Game #14 Pittsburgh Steelers (10-3) vs. New York Jets (9-4) Sunday, Dec. 19, 2010 4:15 p.m. (ET) Heinz Field Pittsburgh, Pa. Game #14 Pittsburgh Steelers (10-3) vs. New York Jets (9-4) Date: Sunday, Dec. 19, 2010 Kickoff: 4:15 p.m., ET Site: Heinz Field (65,050) Pittsburgh, Pa. Playing Surface: Grass TV Coverage: CBS (locally KDKA-TV, channel 2) Announcers: Jim Nantz (play-by-play) Phil Simms (color analyst) Local Radio: Steelers Radio Network WDVE-FM (102.5)/WBGG-AM (970) Announcers: Bill Hillgrove (play-by-play) Tunch Ilkin (color analyst) Craig Wolfley (sideline) National Radio: Sports USA Radio Announcers: Tom McCarthy (play-by-play) Ross Tucker (color analyst) Tony Graziani (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: 41-20 (.672)/fourth season Regular-season record at Pittsburgh: 41-20 (.672)/fourth season Playoff Record/Years: 3-1/two years New York Jets Head Coach Rex Ryan Overall Regular-Season Record: 18-11 (.621)/second season Regular-Season Record at New York: 18-11 (.621)/second season Playoff Record/Years: 2-1/one year 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 2010 Schedule/Results Preseason (3-1) Saturday, Aug. 14 DETROIT W, 23-7 (KDKA) Saturday, Aug. 21 at New York Giants W, 24-17 (KDKA) Sunday, Aug. 29 at Denver L, 17-34 (FOX) Thursday, Sept. 2 CAROLINA W, 19-3 (KDKA) Regular Season (10-3) Sunday, Sept. 12 ATLANTA W, 15-9 (OT) (FOX) Sunday, Sept. 19 at Tennessee W, 19-11 (CBS) Sunday, Sept. 26 at Tampa Bay W, 38-13 (CBS) Sunday, Oct. 3 BALTIMORE L, 14-17 (CBS) Sunday, Oct. 10 BYE Sunday, Oct. 17 CLEVELAND W, 28-10 (CBS) Sunday, Oct. 24 at Miami W, 23-22 (CBS) Sunday, Oct. 31 at New Orleans L, 10-20 (NBC) Monday, Nov. 8 at Cincinnati W, 27-21 (ESPN) Sunday, Nov. 14 NEW ENGLAND L, 26-39 (NBC) Sunday, Nov. 21 OAKLAND W, 35-3 (CBS) Sunday, Nov. 28 at Buffalo W, 19-16 (OT) (CBS) Sunday, Dec. 5 at Baltimore W, 13-10 (NBC) Sunday, Dec. 12 CINCINNATI W, 23-7 (CBS) Sunday, Dec. 19 NEW YORK JETS 4:15 p.m. (CBS) Thursday, Dec. 23 CAROLINA 8:20 p.m. (NFL Net./KDKA) Sunday, Jan. 2 at Cleveland 1 p.m. (CBS) Times and TV Network may change due to NFL flexible scheduling Postseason Sat.-Sun., Jan. 8-9 Wild Card Weekend (NBC, CBS & FOX) Sat.-Sun., Jan. 15-16 Divisional Playoff Games (CBS & FOX) Sunday, Jan. 23 Conference Championships (CBS & FOX) Sunday, Jan. 30 AFC-NFC Pro Bowl (Hawaii) (FOX) Sunday, Feb. 6 Super Bowl XLV (Dallas, Texas) (FOX) NOTE: All times are Eastern. Home games in Bold/CAPS.
THE COACHES MIKE TOMLIN was named the 16th head coach in Pittsburgh Steelers history on Jan. 22, 2007. Hired at the age of 34, Tomlin became only the third head coach hired by the Steelers since 1969. Tomlin became the youngest head coach in NFL history to both coach in and win a Super Bowl when he led the Steelers to a 27-23 victory over the Arizona Cardinals in Super Bowl XLIII. By winning the Super Bowl in only his second season as a head coach, he also became the fastest to win a Super Bowl title in Steelers history. Tomlin is one of only seven coaches in league history to win a Super Bowl within his first two seasons as an NFL head coach. Tomlin has compiled a 41-20 record in the regular season during his four-year head coaching career. His.672 winning percentage in his first four seasons is second-best in team history. In 2010, Tomlin became only the second Steelers head coach to win at least 10 games in three of his first four seasons. In 2009, the Steelers offense ranked seventh in the NFL (ninth passing, 19 th rushing) and became the first unit in team history to boast a 4,000-yard passer, two 1,000-yard receivers and a 1,000- yard rusher in the same season. Pittsburgh s defense ranked fifth in the NFL (third vs. run, 16 th vs. pass) while leading the AFC and finishing one shy of the NFL lead with 47 quarterback sacks. The Steelers continued to be dominant at Heinz Field under Tomlin in 2009. Pittsburgh finished with a 6-2 home record in 2009 after finishing 7-1 (2007) and 6-2 (2008) at home during Tomlin s first two seasons. Tomlin s 23-7 record and.767 winning percentage at home after three-plus seasons ranks second in Steelers history. The Steelers defense was dominant under Tomlin s guidance in 2008, leading the NFL in total defense (237.2), pass defense (156.9), points per game (13.9), total yards per play (3.9), rushing yards per attempt (3.3), passing yards per attempt (4.7) and third down efficiency (31.4), and finished second in league rushing defense (80.3). Tomlin became only the second Steelers head coach to win his first three games. During 2007, the Steelers became just the fifth team in NFL history to win their first four home games by at least 20 points. Tomlin led the Steelers to a 10-6 record in 2007, and became just the second coach in team history to post a winning record, win a division title and earn a playoff berth in his inaugural season. Tomlin was the NFL s second-youngest head coach in 2007, and he became only the second Steelers coach in team history to win at least 10 games during his first year at the helm. The Steelers posted a 7-1 record at home in 2007 and were 5-1 in the AFC North (3-0 at home). Tomlin was a three-year starter at wide receiver at William and Mary (1990-94) and finished his career with 101 receptions for 2,046 yards and a school-record 20 TD catches. A first-team All- Yankee Conference selection in 1994, he established a school record with a 20.2 yards-per-catch average. REX RYAN is in his second season as the New York Jets head coach. In his first season, Ryan led the team to a 9-7 regular season record, a wild card berth in the playoffs and to the AFC Championship game against Indianapolis, falling just one game short of the Super Bowl. Ryan s Jets were first in the NFL in rushing yards per game during the regular season at 172.2 ypg, and allowed the fewest average points, fewest average total yards and lowest average passing yards in the NFL at 14.8 points per game, 252.3 yards per game and 153.7 yards per game, respectively. STEELERS COMMUNICATIONS STAFF Dave Lockett, Communications Coordinator... (412) 432-7822 Burt Lauten, Public Relations/Media Manager... (412) 432-7821 Emily Scerba, Communications Admin. Asst.... (412) 432-7820 Ryan Scarpino, Media Relations Intern... (412) 432-7800 Office Fax... (412) 432-7878 STEELERS RADIO COVERAGE For the 12th consecutive year, WDVE-FM (102.5) and WBGG- AM (970) are carrying all Steelers games. Additionally, Steelers games can be heard on a 64-station network spanning Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio and Maryland. The Steelers are also broadcasted on 17 stations in Mexico, marking the second straight year their games can be heard throughout Mexico. For the 17th straight season, Bill Hillgrove serves as the Voice of the Steelers and handles play-by-play duties for the broadcast. Joining Hillgrove for his 13th season as an expert analyst is Tunch Ilkin, the former Steelers All-Pro offensive tackle. Joining the team for his ninth season is former Steeler offensive