Game # 9 Pittsburgh Steelers (2-6) vs. Buffalo Bills (3-6) Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013 1 p.m. (ET) Heinz Field Pittsburgh, Pa. Week 10 Pittsburgh Steelers (2-6) vs. Buffalo Bills (3-6) Date: Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013 Kickoff: 1 p.m., ET Site: Heinz Field (65,500) Pittsburgh, Pa. Playing Surface: Natural Grass TV Coverage: CBS (locally KDKA-TV, channel 2) Announcers: Marv Albert (play-by-play) Rich Gannon (analyst) Local Radio: Steelers Radio Network WDVE-FM (102.5)/WBGG-AM (970) Announcers: Bill Hillgrove (play-by-play) Tunch Ilkin (analyst) Craig Wolfley (sideline) Spanish Radio:Available on Steelers.com A Look at the Coaches: Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin Overall regular-season record: 65-39 (.625)/seventh season Regular-season record at Pittsburgh: 65-39 (.625)/seventh season Playoff Record/Years: 5-3/four years Buffalo Bills Head Coach Doug Marrone Overall regular-season record: 3-6 (.333)/first season Regular-season record at Buffalo: 3-6 (.333)/first season Playoff Record/Years: n/a www.steelers.com For all of the most up-to-date information on the Pittsburgh Steelers, visit the team s official web site at www.steelers.com. Updated daily, the web site has the most extensive information on upcoming games and the most comprehensive news on the Steelers. Pittsburgh Steelers 2013 Schedule/Results Preseason (0-4) Saturday, Aug. 10 NEW YORK GIANTS L, 13-18 (KDKA) Monday Aug. 19 at Washington L, 13-24 (ESPN/WTAE) Saturday, Aug. 24 KANSAS CITY L, 20-26, OT (KDKA) Thursday, Aug. 29 at Carolina L, 10-25 (KDKA) Regular Season (2-6) Sunday, Sept. 8 TENNESSEE L, 9-16 (CBS) Monday, Sept. 16 at Cincinnati L, 10-20 (ESPN) Sunday, Sept. 22 CHICAGO L, 23-40 (NBC) Sunday, Sept. 29 vs. Minnesota* L, 27-34 (CBS) Sunday, Oct. 6 BYE Sunday, Oct. 13 at New York Jets W, 19-6 (CBS) Sunday, Oct. 20 BALTIMORE W, 19-16 (CBS) Sunday, Oct. 27 at Oakland L, 18-21 (CBS) Sunday, Nov. 3 at New England L, 31-55 (CBS) Sunday, Nov. 10 BUFFALO 1 p.m. (CBS) Sunday, Nov. 17 DETROIT 1 p.m. (FOX) Sunday, Nov. 24 at Cleveland 1 p.m. (CBS) Thursday, Nov. 28 at Baltimore 8:30 p.m. (NBC) Sunday, Dec. 8 MIAMI 1 p.m. (CBS) Sunday, Dec. 15 CINCINNATI 8:30 p.m. (NBC) Sunday, Dec. 22 at Green Bay 4:25 p.m. (CBS) Sunday, Dec. 29 CLEVELAND 1 p.m. (CBS) *Game played at Wembley Stadium (London) Times and TV Network may change due to NFL flexible scheduling Postseason Sat.-Sun., Jan. 4-5 Sat.-Sun., Jan. 11-12 Sunday, Jan. 19 Sunday, Jan. 26 Sunday, Feb. 2 NOTE: All times are Eastern. Home games in Bold/CAPS. Wild Card Weekend (NBC, CBS & FOX) Divisional Playoff Games (CBS & FOX) Conference Championships (CBS & FOX) AFC-NFC Pro Bowl (Hawaii) (NBC) Super Bowl XLVIII (New York/New Jersey) (FOX) www.steelers.com
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. In Tomlin s first six years as head coach, he has guided the Steelers defense to the NFL s top ranking in total defense four times. He has also sent a total of 38 selections to the league s annual Pro Bowl, including two following the 2012 season. Tomlin has reached the playoffs four times in his first six seasons, including two trips to the Super Bowl (winning Super Bowl XLIII). Tomlin is one of only seven coaches in league history to win a Super Bowl within his first two seasons as an NFL head coach. Tomlin is the only head coach in Steelers history to lead the team to two Super Bowls in his first four seasons at the helm, including an appearance against the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl XLV. He is one of only two Steelers head coaches to win three division titles in his first four seasons. Tomlin was appointed by Commisioner Roger Goodell to the NFL s Competition Committee in March, 2013. In 2012, he led the Steelers to a 27-10 victory over the New York Jets in the home opener, becoming the first coach in team history to win his first six home openers. The Steelers finished the season with the top-ranked overall defense (275.8 ypg) and finished first in passing defense (185.2 ypg). In 2011, Tomlin led the Steelers to a 12-4 record, marking the second straight season the team posted 12 wins, which marked only the second time in team history it has been achieved. The Steelers finished