... 1... 0... 7 @ Kansas City... 0/0... 0... 0... 0 vs. Cincinnati... 2/1... 1... 0... 7 Total... 24/22... 15... 7... 136 Five & 10: The Steelers rank in the top five in the AFC and/or the top 10 in the NFL in several team and individual categories in 2011. Following is a list of those rankings: Pittsburgh Steelers - 2011 AFC/NFL Rankings Team Offense Statistic Rank (AFC/NFL) Total Yards Per Game... 367.9... 4th/11th Yards Per Play... 5.7... 3rd/10th Passing Net Yards Per Game... 256.1... 3rd/9th Passing Net Yards Per Play... 6.9... 4th/9th First Downs Per Game... 21.8... 3rd/8th