lineman Craig Wolfley, who provides sideline analysis. Stations on the Steelers Radio Network include: FLAGSHIP STATIONS (2) WDVE-FM (102.5) WBGG-AM (970) PENNSYLVANIA (31) Altoona-WVAM (1430) Altoona-WRKY (104.9) Beaver Falls-WBVP (1230) Beaver Falls-WMBA (1460) Bedford-WAYC (100.9) Bradford-WESB (1490) Butler-WISR (680) Chambersburg-WCHA (800) Clarendon-WKNB (104.3) Clarion-WCCR (92.7) Cooperstown-WUUZ (107.7) DuBois-WOWQ (102.1) Erie-WJET (1440) Gettysburg-WGET (1320) Grove City-WWGY (95.1) Harrisburg-WTPA (93.5) Indiana-WQMU (92.5) Johnstown-WRKW (99.1) Johnstown-WNTW (990) Latrobe-WCNS (1480) Punxsutawney-WPXZ (104.1) Saegertown-WUUZ (94.3) Scottdale-WLSW (103.9) Scranton-WEJL (630/1240) Scranton-WEZX (96.1/106.9) Somerset-WNTJ (850) State College/Pleasant Gap- WRSC (98.7) Uniontown-WMBS (590) Washington-WJPA (1450) Williamsport-WCXR (93.3) Williamsport-WZXR (103.7) OHIO (4) Bellevue-WOHF (92.1) Findlay-WFIN (1330) Westerville-WTDA (103.9) Youngstown-WNIO (1390) MARYLAND (4) Cumberland-WTBO (1450) Frostburg-WFRB (560) Hagerstown-WHAG (1410) Mountain Lake Park-WKHJ (104.5) WEST VIRGINIA (6) Buckhannon-WBRB (101.3) Fairmont-WRLF (94.3) Fairmont-WMMN (920) Morgantown-WKKW (97.9) St. Mary s-wjaw (630) Wheeling-WWVA (1170) MEXICO (17) Grupo Imagen 2010 AFC North Standings W L T Pct. Pts. Opp. Pittsburgh 10 3 0.769 290 198 Baltimore 9 4 0.692 294 229 Cleveland 5 8 0.385 235 252 Cincinnati 2 11 0.154 262 345 This Week in the AFC North: Sunday, Dec. 19: Cleveland (5-8) at Cincinnati (2-11), 1 p.m. (CBS) New Orleans (10-3) at Baltimore (9-4), 1 p.m. (FOX) New York Jets (9-4) at Pittsburgh (10-3), 4:15 p.m. (CBS) All times are Eastern.
STEELERS PRONUNCIATIONS Flozell Adams... (FLOW-zell) Arnaz Battle... (ARE-nez) Crezdon Butler... (CREZ-den) Trai Essex... (TRAY) Ramon Foster... (ra-mone) Keyaron Fox... (KEY-aaron) Jeremy Kapinos... (CAP-uh-nos) Brett Keisel... (KEE-sull) Chris Kemoeatu... (kay-moy-ah-too) Keenan Lewis... (KEY-nan) Mewelde Moore... (Muh-WELL-dee) Troy Polamalu... (Pole-uh-MAH-lu) Maurkice Pouncey... (Mar-KEESE POUN-see) Matt Spaeth... (SPAYTH) Shaun Suisham... (SWEE-zum) LaMarr Woodley... (la-marr) MEDIA NOTES New York Jets Conference Call: New York Jets Head Coach Rex Ryan and WR Santonio Holmes will be available for interviews via conference call on Wednesday, Dec. 15, in the Steelers media workroom. Ryan will be at 10:45 a.m. and Holmes will be at 3:45 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. Official Steelers Website: Media and fans can read about the latest Steelers news on the official Steelers website. The site,, features breaking news, statistics, player biographies and much more. Media-Only Section of The Steelers Media Relations Department offers a Media-Only section on steelers.com. To sign up for this service, go to members.steelers.com and register as a new user. Once your registration is approved, you will receive an email and can access all information. If you have any questions or problems, please email steelers_digest@yahoo.com. NFLmedia.com: Journalists worldwide have access to the dedicated media website featuring news from the NFL and its teams. Daily releases, statistics, domestic and international NFL updates and other information about the NFL are available. The site also provides links to other NFL and individual team sites. STEELERS LAST GAME Pittsburgh 23, Cincinnati 7 Sunday, Dec. 12 Pittsburgh, Pa. (Heinz Field) Pittsburgh Team Notes: The Steelers improved to 10-3 on the year, including a 4-2 record at Heinz Field. The Steelers lead the all-time series against the Bengals, 49-32. Pittsburgh leads the all-time series against the Bengals at home, 27-14. Pittsburgh improved to 57-20-1 all-time at Heinz Field. The Steelers improved to 226-87-1 all-time at home. Cincinnati jumped out to a 7-0 lead on its first drive of the game as QB Carson Palmer found OT Andrew Whitworth for a one-yard touchdown pass with 9:58 remaining in the first quarter. The Steelers tied the game at 7-7 as S Troy Polamalu picked off a Palmer pass and returned it 45 yards for a touchdown with 4:37 remaining in the first half. It was Polamalu s team-leading fifth interception of the year and 25th of his career. It was Polamalu s second career interception returned for a touchdown (Oct. 3, 2004 vs. Cincinnati - 26 yards). K Shaun Suisham booted a 23-yard field goal with 21 seconds left in the first half to give Pittsburgh a 10-7 halftime lead. Suisham added a 35-yard field goal on the Steelers first drive of the second half to make it 13-7 with 8:34 remaining in the quarter. LB LaMarr Woodley intercepted a Palmer pass and returned it 14 yards for a touchdown with 12:21 left in the game to make it 20-7. It was Woodley s second interception of the season and his first career return for a touchdown. It was his third career touchdown (77-yard fumble return for touchdown against Minnesota on Oct. 25, 2009 and seven-yard fumble return versus Baltimore on Sept. 29, 2008). Suisham booted a 41-yard field goal with 5:34 remaining in the game to stretch the lead to 23-7. It was Suisham s 14th straight made field goal between 40-49 yards. Pittsburgh finished with 354 yards of total offense, including 123 rushing and 231 passing. The Bengals had just 190 total yards (34 rushing, 156 passing). The Steelers finished with 18 first downs to Cincinnati s 14. The Steelers had two interception returns for a touchdown, marking the first time since CB Dewayne Washington returned two interceptions (52 yards, 78 yards) for scores against Jacksonville on Nov. 22, 1998. Pittsburgh finished with three takeaways (all interceptions) while not allowing a giveaway. Pittsburgh was 7-for-15 (47%) on third-down attempts while Cincinnati converted only 2-for-8 (25%). The Steelers held the ball for 34:31 to the Bengals 25:29. Pittsburgh was penalized nine times for 89 yards while Cincinnati was flagged four times for 25 yards. Tuesday, Dec. 14 Noon - Coach Tomlin Press Conference Wednesday, Dec. 15 1:15-3:15 p.m. - Practice Players available for media interviews at 12:30 p.m. and following practice in locker room THIS WEEK S SCHEDULE (SUBJECT TO CHANGE) Thursday, Dec. 16 1-3 p.m. - Practice Players available for media interviews at 12:15 p.m. and following practice in locker room Friday, Dec. 17 10:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. - Practice Players available for media interviews following practice in locker room Saturday, Dec. 18 No coaches or players available for media interviews Sunday, Dec. 19 4:15 p.m. (EST) Home Game vs. New York Jets (Heinz Field) CBS (locally KDKA-TV, channel 2) Monday, Dec. 20 No coaches or players available for media interviews
