Game # 2 Pittsburgh Steelers (1-0) at Cleveland Browns (0-1) Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008 8:15 p.m. (ET) Cleveland Browns Stadium Cleveland, Ohio Game #2 Pittsburgh Steelers (1-0) at Cleveland Browns (0-1) Date: Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008 Kickoff: 8:15 p.m., ET Site: Cleveland Browns Stadium (73,300) Cleveland, Ohio Playing Surface: Grass TV Coverage: NBC-TV (locally WPXI-TV, channel 11) Announcers: Al Michaels (play-by-play) John Madden (color analyst) Andrea Kremer (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) A Look at the Coaches: Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin Overall Regular-season Record: 11-6 (.647)/second season Regular-season Record at Pittsburgh: 11-6 (.647)/second season Playoff Record/Years: 0-1/one year Cleveland Browns Head Coach Romeo Crennel Overall Regular-season Record: 20-29 (.408)/fourth season Regular-season Record at Cleveland: 20-29 (.408)/fourth 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 2008 Schedule/Results Preseason (3-1) Friday, Aug. 8 PHILADELPHIA W, 16-10 (KDKA/FSN Pitt.) Thursday, Aug. 14 at Buffalo L, 21-24 (KDKA/FSN Pitt.) Saturday, Aug. 23 at Minnesota W, 12-10 (CBS) Thursday, Aug. 28 CAROLINA W, 19-16 (KDKA/FSN Pitt.) Regular Season (1-0) Sunday, Sept. 7 HOUSTON W, 38-17 (CBS) Sunday, Sept. 14 at Cleveland 8:15 p.m. (NBC) Sunday, Sept. 21 at Philadelphia 4:15 p.m. (CBS) Monday, Sept. 29 BALTIMORE 8:30 p.m. (ESPN) Sunday, Oct. 5 at Jacksonville 8:15 p.m. (NBC) Sunday, Oct. 12 BYE WEEK Sunday, Oct. 19 at Cincinnati 1 p.m. (CBS) Sunday, Oct. 26 NEW YORK GIANTS 4:15 p.m. (FOX) Monday, Nov. 3 at Washington 8:30 p.m. (ESPN) Sunday, Nov. 9 INDIANAPOLIS 4:15 p.m. (CBS) Sunday, Nov. 16 SAN DIEGO 4:15 p.m. (CBS) Thursday, Nov. 20 CINCINNATI 8:15 p.m. (NFL Net./KDKA) Sunday, Nov. 30 at New England 4:15 p.m. (CBS) Sunday, Dec. 7 DALLAS 4:15 p.m. (FOX) Sunday, Dec. 14 at Baltimore 1 p.m. (CBS) Sunday, Dec. 21 at Tennessee 1 p.m. (CBS) Sunday, Dec. 28 CLEVELAND 1 p.m. (CBS) Times and TV Network may change due to NFL flexible scheduling Game played in Toronto, Canada (Rogers Centre) Postseason Sat.-Sun., Jan. 3-4 Sat.-Sun., Jan. 10-11 Sunday, Jan. 18 Sunday, Feb. 1 Sunday, Feb. 8 NOTE: All times are Eastern Wild Card Weekend (NBC) Divisional Playoff Games (CBS & FOX) Conference Championships (CBS & FOX) Super Bowl XLIII (Tampa, Fla.) (NBC) AFC-NFC Pro Bowl (Honolulu, Hawaii) (NBC)
MIKE TOMLIN was named the 16 th head coach in Pittsburgh Steelers history on Jan. 22, 2007. Tomlin was the Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator in 2006 after spending the previous five seasons (2001-05) as defensive backs coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Tomlin was 10-6 in his first season as the Steelers head coach. He is just the second coach in team history to have a winning record in his first season at the helm (Bill Cowher). Tomlin guided the Steelers to the NFL s top-ranked defense in 2007, yielding only 266.4 yards per game. The Steelers defense ranked third in the NFL against both the run (89.9 avg.) and pass (176.5 avg.), and also finished third in the league in total yards allowed per play (4.6). The Vikings defense ranked eighth in the NFL and first against the run in Tomlin s only season as defensive coordinator. The Vikings did not allow a 100-yard rusher and held Detroit to minusthree yards rushing on Dec. 10. Before becoming Minnesota s defensive coordinator, Tomlin was a part of one of the top defenses in the league during the previous five seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as their defensive backs coach. Tomlin s defensive backs earned numerous honors for their play during his coaching tenure. In 2005 Tampa Bay led the NFL in total defense, allowing 277.8 yards per game, and finished 6 th in the NFL in passing defense at 183.1 yards per game. Prior to joining Tampa Bay s staff, Tomlin served two seasons as the defensive backs coach at the University of Cincinnati (1999-00). He took over a secondary unit there that ranked 111 th in the nation in pass defense in 1998 and helped them improve to 61 st overall in his first season in 99. Under Tomlin s direction in 2000, the Bearcats ranked eighth in the nation in INTs as well as fourth nationally in total turnovers. Prior to joining the Cincinnati staff, Tomlin had a short stint on the coaching staff at Tennessee-Martin and then spent two seasons at Arkansas State. He coached the wide receivers there in 1997 before switching to defensive backs in 1998. Tomlin spent the 1996 season as a graduate assistant at the University of Memphis, where he worked with the Tiger defensive backs and special teams units. He began his coaching career in 1995 as wide receivers coach at Virginia Military Institute. 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 is 2-0 all-time versus the Cleveland Browns. THE COACHES ROMEO CRENNEL is in his fourth season as head coach of the Cleveland Browns and was rewarded with a two-year contract extension (thru 2011) on Jan. 29, 2008. Crennel led the Browns to 10-6 record in 2007, including a franchise-best seven consecutive home wins, and witnessed six Browns selected to the Pro Bowl. Crennel s offense developed into a highly productive unit and ranked eighth in the NFL in offense (5,621 net yards) and scoring (402 points). The output of net yards and scoring also ranked third best in franchise history. Crennel was named head coach of the Cleveland Browns on Feb. 8, 2005, the 11th full-time head coach in franchise history. Crennel returned to Cleveland in 2005, after serving as the Browns defensive coordinator in 2000. Crennel previously led the Browns to a respectable 6-10 record in his first year as a head coach and added a 4-12 mark in 2006. His resume includes 38 years of coaching experience, including 27 years in the NFL. STEELERS COMMUNICATIONS STAFF Dave Lockett, Communications Coordinator... (412) 432-7822 Lockett email: lockettd@steelers.nfl.com Burt Lauten, Public Relations/Media Manager... (412) 432-7821 Lauten email: lautenb@steelers.nfl.com Emily Scerba, Communications Admin. Asst.... (412) 432-7820 Scerba email: scerbae@steelers.nfl.com Jason Seidling, Media Relations Intern... (412) 432-7800 Seidling email: seidlingj@steelers.nfl.com x6019 Office Fax... (412) 432-7878 STEELERS RADIO COVERAGE For the ninth consecutive year, WDVE-FM (102.5) and WBGG- AM (970) are carrying all Steelers games. Additionally, Steelers games can be heard on a 46-station network spanning Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, Tennessee and Maryland. For the 15 th straight season, Bill Hillgrove serves as the Voice of the Steelers and handles play-by-play duties for the broadcast. Joining Hillgrove for his 11th season as an expert analyst is Tunch Ilkin. Ilkin, the former Steelers All-Pro offensive tackle, made his radio broadcasting debut in 1998. Joining the team for his seventh 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 (30) 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 (94.3) DuBois-WOWQ (102.1) Erie-WFNN (1330) Gettysburg-WGET (1320) Grove City-WWGY (95.1) Harrisburg-WTPA (93.5) Indiana-WQMU (92.5) Johnstown-WRKW (99.1) Johnstown-WNTJ (850) Latrobe-WCNS (1480) Punxsutawney-WPXZ (104.1) Saegertown-WUUZ (107.7) Scottdale-WLSW (103.9) Somerset-WNTW (990) State College-WMAJ (1450) State College-WQWK (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 (3) Cumberland-WTBO (1450) Frostburg-WFRB (560) Hagerstown-WHAG (1410) TENNESSEE (1) Kingsport-WPWT (870) WEST VIRGINIA (7) Clarksburg-WAJR (103.3) Elkins-WELK (94.7) Fairmont-WRLF (94.3) Fairmont-WMMN (920) Morgantown-WAJR (1440) St. Mary s-wjaw (630) Wheeling-WWVA (1170) 2008 AFC North Standings W L T Pct. Pts. Opp. Pittsburgh 1 0 0 1.000 38 17 Baltimore 1 0 0 1.000 17 10 Cincinnati 0 1 0.000 10 17 Cleveland 0 1 0.000 10 28 This Week in the AFC North: Sunday, Sept. 14: Tennessee (1-0) at Cincinnati (0-1), 1 p.m. (CBS) Baltimore (1-0) at Houston (0-1), 4:15 p.m. (CBS) Pittsburgh (1-0) at Cleveland (0-1), 8:15 p.m. (NBC) All times are Eastern.
STEELERS PRONUNCIATIONS Trai Essex... (TRAY) Brett Keisel... (KEE-sull) Chris Kemoeatu... (kay-moy-ah-too) Travis Kirschke... (KERSH-key) Troy Polamalu... (Pole-uh-MAH-lu) Ben Roethlisberger... (ROTH-lis-ber-ger) Matt Spaeth... (SPAYTH) LaMarr Woodley... (la-marr) Mewelde Moore... (Muh-well-DEE) Keyaron Fox... (KEY-aaron) Willie Colon... (Cologne) Limas Sweed... (LIE-mas) MEDIA NOTES Cleveland Browns Conference Call: Cleveland Browns Head Coach Romeo Crennel and QB Derek Anderson will be available for interviews via conference call on Wednesday, Sept. 10, in the Steelers media workroom. Crennel will be at 11:30 a.m. (ET) and Anderson will available at 3:15 p.m. (ET). Weekly Press Conference: Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin conducts a weekly press conference every Tuesday during the regular season beginning at noon (ET). The press conference will be broadcast live on both television and radio. FOX Sports Net (FSN) Pittsburgh will carry the conference live on television. WBGG- AM (970) will carry the press conference live on radio. 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 38, Houston 17 Sunday, Sept. 7 Pittsburgh, Pa. (Heinz Field) Pittsburgh Team Notes: Pittsburgh won its sixth straight season opener, which is the longest streak in the league. The Steelers are 23-16 on Kickoff Weekend since 1970. Pittsburgh is 15-8 when opening at home since 1970, having won five straight. They are 38-32-4 in season openers since 1933, and the 38 wins are the most wins in the AFC. Pittsburgh is 2-1 all-time against the Houston Texans, including a 1-1 record at Heinz Field. The Steelers have won two straight in the series. The Steelers are 26-7 at home over the past five seasons. The 38 points are the most in a home opener at Heinz Field for the Steelers and the most in a season opener since they beat Cleveland 43-0 in Cleveland to open the 1999 season. Pittsburgh s defense came up with a huge defensive stop on the Texans first drive of the game as they held them on a fourth-and-one play near midfield. The Steelers responded on the ensuing drive and took a 7-0 lead as RB Willie Parker scored from seven yards out with 5:44 left in the first quarter. On the drive, QB Ben Roethlisberger was a perfect 3-for-3 for 21 yards passing and added a 17-yard run on a third-down play. Parker scored his second touchdown of the game on the Steelers next drive as he darted in from 13 yards out with 11 minutes remaining in the first half. It gave Parker his fifth career multi-touchdown and his first since he scored twice at Cincinnati on Dec. 31, 2006. LB LaMarr Woodley gave Pittsburgh the ball back with his first career interception on the next drive. Two plays later, Roethlisberger his WR Hines Ward for a 13-yard strike to give the Steelers a 21-0 advantage. It was Ward s 66th career receiving touchdown. Houston got on the board in the second quarter as K Kris Brown booted a 34-yard field goal. The drive was set up by a sack and forced fumble on Roethlisberger by DE Mario Williams. In the first half, Pittsburgh had two sacks and two interceptions and limited the Texans to just 82 yards of total offense (25 rushing, 57 passing). Houston was just 1-for-6 (17 percent) on third downs in the first half. Parker scored his career-best third touchdown of the game as he ran in from four yards out on the Steelers first drive of the second half. It surpassed his total from 2007 when he scored just two rushing touchdowns all year. Roethlisberger tossed his second touchdown pass of the game late in the third quarter as he again hit Ward, this time for a 16-yard touchdown. The touchdown gave Pittsburgh a commanding 35-3 lead. Houston trimmed the lead to 35-10 with nine minutes left in the game as QB Matt Schaub hit WR Kevin Walter for a 14-yard touchdown. K Jeff Reed finished off the Steelers scoring with a 44-yard field goal with 5:24 remaining in the game and Schaub added a four-yard touchdown run with under two minutes to make it a 38-17 final. The Steelers finished with 305 yards of total offense (183 rushing, 122 passing) to the Texans 234 yards (75 rushing, 159 passing). Pittsburgh finished with 21 first downs to Houston s 20. Pittsburgh was very efficient on third downs, converting 6-of-10 (60%) while limiting the Texans to 30 percent (3 of 10). Houston was penalized five times for 43 yards and Pittsburgh was flagged four times for 41 yards. The Steelers forced three turnovers, including two interceptions (Woodley and S Troy Polamalu) and one fumble (LB James Harrison). Tuesday, Sept. 9 Noon - Coach Tomlin Press Conference Wednesday, Sept. 10 1-3 p.m. - Practice Players available for media interviews at 12:15 p.m. and following practice in locker room THIS WEEK S SCHEDULE (SUBJECT TO CHANGE) Thursday, Sept. 11 1-3 p.m. - Practice Players available for media interviews at 12:15 p.m. and following practice in locker room Friday, Sept. 12 10:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. - Practice Players available for media interviews following practice in locker room Saturday, Sept. 13 TBA - Walk-thru No coaches or players available for media interviews Team travels to Cleveland, Ohio Sunday, Sept. 14 8:15 p.m. (ET) Away Game at Cleveland Browns (Cleveland Browns Stadium) NBC-TV (WPXI-channel 11) Monday, Sept. 15 TBA