QB Charlie Batch (3rd QB), RB Jonathan Dwyer, CB Keenan Lewis, OG Chris Scott, OT Tony Hills, DT Steve McLendon, TE Heath Miller and DE Aaron Smith were inactive for the Steelers. Pittsburgh Individual Notes: QB Ben Roethlisberger Finished 21-of-33 for 258 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions (87.7 passer rating). Rushed three times for 23 yards (7.7 avg.), including a long of 13 yards. Improved to 28-7 as a starter against AFC North teams, including a 15-4 mark at home. Improved to 67-28 all-time as a starting quarterback. Improved to 10-4 all-time against the Bengals. RB Rashard Mendenhall Finished with a game-high 66 yards rushing on 18 carries (3.7 avg.), including a long of 10 yards. Caught one pass for nine yards. WR Mike Wallace Finished with 78 yards on five catches (15.6 avg.), including a long of 33 yards. Rushed one time for 12 yards. WR Hines Ward Finished with a game-high 115 yards receiving on eight catches (14.4 avg.), including a long of 29 yards. Marked his fourth 100-yard receiving game of the year and 29th of his career. WR Antwaan Randle El Had a leaping one-handed, 22-yard reception late in the first half. WR Antonio Brown Finished with three catches for 27 yards (9.0 avg.). Added two kickoff returns for 40 yards (20.0 avg.). LB James Farrior Finished with seven tackles (five solo) with one QB hurry. LB LaMarr Woodley Posted a seven-yard sack in the second quarter. Added a seven-yard sack in the fourth quarter, giving him 8.5 for the season and 37.5 for his career Had a 14-yard interception return for a touchdown in the fourth quarter. It was his second interception of the season and his first career returned for a touchdown. It was his third career touchdown (77-yard fumble return for touchdown against Minnesota on Oct. 25, 2009 and a seven-yard fumble return versus Baltimore on Setp. 29, 2008). Marked his third career game against the Bengals with at least two sacks (Oct. 19, 2008; Nov. 8, 2010). Finished with three tackles (two solo), two sacks and one interception. CB William Gay Posted an eight-yard sack in the second quarter, giving him two on the season. Finished with four tackles (three solo). S Troy Polamalu Returned an interception 45 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter, marking his team-leading fifth interception of the year and 25th of his career. Marked his second career interception returned for a touchdown in the regular season, both against QB Carson Palmer (Oct. 3, 2004 vs. Cincinnati - 26 yards). Added his sixth interception of the season in the fourth quarter, marking his second career multi-interception game (Nov. 14, 2004 at Cleveland). Pittsburgh improved to 21-3 when he has an interception. Finished with two tackles and two interceptions. S Ryan Clark Finished with seven tackles (six solo) with one pass defense. K Shaun Suisham Finished a perfect 3-for-3 in FGs and 2-for-2 in PATs for 11 points. Booted a 41-yard field goal in the fourth quarter, his 14th straight made field goal between 40-49 yards. STEELERS-JETS SERIES NOTES Series History: Series began in 1970 Overall: Pittsburgh leads 15-3 At Pittsburgh: Pittsburgh leads 6-0 At New York: Pittsburgh leads 9-3 Neutral Sites: n/a Last Regular-Season Meeting: Nov. 18, 2007 (in New York) New York 19, Pittsburgh 16 (OT) Postseason Series: Pittsburgh leads 1-0 (postseason record not included in overall series record) Pittsburgh leads the all-time regular-season series 15-3, including a perfect 6-0 record at home...the Steelers are 3-0 at Heinz Field against the Jets...the Steelers won the first nine games of the series...the Jets have scored more than 10 points in a game against the Steelers just three times since 1988...Pittsburgh s six home games against the Jets are the fewest against any AFC team other than the Houston Texans, who began play in 2002. TEAM NOTES Heinz Field Advantage: The Steelers own the best home record in the NFL with a 226-87-1 record (.721) since 1970. Pittsburgh is 57-20-1 all-time at Heinz Field. The Steelers are 41-13 (.759) at home over the past seven seasons, including a 4-2 record this year. Pittsburgh finished the 2004 regular season with an undefeated (8-0) home record for only the third time in team history and for the first time in 25 years. The Steelers finished the 1979 regular season with an undefeated home record (8-0) and eventually won Super Bowl XIV. The Steelers were also undefeated at home (7-0) in 1972. The following is a look at the list of the Steelers records at home since 2004: Year Record 2004 8-0 2005 5-3 2006 5-3 2007 7-1 2008 6-2 2009 6-2 2010 4-2
If You Build It, They Will Come: The Steelers are averaging 63,392 fans at home games this year. Pittsburgh had a seasonhigh 65,168 in Week 6 versus Cleveland, the fifth-highest attendance total in Heinz Field history, including the postseason. Last season, the Steelers broke two attendance records at Heinz Field. In their Week 7 victory over the Minnesota Vikings, the Steelers broke the single-game record. The attendance of 65,597 surpassed the old mark of 65,350 set January 18, 2009, during the AFC Championship Game against the Baltimore Ravens. For the 2009 season, Pittsburgh averaged 63,458 fans (507,882 total) at home games, breaking the old mark of 63,429 (507,434) in 2005. Pittsburgh has sold out 299 straight games at home, dating back to Nov. 5, 1972 versus Cincinnati. Following is a look at the team s average attendance in its 10 years at Heinz Field: Year Total Attendance Avg. 2001 499,191 62,399 2002 490,274 61,284 2003 477,584 59,698 2004 507,385 63,423 2005 507,434 63,429 2006 499,461 62,433 2007 496,675 62,084 2008 503,125 62,890 2009 507,882 63,458 2010 380,353 63,392 Team record Home Sweet Home: The Steelers are in the midst of playing three straight home games (Weeks 14-16) in 12 days as they host the New York Jets this weekend. The Steelers started the three-game homestand with a 23-7 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 14. Pittsburgh also hosts the Carolina Panthers in Week 16 on Thursday Night Football. The three-game homestand is the first for the Steelers since 1986 and the first time in team history they have played three homes games in 12 days. Run Stuffers: The Steelers rank first in the league by allowing just 60.1 yards per game. They allowed a season-low 30 yards rushing in Week 8 at New Orleans. Pittsburgh is on pace to shatter the team record for rushing yards/game allowed. The following is a look at the top 5 yards/ game rushing defenses in team history, not including this year s 60.1 average: Year Avg./Game 2001 74.7 2008 80.3 2004 81.2 1997 82.4 1995 82.6 Additionally, the Steelers rush defense is on pace to be the best since the NFL merger. The following is a list of the top five rush defenses (since 1970): Year Team Rushing Yds. Allowed/Game 2000 Baltimore Ravens 60.6 yds./game 2006 Minnesota Vikings 61.6 yds./game 1995 San Francisco 49ers 66.3 yds./game 1994 Minnesota Vikings 68.1 yds./game 1991 Philadelphia Eagles 71.0 yds./game Steelers-Jets Connections: Several Steelers have ties to the Jets and the New York/New Jersey area. Steelers with connections to the Jets include LB James Farrior, who was drafted in the first round (eighth overall) by the Jets in the 1997 NFL Draft and played five seasons (1997-2001) before coming to Pittsburgh. RB Isaac Redman was born in Paulsboro, Several Steelers and Jets are products of the same colleges, including the following: STEELERS-JETS COLLEGE CONNECTIONS STEELERS COLLEGE JETS Crezdon Butler (CB)... Clemson... Trevor Pryce (DE) Nick Eason (DE) Bryant McFadden (CB)... Florida State... Antonio Cromartie (CB) Lawrence Timmons (LB) Rashard Mendenhall (RB)... Illinois... Jeff Cumberland (TE) Brandon Moore (OG) Steve Weatherford (P) Larry Foote (LB)... Michigan... Braylon Edwards (WR) LaMarr Woodley (LB) David Harris (LB) Flozell Adams (OT)... Michigan State... Eric Smith (S) Ziggy Hood (DE)... Missouri... Brad Smith (WR) Trai Essex (OT)... Northwestern... Marquice Cole (CB) Will Allen (S)... Ohio State... Vernon Gholston (DE) Ben Hartsock (TE) Santonio Holmes (WR) Nick Mangold (C) Troy Polamalu (S)... USC... Joe McKnight (RB) Mark Sanchez (QB) Patrick Turner (WR) Ramon Foster (OT)... Tennessee... Shaun Ellis (DE) Chris Scott (OT) Chris Kemoeatu (OG)... Utah... Sione Pouha (DT) Stevenson Sylvester (LB) James Farrior (LB)... Virginia... D Brickashaw Ferguson (OT) Heath Miller (TE) N.J. while LB Jason Worilds is from Carteret, N.J. P Jeremy Kapinos was born in West Point, N.Y. while offensive coordinator Bruce Arians was born in Paterson, N.J. There are a number of Jets who have direct connections to the Steelers and the Pittsburgh area, including WR Santonio Holmes, who was drafted by the Steelers in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft and played four seasons with the team. CB Darrelle Revis is from Aliquippa High and played collegiately at Pitt. DE Jason Taylor is from Pittsburgh and played at Woodland Hills High. Quarterbacks coach Matt Cavanaugh was born in Youngstown (OH), played at Pitt and twice coached at Pitt (1991-93, 2005-08). Defensive coordinator Mike Pettine coached at Pitt from 1993-94. Swarming Defense: The Steelers have been putting on a defensive showcase in 2010. The team has 30 takeaways through 13 games. The following is a quick look at some of the impressive defensive statistics the Steelers have put up this season: Category Statistic NFL Rk. Total Points Allowed... 198... 2nd Points Allowed/First Half (Total)... 78... 1st Touchdowns Allowed... 19... 2nd Total Takeaways... 30... T-2nd Fumbles Recovered... 13... T-4th Interceptions... 17... T-7th Total Sacks... 39... T-1st Total Rushing Yards Allowed... 781... 1st Rushing Yards Allowed/Game... 60.1... 1st Making A Point: The Steelers are the first team in NFL history to hold their opponents to 75 or fewer rushing yards in each of their first eight games of a season. Pittsburgh has allowed only one 100-yard rusher in the past 47 games. RB Ray Rice had 141 yards in Week 16 of 2009 to snap a previous streak of 32 straight games without allowing a 100- yard rusher. The following is a look at how opponents have fared in rushing yards this season, comparing what the teams were averaging coming into the game against Pittsburgh and what the Steelers allowed in the contest:
What To Look For: PITTSBURGH TEAM NOTES The Steelers look to improve to: 16-3 all-time against the New York Jets in the regular season. 7-0 against the Jets in home games. 3-0 against the Jets at Heinz Field. 9-2 against AFC opponents this year. The Steelers look to win their fifth straight game on the year, the longest winning streak of the season and the longest since winning six straight dating from Week 15 of 2009 through Week 3 of 2010. The Steelers look for their fifth straight win in the month of December, dating back to 2009. The Steelers hope to clinch a playoff spot through a number of different scenarios. The Steelers look to finish the season with a 3-1 record against the AFC East. PITTSBURGH INDIVIDUAL NOTES RB Rashard Mendenhall Needs 36 yards rushing to surpass his career high for rushing yards in a season. He currently has 1,073 rushing yards after posting 1,108 rushing yards in 2009. WR Mike Wallace Needs 54 receiving yards to post his first career 1,000-yard season. He has already surpassed last season s total of 756 receiving yards as he now has 954 yards in 2010. Needs five receiving touchdowns to break the team s single-season record, which is 12 held by Hines Ward (2002), Louis Lipps (1985) and Buddy Dial (1961). LB James Harrison Needs 1.5 sacks to reach 50 for his career and become just the seventh player in team history to total at least 50 career sacks. Needs one forced fumble to match his career high of seven and to tie the team record for forced fumbles in a season, which he currently shares with Greg Lloyd (1994). Harrison had seven in 2008 and has forced six in 2010. LB LaMarr Woodley Needs 1.5 sacks to reach 10 for the year and become just the second player in team history (LB James Harrison) to post at least 10 sacks in three straight seasons. Woodley had 11.5 in 2008 and 13.5 in 2009. S Troy Polamalu Needs one interception to tie his single-season best. He currently has six picks on the year. He had a personal-best seven interceptions in 2008. Rushing Yards/Game Rushing Yards Team (Week) Entering Game vs. Steelers Atlanta (Week 1) 58 yds. Tennessee (Week 2) 202.0 46 yds. Tampa Bay (Week 3) 119.0 75 yds. Baltimore (Week 4) 89.0 70 yds. Bye Week (Week 5) Cleveland (Week 6) 102.8 70 yds. Miami (Week 7) 115.6 64 yds. New Orleans (Week 8) 92.6 30 yds. Cincinnati (Week 9) 101.0 54 yds. New England (Week 10) 107.1 103 yds. Oakland (Week 11) 162.2 61 yds. Buffalo (Week 12) 113.7 70 yds. Baltimore (Week 13) 114.4 43 yds. Cincinnati (Week 14) 92.3 34 yds. Turning Up the Heat: Since 1994, the Steelers have led the AFC in sacks five times and the entire NFL twice. Since 2004, the Steelers have the most sacks in the NFL with 300. The Steelers have 39 sacks in 2010, including a season-high six in Week 11 versus Oakland. The 39 sacks rank first (tied) in the NFL. In 2009, the Steelers finished with 47 sacks, ranking first in the AFC and second in the NFL. Sacks became an official NFL statistic in 1982, however, a record of passers tackled was kept prior to that time. Following are the Steelers single-season sack totals dating back to 1970: Pittsburgh Steelers Team Sack Totals (Since 1970) Year Total Year Total 1970... 26 1991... 38 1971... 33 1992... 36 1972... 40 1993... 42 1973... 33 1994... 55 * 1974... 52 1995... 42 1975... 43 1996... 51 1976... 41 1997... 48 1977... 32 1998... 41 1978... 44 1999... 39 1979... 49 2000... 39 1980... 18 2001... 55 * 1981... 40 2002... 50 1982... 34 2003... 35 1983... 50 2004... 41 1984... 47 2005... 47 1985... 36 2006... 39 1986... 43 2007... 36 1987... 26 2008... 51 1988... 19 2009... 47 1989... 31 2010... 39 1990... 