Pittsburgh finished with five sacks, including three by Harrison, one by Woodley, and half-sack each by DE Nick Eason and LB James Farrior. It is the most sacks by the Steelers since they posted six in a 38-7 victory over the Baltimore Ravens on Nov. 5, 2007. WR Limas Sweed, S Anthony Smith, RB Gary Russell, TE Sean McHugh, LB Bruce Davis, OT Tony Hills, DE Orpheus Roye and QB Dennis Dixon (3rd QB) were inactive for the Steelers. Pittsburgh Individual Notes: QB Ben Roethlisberger Finished 13-for-14 for 137 yards passing with two touchdowns and no interceptions (147.0 passer rating). It marked his 28th career (including postseason) 100-plus passer rating game. Added two runs for 17 yards (8.5 avg.). Hit WR Hines Ward for a 13-yard touchdown in the second quarter to give Pittsburgh a 21-0 lead. Connected with Ward again late in the third quarter for a 16-yard touchdown touchdown. It was the 26th time the duo has connected for a touchdown in their careers. Had a 17-yard run on the Steelers first drive of the game on a third-andfour situation. In three career home openers as a starter, has completed 43-for-59 (72.9 percent) for 597 yards with five touchdowns and one interception (126.2 passer rating). QB Byron Leftwich Came in to replace Roethlisberger in the fourth quarter. Finished 0-for-4 passing. RB Willie Parker Finished with 138 yards rushing on 25 carries (5.5 avg.) with a careerhigh three touchdowns. The three rushing touchdowns tied a team record, most recently accomplished by RB Jerome Bettis on Jan. 1, 2006, versus the Detroit Lions. The 138 rushing yards mark the 22nd time in his career he has rushed for over 100 yards, including the 13th at Heinz Field. The 138 yards rushing are the fourth-highest by Parker and the most since he had a team-record 223 yards versus Cleveland on Dec. 7, 2006. Scored his first touchdown of the season as he scored from seven yards out on the Steelers first drive of the game. Scored again on the next drive on a 13-yard run. Had a four-yard touchdown run on the Steelers first drive of the second half. Moved into ninth place (tied) on the team s all-time rushing touchdowns list with 22 career touchdowns. He is now tied with Walter Abercrombie. Parker now has 970 career rushing attempts, moving him into fifth place on the team s all-time rushing attempts list ahead of Frank Pollard (953 career rushing attempts). In four career home openers as a starter, Parker has four 100-yard rushing games. In those four home openers as the starter, he has 99 rushes for 540 yards (5.5 avg.) with five touchdowns. The Steelers are 19-3 when Parker rushes for over 100 yards. RB Rashard Mendenhall Finished with 28 yards on 10 rushes (2.8 avg.) in his NFL debut. Had two kickoff returns for 46 yards (23.0 avg.), including a 27-yarder. WR Hines Ward Finished with six catches for 76 yards (12.7 avg.) with two touchdowns. It marked his 15th career multi-touchdown game. Caught a 13-yard touchdown pass from Roethlisberger in the second quarter to give Pittsburgh a 21-0 lead. It was Ward s 66th career receiving touchdown. Added a 16-yard touchdown catch from Roethlisberger late in the third quarter, giving him 67 career receiving touchdowns. Hauled in a 29-yard pass from Roethlisberger on the last play of the first quarter. Has now caught a pass in a team-record 147 straight games. Has 35 touchdowns in the red zone since 2002, which is second in the NFL during that span. TE Heath Miller Finished with three catches for 26 yards (8.7 avg.). Marked the first time in his four years he did not have a touchdown in the season opener. LB LaMarr Woodley Made his first career start. Finished with three tackles (all solo), one sack, one interception and one fumble recovery. Posted his first sack of the season and the fifth of his career. Had his first career interception as he picked off QB Matt Schaub with 9:31 left in the second quarter. Added a fumble recovery in the fourth quarter. LB James Farrior Tallied a half-sack (with DE Nick Eason) on the Texans second drive of the game for a 14-yard loss. The half sack gives him 21 for his career and 15.5 with the Steelers. LB James Harrison Finished with a team-high eight tackles (six solo), three sacks and one forced fumble. It marked the second time in his career he posted at least three sacks in a game. He had 3.5 versus Baltimore on Nov. 5, 2007. Added a forced fumble on QB Matt Schaub on a sack. DE Nick Eason Had a half-sack (with LB James Farrior) late in the first quarter for a 14- yard loss. The half sack gives him 2.5 for his career and it was his first sack recorded as a Steelers. Finished with four tackles, a personal-best as a Steeler, and the most since he four at Cincinnati on Nov. 11, 2006 while playing for the Cleveland Browns. S Troy Polamalu Picked off his first pass of the season in the second quarter. It was his 11th career interception. Finished with three tackles (all solo). S Ryan Clark Posted seven tackles (five solo). K Jeff Reed Had a perfect day kicking, finishing 5-for-5 in PATs and 1-for-1 in FGs for eight points. Hit a 44-yard field goal with 5:24 left in the game. Has 716 career points. P Mitch Berger Punted three times for 129 yards (43.0 avg.) with a net average of 41.3. STEELERS-BROWNS SERIES NOTES Series History: Series began in 1950 Overall: Pittsburgh leads 57-55 At Pittsburgh: Pittsburgh leads 36-21 At Cleveland: Cleveland leads 34-21 Neutral Sites: n/a Last Regular-Season Meeting: Nov. 11, 2007 (in Pittsburgh) Pittsburgh 31, Cleveland 28 Postseason Series: Pittsburgh leads 2-0 (postseason record included in overall series record) Pittsburgh leads the all-time series 57-55 (including postseason) after sweeping the Browns for the fourth consecutive year in 2007...the Steelers are 48-24 against the Browns since 