34 * Team Record Imposing Their Will: The Steelers are averaging 120.2 rushing yards per game this season, which ranks sixth in the AFC and 10th in the NFL. The Steelers have outrushed 11 of their 13 opponents this year, averaging over 60 more yards on the ground than their opponents. Pittsburgh has achieved this success despite having a number of injuries to the offensive line. On the year, the Steelers have started five different combinations on the offensive line. Holding Their Ground: Over the past 10 years, Pittsburgh s defense has been among the best at holding its opponents to the fewest rushing yards in the league. The Steelers have allowed just 781 yards rushing on the year, an average of only 60.1 yards per game. That average ranks first in the NFL. In 2009, the Steelers gave up 89.9 yards per game on the ground, which was first in the AFC and third in the NFL. Additionally, since 1994 the Steelers have led the AFC in rushing defense eight times and the entire NFL three times. In the past eight seasons, Pittsburgh has allowed an NFL-low nine 100-yard rushers. Baltimore is second with 17. 2010 REGULAR SEASON STATISTICAL COMPARISON Steelers Category Jets 22.3... Points Scored Per Game... 21.0 15.2... Points Allowed Per Game... 18.6 17.2... First Downs Per Game... 19.2 332.4... Total Yards Per Game... 350.7 120.2... Rushing Yards Per Game... 143.7 212.2... Passing Yards Per Game... 207.0 39... Sacks By... 32 17... Interceptions By... 7 31:34... Avg. Time of Possession... 31:54 31... Touchdowns... 28 10... Rushing Touchdowns... 9 17... Passing Touchdowns... 17 4... Touchdowns on Returns... 2 24-31... Field Goals... 25-34 44.2... Punting Avg.... 43.2 7.4... Punt Return Avg.... 9.4 25.0... Kickoff Return Avg.... 26.0
LOOKING AHEAD... The Steelers conclude their three-game homestand as they play their 2010 regular-season home finale against the Carolina Panthers on Thursday, Dec. 23. Kickoff at Heinz Field is set for 8:20 p.m. and will be televised on the NFL Network (locally KDKA-TV, channel 2). Following is a look at the number of yards rushing the Steelers have allowed in each of the past 10 seasons: Year Rushing Yds. Allowed Avg./Game AFC/NFL Rank 2001 1,195 74.7 1st/1st 2002 1,375 85.9 1st/1st 2003 1,741 108.8 8th/12th 2004 1,299 81.2 1st/1st 2005 1,376 85.5 3rd/3rd 2006 1,412 88.2 2nd/3rd 2007 1,438 89.9 2nd/3rd 2008 1,284 80.3 1st/2nd 2009 1,438 89.9 1st/3rd 2010 781 60.1 1st/1st Total 13,339 85.0 1st/1st Operation Shutdown: The Steelers had one of their top defensive efforts in recent memory in their Week 11 victory over the Oakland Raiders at Heinz Field. The Steelers limited the Raiders to just 182 yards of total offense and posted six sacks on Oakland s quarterbacks. Pittsburgh picked off two passes and also recovered a Raider fumble. Pittsburgh held Oakland to just 61 yards rushing, over 100 yards lower (162.2 avg.) than what the Raiders were averaging entering the matchup. Also, the Raiders converted just 21 percent (3 of 14) of their third-down attempts. Defense! Defense! Defense!: Pittsburgh is allowing 293.0 yards of total offense this year, which ranks third in the AFC and fourth in the NFL. The Steelers allowed only 190 yards to Cincinnati in Week 14. The Steelers have allowed just 781 rushing yards (60.1 avg.) on the year. Pittsburgh snapped RB Chris Johnson s 12-game streak of rushing for over 100 yards as it limited him to 34 yards on 16 carries (2.1 avg.) in the Week 2 victory at Tennessee. The Steelers finished with seven takeaways (four fumbles, three interceptions) against the Titans. Pittsburgh gave up 295 yards of total offense in its Week 1 overtime victory against the Atlanta Falcons. The Steelers allowed only 58 yards rushing and 237 yards passing against the Falcons. Additionally, they posted two sacks and had one interception. Defensive Dominance: The Steelers have given up 198 points on the year, which ranks first in the AFC and second in the NFL. The Steelers have allowed the fewest points in the NFL since the beginning of the 2007 season. Pittsburgh has allowed just 1,014 points during that span. The following is a list of the top four teams in the NFL who have allowed the fewest points since the start of the 2007 campaign: Team Points Allowed Pittsburgh 1,014 Baltimore 1,118 New England 1,144 Indianapolis 1,185 Gimme The Ball: On the year, the Steelers have tallied 30 takeaways, which rank first in the AFC and second (tied) in the NFL. Pittsburgh posted seven takeaways in its Week 2 victory at the Tennessee Titans. The seven takeaways are the most by the Steelers since they had seven (four interceptions, three fumbles) on Nov. 9, 1997 against Baltimore. Against the Titans, S Troy Polamalu, CB Bryant McFadden and LB LaMarr Woodley each had an interception while the Steelers also recovered four fumbles. The Steelers rank second in the AFC and third in the NFL with a plus-14 (+14) turnover advantage (30 takeaways, 16 giveaways). Picking Your Poison: The Steelers have 17 interceptions on the year, including a team-best six by S Troy Polamalu. The Steelers posted three interceptions (LB LaMarr Woodley, Polamalu -2) in their Week 14 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, including two returned for touchdowns (one each for Polamalu and Woodley). It marked the first time the Steelers have returned two interceptions for scores since CB Dewayne Washington returned two on Nov. 22, 1998 against Jacksonville. In Pittsburgh s Week 3 victory at Tampa Bay, DE Brett Keisel posted his first career interception and returned it 79 yards for a score. It was the first pick six for the Steelers since S Tyrone Carter returned an interception 48 yards for a touchdown on Nov. 9, 2009 at Denver. Pittsburgh s three interception returns for scores this year are the most since 2004 when Polamalu, LB James Farrior and former CB Deshea Townsend each posted a pick six. The team record for a single season is five, set in 1987. The following is a list of the most interception returns for a touchdown by the team in a single season: Rank Year INTs for TDs 1. 1987 5 2. 1984 4 1983 4 1947 4 5. 2010 3 2004 3 1998 3 1996 3 1995 3 1973 3 1954 3 1951 3 200 Plateau: The Steelers have won 27 straight games in which they have rushed for more than 200 yards. Pittsburgh is 2-0 this year when rushing for at least 200 yards (206 at Buffalo in Week 12; 201 at Tampa Bay in Week 3). Since the NFL merger in 1970, Pittsburgh is 98-6 (.942) in the regular season when it rushes for more than 200 yards in a game. Pittsburgh is 7-0 all-time in the postseason when rushing for more than 200 yards. Road Warriors: The Steelers have had great success playing away from Heinz Field over the last decade. The Steelers are 6-1 on the road this season. Since the beginning of the 2000 season, the Steelers own the fourth-best road winning percentage in the NFL. The following is a list of the top road winning percentages since 2000: Team W L T Pct. Indianapolis 58 29 0.667 Philadelphia 56 30 1.649 New England 56 31 0.644 Pittsburgh 52 35 0.598 New Orleans 50 36 0.581 New York Giants 49 37 0.570 On The Road Again: The Steelers had a stretch of three straight road games earlier this year (Weeks 7-9). Pittsburgh won the first leg of the road trip, defeating the Miami Dolphins 23-22 in Week 7, but fell in Week 8, 20-10, at New Orleans. The Steelers concluded the three-game road trip with a 27-21 victory in Week 9 at Cincinnati on Monday Night Football.
The last time Pittsburgh played three straight regular-season road games was in 1994, playing at the New York Giants (W, 10-6), at Arizona (L, 20-17 in OT) and at the Houston Oilers (W, 12-9 in OT). Working Overtime: The Steelers are 2-0 this year in overtime games, improving their all-time regular-season record to 18-14- 2 in such games. K Shaun Suisham booted a 41-yard field goal with 2:14 remaining in overtime to give Pittsburgh a 19-16 victory in Week 12 at Buffalo. The Steelers also defeated the Atlanta Falcons in Week 1 as RB Rashard Mendenhall broke free for a 50-yard touchdown run with 12:25 left in overtime. Block Party: In the Week 9 victory at Cincinnati, CB William Gay blocked a Bengals punt that led to a Steelers field goal in the first quarter. Gay s blocked punt was the first for the Steelers since LB Andre Frazier blocked a Washington Redskins punt on Nov. 3, 2008. 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 382 245 2.611 2. Miami Dolphins 379 248 2.605 3. Dallas Cowboys 371 258 0.590 Among The Best: The Steelers have 575 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 718 2. Green Bay Packers 687 3. New York Giants 655 4. Pittsburgh Steelers 575 5. Washington Redskins 569 Additionally, Pittsburgh owns the second-best record in the NFL since the free-agency era (since 1993) with a 179-105-1 (.630) 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 182 103 0.639 2. Pittsburgh Steelers 179 105 1.630 3. Green Bay Packers 177 108 0.621 Regular-Season Success: Pittsburgh owns the third-best regular-season record in the NFL over the past 10 years. The Steelers have averaged over 10 wins per year and have earned six playoff berths, five division titles and two Super Bowl victories in that time period. The following are the top five teams in regular-season winning percentage from 2000-2010: Team W L T Pct. Playoff Berths New England 123 50 0.711 8 Indianapolis 122 51 0.705 9 Pittsburgh 113 59 1.656 6 Philadelphia 112 60 1.650 8 Green Bay 103 70 0.595 6 Sustaining Success: Pittsburgh has made the playoffs five times and won the AFC North four times since the divisional realignment in 2002. The Steelers won the AFC North Division for the second consecutive year in 2008. The Steelers have won 19 division titles since the NFL merger in 1970, the most in the AFC during that time. The following is a list of teams that have won the most division titles and qualified for the playoffs since 2002: Team Playoffs Division Titles Indianapolis 8 6 New England 7 6 Philadelphia 6 4 San Diego 5 5 Pittsburgh 5 4 Green Bay 5 4 Controlling The NFC: The Steelers have won 22 of their past 27 regular-season games versus teams in the NFC, dating back to 2003. The Steelers are 89-57-1 (.609) all-time against teams from the NFC, including a 54-19-1 record at home and a 35-38 mark on the road. Pittsburgh had won eight straight games versus NFC teams at home prior to its 2008 loss to the New York Giants. The Steelers are 6-1 versus the NFC in the Super Bowl. Return The Favor: Rookie WR Antonio Brown returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown in the Steelers Week 2 victory at Tennessee. It marked the first kickoff return for Pittsburgh since Allen Rossum returned a kickoff 98 yards for a score against the San Francisco 49ers on Sept. 23, 2007. The following is a list of the kickoff returns for touchdowns (4) for Pittsburgh over the last 11 years (start of 2000 season): Date Player Yards Opponent Sept. 19, 2010 Antonio Brown 89 at Tennessee Sept. 23, 2007 Allen Rossum 98 vs. San Francisco Oct. 12, 2002 Antwaan Randle El 99 at Cincinnati Dec. 24, 2000 Will Blackwell 98 at San Diego In the Red Zone: The Steelers have converted 32 (16 touchdowns, 16 field goals) of their 36 attempts in the red zone into points in 2010. Following is a look at how the Steelers offense has performed in the red zone in 2010: Opponent Att./Scores TDs FGs Pts Atlanta... 2/2... 0... 2... 6 @ Tennessee... 4/4... 0... 4... 12 @ Tampa Bay... 3/3... 2... 1... 17 Baltimore... 2/2... 2... 0... 14 Cleveland... 4/3... 3... 0... 21 @ Miami... 3/3... 0... 3... 9 @ New Orleans... 1/1... 0... 1... 3 @ Cincinnati... 3/3... 2... 1... 17 New England... 5/3... 2... 1... 17 Oakland... 3/3... 3... 0... 21 @ Buffalo... 1/1... 1... 0... 7 @ Baltimore... 2/2... 1... 1... 10 Cincinnati... 3/2... 0... 2... 6 Total... 36/32... 16... 16... 160 Red Zone Defense: The Steelers defense has allowed 27 scores (14 touchdowns, 13 field goals) in 34 possessions in the red zone in 2010. Following is a look at how the Steelers defense has performed in the red zone in 2010: Opponent Att./Scores TDs FGs Pts Atlanta... 1/1... 0... 1... 3 @ Tennessee... 3/1... 1... 0... 7 @ Tampa Bay... 3/2... 1... 1... 10 Baltimore... 4/3... 2... 1... 17 Cleveland... 1/1... 1... 0... 7 @ Miami... 3/3... 0... 3... 9 @ New Orleans... 4/4... 2... 2... 20 @ Cincinnati... 3/2... 2... 0... 14 New England... 5/5... 3... 2... 27 Oakland... 0/0... 0... 0... 0 @ Buffalo... 3/2... 0... 2... 6