1970, including a 31-6 record (including two playoff victories) in Pittsburgh and a 16-18 mark on the road...the Steelers are 7-1 (including postseason) against the Browns at Heinz Field...the Steelers are looking for their 10th straight victory over the Browns...the Steelers are 8-1 against the Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium, which opened in 1999...the Steelers defeated the Browns, 43-0, in the first game at Cleveland s new stadium on Sept. 12, 1999...Pittsburgh is 2-0 versus Cleveland in the postseason, defeating the Browns, 36-33, in the 2002 AFC Wild Card playoffs, and 29-9 in the AFC Divisional Playoffs at Three Rivers Stadium (Jan. 7, 1995)...Pittsburgh has played more games against Cleveland than against any other team in the NFL...the 112 games played between the Steelers and the Browns are the most between any two AFC teams...the Steelers have won 15 of their last 16 games against the Browns, and 22 of the last 25 contests...pittsburgh s last loss to the Browns came on Oct. 5, 2003, ending a six-game Steelers winning streak...that game is also the last time these two teams met on Sunday Night...the Steelers have not been swept by the Browns since 1988 but have swept Cleveland five of the past six years.
TEAM NOTES Cleveland Rocked: The Steelers have won nine straight games against their division-rival Cleveland Browns. The nine-game winning streak is the longest for Pittsburgh in the series history that dates back to 1950 and tied for the longest current streak in the NFL (Buffalo over Cincinnati, New England over Buffalo, San Diego over Oakland). Additionally, Pittsburgh has won 15 of the past 16 games in the series overall. The lone loss was a 33-13 setback in Pittsburgh in 2003. In the past nine games, the Steelers have dominated the Browns in nearly every facet of the game. The following is a comparison of the teams statistics during the nine-game Pittsburgh winning streak: Statistic Pittsburgh Cleveland Team record... 9-0... 0-9 Home record... 4-0... 0-5 100-Yard Rushing Performances (total)... 6... 0 Total Touchdowns Scored in Cleveland... 16... 4 Total Yards/Game avg.... 371.0... 256.0 Rushing Yards/Game avg.... 174.7... 64.8 Time of Possession avg.... 34:05... 25:55 Additional notes on the Steelers nine-game winning streak over Cleveland: Pittsburgh has four games in which it has totaled over 400 yards of total offense, including a high of 528 yards in a 27-7 win on Dec. 7, 2006. Pittsburgh has limited Cleveland to under 200 yards of total offense twice in the nine-game winning streak, including a low of 163 yards in a Steelers 31-28 victory at Heinz Field on Nov. 11, 2007. RB Willie Parker has rushed for over 100 yards in four of the nine games during the streak, including a single-game franchise record by gaining 223 yards on 32 carries on Dec. 7, 2006. QB Ben Roethlisberger has posted four 100-plus passer ratings during the streak, including a 120.0 mark on Christmas Eve in Cleveland on Dec. 24, 2005. Divisional Dominance: Pittsburgh finished the 2007 season 5-1 against AFC North foes. The Steelers lone loss against the division last year was in the regular-season finale at Baltimore when Pittsburgh rested a number of starters after already clinching the AFC North crown. The Steelers have won seven of their last nine games against divisional opponents. Road Warriors: Pittsburgh continues to have great success playing away from Heinz Field. Since the beginning of the 1998 season, the Steelers are tied with the Tennessee Titans for the thirdbest road winning percentage in the AFC. The following is a list of the top 5 road winning percentages since 1998: Team W L T Pct. New England 49 31 0.613 Indianapolis 48 32 0.600 Philadelphia 44 36 0.550 Pittsburgh 43 37 0.538 Tennessee 43 37 0.538 Steelers-Browns Connections: Several Steelers have ties to the Browns and the Cleveland area. Steelers with direct ties to the Browns and Cleveland/Ohio include assistant head coach/defensive line coach John Mitchell, who began his NFL coaching career as the Browns defensive line coach from 1991-93. Linebackers coach Keith Butler coached the Browns linebackers from 1999-02. Offensive coordinator Bruce Arians was the Browns offensive coordinator from 2001-03. Steelers DE Nick Eason played with the Browns from 2004-06. DE Orpheus Roye also played for the Browns from 2000-07. Steelers players from Ohio include QB Ben Roethlisberger (Findlay, played at Miami, Ohio), RB Gary Russell (Columbus), LB James Harrison (Akron, played at Kent State), WR Nate Washington (Toledo, played at Tiffin) and S Anthony Smith (Hubbard). WR Santonio Holmes played at Ohio State. Browns with Steelers/Western Pennsylvania connections include TE Darnell Dinkins, who played at Pitt. OL Hank Fraley played collegiately at Robert Morris and originally signed with the Steelers as an undrafted rookie free agent while LB Kris Griffin played at IUP. Quarterbacks coach Rip Scherer began his coaching career at Penn State (1974-75). Strength and conditioning coach Tom Myslinksi played for the Steelers for three seasons (1996-97, 2000) and was an assistant strength coach at Pitt. Assistant defensive backs coach Richard McNutt coached at W&J (2004-05. Defense! Defense! Defense!: The Steelers defense provided a dominating performance in the season-opening victory over the Houston Texans. The Steelers allowed Houston to gain just 234 yards of total offense (75 rushing, 159 passing), including a mere 82 yards in the first half. Pittsburgh limited the Texans to 30 percent (3 of 10) on third-downs for the game and forced three turnovers (two interceptions, one fumble). Pittsburgh posted five sacks in the Week 1 win, including three from LB James Harrison. The performance over the Texans piggybacked the Steelers defensive efforts from 2007 as they led the league in total defense (266.4 avg.). Pittsburgh allowed 269 points (16.8 avg.) last year, which was second in the AFC and in the NFL. The Steelers did not allow a first-half touchdown in their first five games of the year before Week 7 at Denver. The Steelers allowed just 47 total points through their first five games, the fourth-lowest total in team history during that span and the least since they gave up a team-best 38 points through five games in 1937. The Steelers posted two shutouts last year, including Week 5 versus Seattle and Week 12 versus Miami. The