@ Baltimore... 2/2... 1... 1... 10 Cincinnati... 2/1... 1... 0... 7 Total... 34/27... 14... 13... 137 Five & 10: The Steelers rank in the top five in the AFC and/or the top 10 in the NFL in several key team and individual categories in 2010. Following is a list of those rankings: Pittsburgh Steelers 2010 AFC/NFL Rankings Team Offense Statistic Rank (AFC/NFL) Rushing Yards/Game... 120.2... 6th/10th Passing Net Yards/Play... 8.0... 4th/9th Passing/Percent Intercepted... 2.4... 6th/9th Team Defense Statistic Rank (AFC/NFL) Yards/Game... 293.0... 3rd/4th Yards/Play... 4.7... 3rd/4th Rushing Yards/Game... 60.1... 1st/1st Rushing Yards/Attempt... 2.9... 1st/1st Passing Net Yards/Play... 6.6... 2nd/4th Passing/Percent Intercepted... 3.4... 6th/9th First Downs/Game... 17.8... 5th/10th Third-Down Efficiency... 33.1... 2nd/3rd Sacks (Total)... 39... 1st/T-1st Points/Game... 15.2... 1st/2nd Points/Game Differential... 7.1... 3rd/T-4th Yards/Game Differential... 39.4... 3rd/6th Takeaways... 30... 1st/T-2nd Turnover Advantage... +14... 2nd/3rd Red-Zone Efficiency... 41.2... 3rd/4th First-Down Plays... 4.21... 1st/1st Special Teams Statistic Rank (AFC/NFL) Kickoff Return Average (Offense)... 25.0... 3rd/8th Gross Punting Average (Offense)... 44.2... 4th/13th Kickoff Return Average (Defense)... 20.5... 3rd/5th Gross Punting Average (Defense)... 41.3... 1st/3rd Avg. Starting Position (Receiving)... 29.0... 3rd/6th Individual Offense Statistic Rank (AFC/NFL) Roethlisberger (Passer Rating)... 94.8... 4th/7th Roethlisberger (Avg. Gain)... 8.03... 2nd/3rd Roethlisberger (INTs)... 5... 3rd/4th Roethlisberger (INT Pct.)... 1.7... 3rd/6th Roethlisberger (4th-Qtr. Passer Rating).. 121.1...1st/1st Roethlisberger (4th-Qtr. Comp. Pct.).. 71.6... 1st/1st Roethlisberger (4th-Qtr. TD pct.)... 10.4... 2nd/2nd Roethlisberger (3rd-Down Passer Rating).. 112.3... 2nd/2nd Roethlisberger (3rd-Down TD Pct.)... 9.5... 2nd/T-4th Roethlisberger (3rd-Down Comp. Pct.)... 63.5... 2nd/3rd Mendenhall (Rushing Att./Single Game).. 36...1st/1st Mendenhall (Rushing Yards)... 1,073... 5th/9th Mendenhall (Rushing TDs)... 9... T-6th/T-8th Wallace (Receiving Yards)... 946... 5th/8th Wallace (Yards/Reception)... 20.6... 1st/2nd Brown (Punt Returns/Single Game)... 7... 1st/T-1st Individual Defense Statistic Rank (AFC/NFL) Polamalu (Total INTs)... 6... T-1st/T-2nd Harrsion (Sacks)... 10.0... T-3rd/T-5th Woodley (Def. Fumble Recoveries)... 2... T-3rd/T-10th Fox (Def. Fumble Recoveries)... 2... T-3rd/T-10th Timmons (Def. Fumble Recoveries)... 2... T-3rd/T-10th Individual Special Teams Statistic Rank (AFC/NFL) Sepulveda (Punting Avg.)... 45.5... 4th/9th Sepulveda (Net Punting Avg.)... 39.1... 6th/10th COACHING NOTES In Control: Head Coach Mike Tomlin owns a 17-6 all-time mark against teams in the AFC North. Tomlin owns an impressive 10-2 record against divisional foes at Heinz Field. Fast Start: Head Coach Mike Tomlin owns a 41-20 overall record in his four seasons as head coach. That record marks the second-best total by a Steelers head coach in his first four seasons at the helm. Our House: Head Coach Mike Tomlin owns a 23-7 regularseason record at Heinz Field in his four seasons in Pittsburgh. The Steelers are 4-2 at home this season. Last year, the Steelers finished 6-2 at home. Nine Times: Head Coach Mike Tomlin is only the seventh head coach to win at least nine games in each of his first four seasons since the NFL merger in 1970. Tomlin joins George Siefert, Mike Holmgren, Bill Cowher, Chuck Knox, Mike Sherman and John Robinson. Monday Night Specialist: Head Coach Mike Tomlin improved to 6-0 on Monday Night Football with the Steelers Week 9 victory at Cincinnati. Tomlin joins only Bill Cowher (Steelers), Tom Flores (Raiders), Steve Mariucci (49ers), George Siefert (49ers) and Don Shula (Colts, Dolphins) to win their first six Monday Night Football games. Tomlin Versus the NFC: Head Coach Mike Tomlin owns an 11-4 regular-season record against NFC teams in his four seasons at the helm of the Steelers. The Steelers are 2-1 this year against NFC teams (Week 1 victory over the Atlanta Falcons, Week 3 victory against Tampa Bay, Week 8 defeat at New Orleans). Perfect To Start: Head Coach Mike Tomlin owns a perfect 4-0 record in season openers. He is the only current coach to have a 4-0 record on Kickoff Weekend. Few And Far Between: Head Coach Mike Tomlin became only the second coach in Steelers history to post winning records in each of his first four seasons. Tomlin is the only coach in team history to win division titles in each of his first two seasons (2007-08). In 2007, Tomlin became just the second head coach in team history to post a winning record in his first season with a mark of 10-6. High Honor Roll: Defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in August of this year. LeBeau had an outstanding NFL career, finishing with 62 career interceptions (seventh all-time) and 171 consecutive starts (then- NFL record for a cornerback) with the Detroit Lions. LeBeau was also inducted into the Ohio State University Hall of Fame in 2009. He played at Ohio State as a cornerback and halfback and was a member of the 1957 national championship team. INDIVIDUAL OFFENSIVE NOTES On Target At Heinz: QB Ben Roethlisberger owns a 3-1 record as the starting quarterback at Heinz Field this season and has put up impressive numbers for the home crowd. Roethlisberger has nine touchdowns to just two interceptions and has completed 61.6 percent of his passes for 1,177 yards at Heinz Field (104.6 passer rating). He tossed three touchdown passes in three consecutive home games earlier this season and threw for 387 yards against the New England Patriots in Week 10. Home Cooking: QB Ben Roethlisberger owns a 37-11 (.771) mark in the regular season in his career at Heinz Field, including winning his first eight starts as a rookie in 2004.
At Heinz Field, Roethlisberger has completed 63.0 percent of his passes for 11,234 with 70 touchdowns and 42 interceptions for a passer rating of 93.2. He has thrown for more than 300 yards eight times and has 22 multi-touchdown games at home (17-5 record in such games). Roethlisberger has twice posted a perfect passer rating at home, including most recently in Week 9 of 2007 against Baltimore. He also had a perfect passer rating (158.3) against Tennessee in the 2005 season opener and has posted at least a 125.0 passer rating seven times. The Steelers have scored at least 20 points in 40 of the 48 games at home with Roethlisberger as the starter. Starting In Style: In his first seven seasons, QB Ben Roethlisberger owns a 67-28 (.705) record as a starting quarterback in the regular season. That mark is the second-best record in the NFL among all active quarterbacks. His 63-27 record after his first 90 starts in the NFL ranks third (tied) in league history for the best record in such starts. Only Tom Brady (67-23) and Ken Stabler (66-23-1) had better records in their first 90 starts in the NFL. Roethlisberger s record is tied with Jim McMahon. The following is a look at the top five starting records among active quarterbacks in the NFL (min. 25 starts): Name W L T Pct. 1. Tom Brady, Patriots 108 32 0.771 2. Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers 67 28 0.705 3. Philip Rivers, Chargers 53 24 0.688 4. Peyton Manning, Colts 138 67 0.673 5. Tony Romo, Cowboys 39 22 0.639 Controlling The North: QB Ben Roethlisberger owns a 28-7 (.800) record as a starter against AFC North opponents during his career with the Steelers. Roethlisberger had won 12 straight games against divisional foes as the starter prior to the Week 3 setback at Cincinnati in 2009, which was the longest streak in the NFL and the longest since Peyton Manning won 12 straight from 2004-06. In his 35 career games versus division opponents, Roethlisberger has posted a perfect passer rating once (11/5/07 vs. Baltimore) and has recorded a passer rating of over 100.0 a total of 13 times. The following is a look at his statistics against the AFC North in his 35 games as a starter: 35 games vs. Statistic AFC North (as a starter) Record... 28-7 Completion Pct. (Comp.-Att.)... 61.0 (606-994) Passing Yards... 7,640 Passing Touchdowns... 48 Interceptions... 32 Passer Rating... 87.6 Also, the following is a look at Roethlisberger s career statistics against AFC North opponents as a starter at home compared to the road: Statistic Home vs. AFC North Away vs. AFC North Record...15-4... 13-3 Completion Pct. (Comp.-Att.)... 60.9 (332-545)... 61.0 (274-449) Passing Yards... 4,358... 3,262 Passing Touchdowns... 28... 20 Interceptions... 20... 12 Passer Rating... 88.0... 86.9 Movin On Up: QB Ben Roethlisberger leads the Steelers in at least 40 different career categories and is tied for first in five other categories. The following is where Roethlisberger ranks in Steelers history in several key receiving categories: Roethlisberger s Rankings Among Steelers QBs (All-Time) Category Statistic Rank Single-Season TD Passes (2007)... 32... 1 st Single-Season Passing Yards (2009)... 4,328... 1 st Single-Season Completions (2009)... 337... 1 st Single-Season Completion Pct. (2004)... 66.4... 1 st Single-Season Passer Rating (2007)... 104.1... 1 st 3,000-Yard Passing Seasons (2006-09)... 4... 1 st Consecutive 3,000-Yard Passing Seasons (2006-09)... 4... 1 st Single-Game Completion Pct. (11/26/07 vs. Miami)... 85.7... 1 st Seasons w/ 250+ Completions (2006-09)... 4... 1 st Seasons w/ Completion Pct. of 60.0+ (2004, 05, 07, 09)... 4... 1 st Seasons w/ Passer Rating of 90.0+ (2004, 05, 07, 09).. 4... 1 st Completions in Single Game (11/5/06 vs. Denver)... 38... 1 st Passing Yards in Single Game (12/20/09 vs. G.B.)... 503... 1 st Career Winning Pct.....705... 1 st Career Completion Pct.... 63.1... 1 st Career Passing Yards/Attempts... 8.01... 1 st Career QB Rating... 92.1... 1 st Career 300-yard Passing Games... 14... 1 st Career Games w/ 30+ Completions... 5... 1 st Career Games w/ 100.0+ Passer Rating... 39... 1 st Career Perfect Passer Rating Games (158.3) **... 3... 1 st Career Touchdown Passes in Final 2 mins./game *... 25... 1 st Career QB Rating in 4th Qtr. *... 88.6... 1 st Career QB Rating in Final 2 mins./game *... 82.3... 1 st Career Yards/Attempt in Final 2 mins./game *... 6.83... 1 st Consecutive Games w/ At Least One TD Pass (2006-07)... 15... 1 st Games Played by Rookie QB (2004)... 14... 1 st Passing Attempts by Rookie QB (2004)... 295... 1 st Pass Completions by Rookie QB (2004)... 196... 1 st Passing Yards by Rookie QB (2004)... 2,621... 1 st Passing TDs by Rookie QB (2004)... 17... 1 st Rushing Attempts by Rookie QB (2004)... 56... 1 st Rushing Yards by Rookie QB (2004)... 144... 1 st Completion Pct. by Rookie QB (2004) **... 66.4... 1 st Passer Rating by Rookie QB (2004) **... 98.1... 1 st Comp. %./Single Game by Rookie QB (10/17/04 vs. Dal.) **... 84.0... 1 st Consecutive Wins to Start Career (2004) **... 13... 1 st Total Wins by Rookie QB (2004) **... 13... 1 st Single-Game TD Passes at Heinz Field (11/5/07 vs. Bal.)... 5... 1 st Total Wins When Throwing for 300-plus Yards... 8... 1 st Single-Game TD Passes on MNF (11/5/07 vs. Bal.) **... 5... T-1 st Consecutive Passes Completed (11/26/07 vs. Miami)... 15... T-1 st Seasons w/ 25+ Passing TDs (2007, 2009)... 2... T-1 st Career TD Passes (indoors)... 12... T-1 st Passing TDs in Single Game (11/5/07 vs. Baltimore)... 5... T-1 st Career Attempts... 2,702... 2 nd Career Completions... 1,706... 2 nd Career Passing Yards... 21,638... 2 nd Career Passing TDs... 140... 2 nd Career TD Passes (on road)... 70... 2 nd Career Passing Yards vs. NFC... 4,921... 2 nd Career Touchdown Passes in Dec./Jan.... 39... 2 nd Career Rushing Yards (by QB)... 823... 3 rd Attempts in Single Game (11/5/06 vs. Denver)... 54... 3 rd * Since 1991 ** NFL Record Passing Perfection: QB Ben Roethlisberger has achieved a number of outstanding single-season accomplishments in his six-year career, including achieving a feat three times that is rarely done in the NFL. Roethlisberger, who set the team s single-season mark for passer rating (104.1) in 2007, has had a perfect passer rating (158.3) three times in his career, tying him with QB Peyton Manning for the most in NFL history (minimum 10 attempts). Roethlisberger s 39 career 100-plus passer rating games in the regular season rank first in team history, surpassing Terry Bradshaw, who had 31 such games since the passer rating rule was implemented in 1973. Steelers Highest Single-Season Passer-Ratings Leaders (Among Qualifiers) Player Rating 1. Ben Roethlisberger (2007) 104.1 2. Ben Roethlisberger (2009) 100.5 3. Ben Roethlisberger (2005) 98.6 4. Ben Roethlisberger (2004) 98.1 5. Terry Bradshaw (1975) 87.8