Steelers limited the Seahawks to just 144 yards of total offense, including 38 on the ground. Pittsburgh had three sacks and one interception in the win. Several Steelers and Browns are products of the same colleges, including the following: STEELERS-BROWNS COLLEGE CONNECTIONS STEELERS COLLEGE BROWNS Chris Hoke (DT)... BYU... Scott Young (OL) Brett Keisel (DE) Andre Frazier (LB)... Cincinnati... Antwan Peek (LB) Mitch Berger (P)... Colorado... Lawrence Vickers (FB) Dallas Baker (WR)... Florida... Andra Davis (LB) Max Starks (OT) Bryant McFadden (CB)... Florida State... Kamerion Wimbley (LB) Orpheus Roye (DE) Lawrence Timmons (LB) Hines Ward (WR)... Georgia... Sean Jones (DB) James Harrison (LB)... Kent State... Joshua Cribbs (WR/KR) Ryan Clark (S)... LSU... Travis Daniels (DB) Larry Foote (LB)... Michigan... Braylon Edwards (WR) LaMarr Woodley (LB) Trai Essex (OT)... Northwestern... Jason Wright (RB) Casey Hampton (DT)... Texas... Phil Dawson (K) Tony Hills (OT) Shaun Rogers (DL) Limas Sweed (WR) Troy Polamalu (S)... USC... Willie McGinest (LB)
What To Look For: PITTSBURGH TEAM NOTES The Steelers look to improve to 58-55 all-time (including the postseason) against the Browns. Pittsburgh looks for its 10th straight win over the Browns and its 16th win in the last 17 games (including playoffs) against Cleveland. The Steelers are looking for their eighth straight win in Cleveland in the season series. The Steelers are 8-1 all-time at Cleveland Browns Statdium. The Steelers look to improve to 49-24 (including playoffs) against the Browns since the NFL merger in 1970. The Steelers need eight victories to become the first AFC team to reach 550 total victories. Pittsburgh s all-time record is 542-517-21. PITTSBURGH INDIVIDUAL NOTES QB Ben Roethlisberger Needs 1,058 yards passing to move past Neil O Donnell (12,867 yards) into third place on the team s all-time passing yards list. Roethlisberger currently has 11,810 passing yards. Needs 14 touchdown passes to become just the second quarterback in team history to throw 100 career touchdown passes (Terry Bradshaw - 212). Roethlisberger currently has 86 career touchdown passes. Needs 28 passing attempts to move into fourth place on the team s all-time list ahead of Bubby Brister (1,477). Roethlisberger currently has 1,450 career passing attempts. Needs one 300-yard passing game to move into a tie for second place on the team s all-time list with Neil O Donnell. Roethlisberger currently has four and is tied with Terry Bradshaw. WR Hines Ward Needs one 100-yard receiving game to move into sole possession of second place on the team s all-time receiving list. He currently has 16, which is tied with Louis Lipps (1984-91). Needs 761 yards from scrimmage to reach 10,000 total yards for his career. He currently has 9,239 total yards from scrimmage (8,813 receiving, 426 rushing). Needs 187 receiving yards to surpass 9,000 for his career. He currently has 8,813. RB Willie Parker Needs 204 total yards from scrimmage to move into 10th place on the team s all-time list. Parker currently has 4,956 total yards from scrimmage. Needs 48 rushing yards to move past John Henry Johnson (4,383) into third place on the team s all-time rushing list. Parker currently has 4,336 rushing yards. Needs one rushing touchdowns to move into a tie for eighth place for rushing touchdowns on the team s all-time list with Rocky Bleier. Parker currently has 22 rushing touchdowns. Needs 56 rushing attempts to move into fourth place on the team s career list ahead of John Henry Johnson (1,025). Parker currently has 970 career rushing attempts. TE Heath Miller Needs three touchdown receptions to surpass Bennie Cunningham (20) for third on team s all-time touchdowns list for a tight end. Miller currently has 18 receiving touchdowns. K Jeff Reed Needs 11 field goals to move past Roy Gerela (146) into second place on the team s all-time field goals made list. Reed currently has 136 career field goals. WR Santonio Holmes TD catch at Cleveland would give him at least one TD at Cleveland each year of his career. It would also mark his first touchdown in each of his three pro seasons. LOOKING AHEAD... The Steelers travel across Pennsylvania to battle intra-state Philadelphia on Sunday, Sept. 21. Kickoff at Lincoln Financial Field is set for 4:15 p.m. and will be televised on CBS (locally KDKA-TV, channel 2). The Steelers are 26-46-3 all-time against the Eagles, but won the last regular-season matchup (27-3 in 2004 at Heinz Field). Sustaining Success: Pittsburgh has made the playoffs four times and won the AFC North three times since the divisional realignment in 2002. Last year, the Steelers won the AFC North Division for the first time since 2004 and automatically qualified for the playoffs. The Steelers have won 18 division titles since the NFL merger in 1970, the most in the AFC during that time. Last year also marked the third time they have captured the AFC North Crown since 2002. 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 6 5 New England 5 5 Seattle 5 4 Philadelphia 4 4 Green Bay 4 4 Pittsburgh 4 3 Heinz Field Advantage: The Steelers own the best home record in the NFL with a 211-81-1 record (.722) since 1970. Pittsburgh is 26-7 at home over the past five seasons, including a 1-0 record this season. 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, ultimately advancing to the AFC Championship Game. 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 list of the top five home winning percentages in the NFL since 1970: Team W L T Pct. Pittsburgh 211 81 1.722 Denver 207 82 4.713 Miami 204 87 1.702 Jacksonville 67 37 0.644 Baltimore 62 34 1.644 Regular-Season Success: Pittsburgh owns the fifth-best record in the regular season in the entire NFL over the past 11 years. The Steelers have averaged 9.5 wins per year and have earned five playoff berths in that time period. The following are the top five teams in regular-season winning percentage from 1998-2008: Team W L T Pct. Playoff Berths New England 109 52 0.677 7 Indianapolis 105 56 0.652 8 Denver 98 63 0.609 5 Green Bay 98 63 0.609 6 Pittsburgh 96 64 1.599 5 Facing The Best: The Steelers will play half of the their season against 2007 playoff teams, including both teams who played in Super Bowl XLII. No team in the league has a higher combined opponents winning percentage from last season than the.598 of the Steelers opponents.
2008 REGULAR SEASON STATISTICAL COMPARISON Steelers Category Opponents 38.0... Points Scored Per Game... 17.0 17.0... Points Allowed Per Game... 38.0 21.0... First Downs Per Game... 20 305.0... Total Yards Per Game... 234.0 183.0... Rushing Yards Per Game... 75.0 122.0... Passing Yards Per Game... 159.0 5... Sacks By... 2 2... Interceptions By... 0 31:31... Avg. Time of Possession... 28:29 5... Touchdowns... 2 3... Rushing Touchdowns... 1 2... Passing Touchdowns... 1 0... Touchdowns on Returns... 0 1-1... Field Goals... 1-1 43.0... Punting Avg.... 43.3-3.0... Punt Return Avg.... 2.5 19.8... Kickoff Return Avg.... 18.7 Pittsburgh will host the New York Giants, defending Super Bowl champions, at Heinz Field in Week 8 while traveling to AFC champion, New England, in Week 13. The Steelers also play six other teams that made it to the 2007 postseason, including at Jacksonville (Week 5), at Washington (Week 9), home versus Indianapolis (Week 10), San Diego (Week 11) and Dallas (Week 14), and at Tennessee (Week 16). The following is a list of the NFL s strength of schedule in 2008: Team Opp. Record vs. Playoff Teams (2007) 1. Pittsburgh 153-103 (.598) 8 2. Indianapolis 152-104 (.594) 8 3. Jacksonville 143-113 (.559) 6 4. Baltimore 141-115 (.551) 8 Minnesota 141-115 (.551) 7 If You Build It, They Will Come: In Week 1 versus Houston, the Steelers drew an attendance figure of 64,001 to Heinz Field. The Steelers averaged 62,084 at Heinz Field last year. Pittsburgh broke the team home attendance record in 2005 by averaging 63,429 (507,434 total). Pittsburgh has sold out 276 straight games at home, dating back to Nov. 5, 1972 versus Cincinnati. Pittsburgh s largest average attendance at Three Rivers Stadium was 58,077 in 1998. Following is a look at the team s average attendance in its seven 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 64,001 64,001 Team record Close To Home: The Steelers will not have to travel that far for their eight away games. In fact, Pittsburgh s total miles traveled are the second-least in the league behind Cleveland. The following is a listing of the team s with the most miles traveled during the 2008 season (preseason and regular season): Team Miles 1. Seattle Seahawks 34,766 2. Oakland Raiders 34,218 3. San Diego Chargers 33,403 4. San Francisco 49ers 31,530 5. New England Patriots 29,024 31. Pittsburgh Steelers 7,288 32. Cleveland Browns 6,416 Among The Best: The Steelers have 537 career wins (including postseason), which is the fifth-most in NFL history. The following is a listing of the top five teams in the NFL for career wins (including postseason): Team Wins 1. Chicago Bears 694 2. Green Bay Packers 663 3. New York Giants 627 4. Washington Redskins 552 5. Pittsburgh Steelers 537 Merchandise Mayhem: The Steelers sell the second-most clothing in all of professional sports, according to a recent ESPN Sports Poll. Seven of the top 10 logos on clothing are affiliated with the NFL. The following is a listing of the top five most popular team clothing among fans: Team League Percent 1. Dallas Cowboys NFL 10.1 2. Pittsburgh Steelers NFL 8.1 3. Green Bay Packers NFL 7.0 4. New York Yankees MLB 6.4 5. Boston Red Sox MLB 5.1 Steelers In The Spotlight: The Steelers are slated to play the maximum of five (initially scheduled) night games in 2008, including two Sunday Night games, two Monday Night games and one Thursday Night game. The Steelers will host the Baltimore Ravens in Week 4 on Monday Night Football and will battle the Washington Redskins also on Monday Night in Week 9 at FedEx Field. Pittsburgh travels for a pair of Sunday Night matchups, including at Cleveland (Week 2) and at Jacksonville (Week 5). The Steelers will host AFC North-rival Cincinnati at Heinz Field on a Thursday night (Week 12). Picking Your Poison: Last year, Pittsburgh s defense combined to pick off just 11 interceptions all season, led by CB Ike Taylor s three. Steelers history shows that the lack of interceptions for their defense results in a poor record. However, last year s team finished 10-6 and captured the AFC North Division. The following is a look at the Steelers teams with the fewest interceptions in team history: Year INTs Att.* Team Record 1940 9 192 2-7-2 1955 10 242 4-8-0 2007 11 536 10-6-0 1939 11 193 1-9-1 1964 12 353 5-9-0 1965 12 378 2-12-0 * Opponents total pass attempts that season. 200 Plateau: Pittsburgh rushed for more than 200 yards twice in 2007, including a season-high 206 on 42 attempts in Week 1 at Cleveland. The Steelers then rushed for 205 yards in Week 3 versus San Francisco last year. Since the NFL merger in 1970, Pittsburgh is 95-6 (.941) in the regular season when it rushes for over 200 yards in a game. The Steelers have won 24 straight games in which they have eclipsed that mark for rushing yards. Pittsburgh is 7-0 all-time in the postseason when rushing for over 200 yards.
Run Stuffers: The Steelers have allowed only three 100-yard rushers in the past 67 games (postseason included). The Steelers previously had a streak of 34 straight games in which it did not allow a 100-yard rusher. Prior to Jones (Week 11), the last time the Steelers allowed a 100-yard rusher was Week 12 of the 2005 season when Edgerrin James eclipsed the century mark for rushing yards. The following is a look at the Pro Bowl running backs who have have been unable to gain 100 yards rushing in a game against the Steelers during the past 67 games (including postseason): Player Date Yards (Att.) Steven Jackson, St. Louis 12/20/07 85 yds. (12 att.) Jamal Lewis, Cleveland 11/11/07 35 yds. (16 att.) Shaun Alexander, Seattle 10/7/07 25 yds. (11 att.) Edgerrin James, Arizona 9/30/07 77 yds. (21 att.) Frank Gore, San Francisco 9/23/07 39 yds. (14 att.) Jamal Lewis, Cleveland 9/9/07 35 yds. (11 att.) Jamal Lewis, Baltimore 12/24/06 77 yds. (24 att.) Jamal Lewis, Baltimore 11/27/06 66 yds. (17 att.) Warrick Dunn, Atlanta 10/22/06 69 yds. (26 att.) Larry Johnson, Kansas City 10/15/06 26 yds. (15 att.) LaDainian Tomlinson, San Diego 10/8/06 36 yds. (13 att.) Shaun Alexander, Seattle 2/5/06 95 yds. (20 att.) Edgerrin James, Indianapolis 1/15/06 56 yds. (13 att.) Jamal Lewis, Baltimore 11/20/05 28 yds. (13 att.) Jamal Lewis, Baltimore 10/31/05 61 yds. (17 att.) LaDainian Tomlinson, San Diego 10/10/05 62 yds. (18 att.) Corey Dillon, New England 9/25/05 61 yds. (22 att.) Corey Dillon, New England 1/22/05 73 yds. (24 att.) Curtis Martin, New York Jets 1/15/05 77 yds. (19 att.) Jamal Lewis, Baltimore 12/26/04 26 yds. (14 att.) Tiki Barber, New York Giants 12/18/04 76 yds. (18 att.) Curtis Martin, New York Jets 12/12/04 72 yds. (24 att.) Clinton Portis, Washington 11/28/04 17 yds. (6 att.) Brian Westbrook, Philadelphia 11/7/04 17 yds. (6 att.) Eddie George, Dallas 10/17/04 28 yds. (10 att.) Turning Up the Heat: Pittsburgh opened the season with five sacks in Week 1 against the Houston Texans. It was the most sacks by the Steelers since they had six in a 38-7 victory over the Baltimore Ravens on Nov. 5, 2007. The five sacks rank second (tied) in the AFC and NFL. Last year, the Steelers had 36 sacks, which ranked sixth in the AFC and 13th (tied) in the NFL. Since 1994, the Steelers have led the AFC in sacks four times and the entire NFL twice. 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 1990... 34 1971... 33 1991... 38 1972... 40 1992... 36 1973... 33 1993... 42 1974... 52 1994... 55 * 1975... 43 1995... 42 1976... 41 1996... 51 1977... 32 1997... 48 1978... 44 1998... 41 1979... 49 1999... 39 1980... 18 2000... 39 1981... 40 2001... 55 * 1982... 34 2002... 50 1983... 50 2003... 35 1984... 47 2004... 41 1985... 36 2005... 47 1986... 43 2006... 39 1987... 26 2007... 36 1988... 19 2008... 5 1989... 31 * Team Record Controlling The Clock: Pittsburgh held the ball for 31:31 in the season opener versus the Houston Texans. The Steelers did an excellent job in 2007 in controlling the time of possession. The Steelers controlled the clock in 14 of the 16 games and averaged holding the ball for 33:18 in 2007. Among The Best: Since the 1970 merger of the National and American Football Leagues, the Pittsburgh Steelers own the second-best record in the NFL. The following is a look at the top five regular-season records since the merger in 1970: Team W L T Pct. 1. Miami Dolphins 354 227 2.609 2. Pittsburgh Steelers 352 231 2.606 3. Dallas Cowboys 348 237 0.596 4. Denver Broncos 338 239 6.586 5. San Francisco 49ers 330 252 3.568 Additionally, Pittsburgh owns the third-best record in the NFL since the free-agency era (since 1993) with a 149-91-1 (.620) record. The following is a look at the top five regular-season records in the free agency era (since 1993): Team W L T Pct. 1. Green Bay Packers 153 88 0.635 2. New England Patriots 151 90 0.627 3. Pittsburgh Steelers 149 91 1.620 4. Denver Broncos 145 96 0.602 5. Kansas City Chiefs 135 106 0.560 Holding Their Ground: Over the past eight years, Pittsburgh s defense has been among the best in holding its opponents to the fewest rushing yards in the league. The Steelers limited the Houston Texans to just 75 yards rushing in the 2008 season opener. The Steelers ranked second in the AFC and third in the NFL by allowing 89.9 rushing yards per game in 2007. Since 2000, Pittsburgh has allowed just 15 100-yard rushers to lead the NFL in that category. During the stretch, the Steelers have given up a league-low 9,911 yards on the ground, including just 1,299 in 2004, best in the NFL. Additionally, since 1994 the Steelers have led the AFC in rushing defense seven times and the entire NFL three times. Following is a look at the number of yards rushing the Steelers have allowed in each of the past eight seasons: Year Rushing Yds. Allowed Avg./Game AFC/NFL Rank 2001 1,195 85.9 1st/1st 2002 1,375 74.7 1st/1st 2003 1,741 108.8 8th/12th 2004 1,299 81.2 1st/1st 2005 1,376 85.5 3rd/3rd 2006 1,412 88.2 2nd/3rd 2007 1,438 89.9 2nd/3rd 2008 75 75.0 4th/7th Total 9,911 87.7 1st/1st In the Red Zone: The Steelers converted all five of their attempts in the red zone into points in 2008, including five touchdowns. Their 100.0 percent touchdown ratio inside the opponent s 20- yard line ranks first in the AFC and in the NFL. Following is a look at how the Steelers offense has performed in the red zone in 2008: Opponent Att./Scores TDs FGs Pts Houston... 5/5... 5... 0... 35 Total... 5/5... 5... 0... 35
Red Zone Defense: The Steelers defense allowed three scores (two touchdowns, one field goal) in three possessions in the red zone this year. Their 66.7 touchdown percentage on defense ranked 13th in the AFC and 25th overall in the NFL. Following is a look at how the Steelers defense has performed in the red zone in 2008: Opponent Att./Scores TDs FGs Pts Houston... 3/3... 2... 1... 17 Total... 3/3... 2... 1... 17 Five & 10: The Steelers rank in the top five in the AFC and/or the top 10 in the NFL in several key team and individual categories in 2008. Following is a list of those rankings: PITTSBURGH STEELERS 2008 AFC/NFL RANKINGS Team Offense Statistic Rank (AFC/NFL) Rushing Yards/Game... 183.0... 2nd/T-4th Rushing Yards/Attempt... 4.7... 4th/T-12th Rushing Yards (Total)... 183... 2nd/T-4th Passing, Percent Had Intercepted... 0.0... T-1st/T-1st First Downs/Game... 21.0... T-3rd/T-6th First Downs (Total)... 21... T-3rd/T-6th Third-Down Efficiency... 60.0... 1st/3rd Points/Game... 38... 2nd/T-2nd Giveaways (Total)... 0... T-1st/T-1st Red-Zone Efficiency... 100.0... T-1st/T-1st Team Defense Statistic Rank (AFC/NFL) Total Yards/Game... 234.0... 3rd/6th Yards/Play... 4.0... 4th/7th Rushing Yards/Game... 75.0... 4th/7th Rushing Yards/Attempt... 3.8... 5th/13th Passing Net Yards/Game... 159.0... 6th/10th Passing Net Yards/Play... 4.8... 4th/4th Passing, Percent Had Intercepted... 0.6... 2nd/2nd Fourth-Down Efficiency... 0.0... T-5th/T-14th Points/Game Differential... 21.0... 3rd/4th Net Yards/Game Differential... 71.0... 5th/11th Takeaway/Giveaway Differential... +2... T-1st/T-2nd Takeaways (Total)... 3... T-1st/T-2nd First-Down Plays/Opponent... 3.6... 6th/8th Special Teams Statistic Rank (AFC/NFL) Field Goal Percentage (Offense)... 100.0... T-1st/T-1st Net Punting Average (Offense)... 41.3... 3rd/7th Punt Return Average (Defense)... 2.5... 4th/8th Kickoffs/Avg. Start (Kicking Team)... 22.4... 4th/10th Individual Offense Statistic Rank (AFC/NFL) Roethlisberger (Passer Rating)... 147.0... 1st/1st Roethlisberger (Comp. Pct.)... 92.9... 1st/1st Roethlisberger (Avg. Gain/Pass)... 9.8... 2nd/5th Roethlisberger (Passing TDs)... 2... T-2nd/T-4th Roethlisberger (TD Pct.)... 14.3... 1st/1st Roethlisberger (Interceptions)... 0... T-1st/T-1st Roethlisberger (Interception Pct.)... 0.0... T-1st/T-1st Parker (Points/Single Game)... 18... 1st/1st Parker (Scoring/Non-kickers)... 18... 1st/1st Parker (Rushing Yards/Single Game).. 138... 1st/2nd Parker (Rushing Attempts/Single Game)... 25... 1st/2nd Parker (Rushing Yards - Total)... 138... 1st/2nd Parker (Rushing Touchdowns)... 3... 1st/1st Parker (Rushing Attempts - Total)... 25... 1st/2nd Parker (100-Yd. Rushing Games)... 1... T-1st/T-1st Parker (Yards From Scrimmage)... 138... 2nd/6th Parker (First Downs - Total)... 8... T-1st/T-2nd Ward (Third-Down Receptions)... 2... T-3rd/T-8th Ward (Third-Down Touchdowns)... 1... T-1st/T-1st Ward (Scoring/Non-kickers)... 12... T-2nd/T-2nd Individual Defense Statistic Rank (AFC/NFL) Harrison (Sacks/Single Game)... 3.0... 1st/T-1st Harrison (Sacks - Total)... 3.0... 1st/T-1st Woodley (Interceptions)... 1... T-2nd/T-2nd Woodley (Defensive Fumble Recov.)... 1... T-1st/T-1st Polamalu (Interceptions)... 1... T-2nd/T-2nd Individual Special Teams Statistic Rank (AFC/NFL) Reed (PAT Percentage)... 100.0... T-1st/T-1st Reed (PATs - Total)... 5... 1st/T-1st Reed (Scoring/Kickers)... 8... 3rd/T-8th Reed (Touchbacks)... 1... T-2nd/T-7th Berger (Net Punting Avg.)... 41.3... 3rd/7th COACHING NOTES Few And Far Between: Head Coach Mike Tomlin has a chance to be the first coach in Steelers history to win division titles in each of his first two seasons. Last year, the Steelers captured the AFC North in his first season. Tomlin became just the second head coach in team history to post a winning record in his first season. Three s Company: Head coach Mike Tomlin won his first three games as an NFL head coach after soundly defeating the Cleveland Browns (Week 1), Buffalo Bills (Week 2) and San Francisco 49ers (Week 3) in consecutive weeks. Tomlin became only the second Steelers rookie head coach to win his first three games (Bill Cowher). LeBeau s Magic: Defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau, in his 50th NFL season as either a player or coach, is considered the creator of the fire-zone or zone blitz defensive scheme that is used in multiple varieties by many NFL and college teams. LeBeau returned to the Steelers for a second stint as the team s defensive leader prior to the 2004 season. Since his return, the Steelers defense has ranked at or near the top of most major statistical defensive categories. Since the beginning of the 2004 season, the Steelers rank first in points allowed (1,093), fewest total yards allowed (17,745) and fewest rushing yards allowed (5,525). INDIVIDUAL NOTES Feeling at Home in O-H-I-O: QB Ben Roethlisberger, who hails from Findlay, Ohio, has never lost a game when playing in his home state. In his first four years, Roethlisberger is a perfect 9-0 (including the postseason) when playing in the Buckeye state. He is 5-0 against Cincinnati and 4-0 at Cleveland. The following is a look at Roethlisberger s statistics in his four games at Cleveland and his five at Cincinnati in his career: Statistic at Cleveland at Cincinnati Record... 4-0... 5-0 Completion Pct. (Comp.-Att.)... 58.3 (60-103)... 70.4 (76-108) Passing Yards... 793... 949 Passing Touchdowns... 7... 9 Interceptions... 4... 3 Passer Rating... 89.2... 113.5 Controlling The North: QB Ben Roethlisberger owns a 17-4 (.810), including the postseason, against AFC North opponents during his starting career with the Steelers. He has won six straight games against divisional foes. Roethlisberger posted a perfect passer rating once (11/5/07 vs. Baltimore) in his 21 games against AFC North foes and has recorded a passer rating of over 100.0 a total of 10 times. The following is a look at his statistics against the AFC North in his 21 such games as a starter: Statistic 21 games vs. AFC North (as a starter) Record... 17-4 Completion Pct. (Comp.-Att.)... 62.7 (352-561) Passing Yards... 4,450 Passing Touchdowns... 36 Interceptions... 23 Passer Rating... 91.7