second in total defense under Tomlin s guidance in 2010, allowing only 276.8 yards per game. Pittsburgh led the NFL and set a team record in rushing defense, yielding only 62.8 yards per game (1,004 yards), the third-best total in NFL history dating back to 1970. The Steelers also established an NFL record in 2010 by not allowing an opponent to rush for more than 75 yards in any of their first eight games during the regular season. In all, the Steelers defense led the NFL in 2010 in rushing yards allowed, points allowed (232), touchdowns (22), quarterback sacks (48), rushing average (3.0), yards per play (4.5) and yards allowed on first down (4.08). Tomlin was a three-year starter at wide receiver at William and Mary (1990-94) and finished his career with 101 receptions for 2,054 yards and 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. DOUG MARRONE was named Buffalo s 16th head coach on January 7, 2013. He is in his eighth season as an NFL coach and first as a head coach. Prior to Buffalo Marrone was the head coach of his alma-mater Syracuse University from 2009-12. He served as the offensive coordinator of the New Orleans Saints from 2006-08 and prior to that he was the offensive line coach for the New York Jets from 2002-05. In 2001 Marrone coached tight ends and tackles at Tennessee. In 2000 he was the offensive line at Georgia after spending the previous five years at Georgia Tech. STEELERS RADIO COVERAGE For the 15th consecutive year, WDVE-FM (102.5) and WBGG- AM (970) are carrying all Steelers games. Additionally, Steelers games can be heard on a 47-station network spanning Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio and Maryland. All Steelers games will be broadcast in Spanish on steelers.com. For the 19th straight season, Bill Hillgrove serves as the Voice of the Steelers and handles play-by-play duties for the broadcast. Joining Hillgrove for his 15th season as an expert analyst is Tunch Ilkin, the former Steelers All-Pro offensive tackle. Joining the team for his 11th 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 (35) Allentown-WSAN (1470) Altoona-WVAM (1430) Altoona-WRKY (104.9) Beaver Falls-WBVP (1230) Beaver Falls-WMBA (1460) Bedford-WBVE (107.5) Bradford-WESB (1490) Butler-WISR (680) Chambersburg-WCHA (800) Clarendon-WKNB (104.3) Clarion-WCCR (92.7) Cooperstown-WUUZ (107.7) DuBois-WOWQ (102.1) Erie-WJET (1440) Gettysburg-WGET (1320) Grove City-WWGY (95.1) Harrisburg-WHGB (1400) Harrisburg-W237DE (95.3) Homer City-WCCS (1160) Johnstown-WRKW (99.1) Johnstown-WKGE (850) Latrobe-WCNS (1480) Manchester Twp.-WGLD (1440) Mount Union-WHUN (106.9) Punxsutawney-WPXZ (104.1) Reading-WIOV (1240) Riverside/Selinsgrove-WVSL (1240) Saegertown-WUUZ (94.3) Scottdale-WLSW (103.9) Somerset-WLLI (990) State College-WRSC (103.1) Uniontown-WMBS (590) Washington-WJPA (1450) Williamsport-WCXR (93.3) Williamsport-WZXR (103.7) 2013 Regular Season AFC North Standings W L T Pct. Pts. Opp. Cincinnati 6 3 0.667 217 166 Cleveland 4 5 0.444 172 197 Baltimore 3 5 0.375 168 172 Pittsburgh 2 6 0.250 156 208 This Week in the AFC North: Sunday, Nov. 10: Baltimore (3-5) vs. Cincinnati (6-3), 1 p.m. (CBS) Pittsburgh (2-6) vs. Buffalo (3-6), 1 p.m. (CBS, locally KDKA) Cleveland (4-5) - Bye All times are Eastern. OHIO (3) Fremont-WOHF (92.1) Westerville-WMNI (103.9) Youngstown-WNIO (1390) MARYLAND (3) Cumberland-WTBO (1450) Frostburg-WFRB (560) Hagerstown-WHAG (1410) WEST VIRGINIA (5) Fairmont-WRLF (94.3) Fairmont-WMMN (920) New Martinsville-WXCR (92.3) St. Mary s-wjaw (630) Wheeling-WKWK (97.3) SOUTH CAROLINA (1) Myrtle Beach-WRXZ (107.1) www.steelers.com
STEELERS PRONUNCIATIONS Le Veon Bell... (LAY-vee-on) Hebron Fangupo... (Heh-bron Fan-GOO-poe) Ramon Foster... (ra-mone) Brett Keisel... (KEE-sull) Derek Moye... (Rhymes with Toy ) Troy Polamalu... (Pole-uh-MAH-lu) Ben Roethlisberger... (ROTH-lis-ber-ger) Shaun Suisham... (Swee-zum) Shamarko Thomas... (SHUH-mar-ko) Kion Wilson... (KEY-on) LaMarr Woodley... (la-marr) Jason Worilds... (Worlds) MEDIA NOTES Buffalo Conference Call: Buffalo Bills Head Coach Doug Marrone and a Bills player will be available for conference calls on Wednesday Nov. 6. The player will call around 1:30-40 p.m. ET and Marrone will call around 2:30 p.m. ET. Weekly Press Conference: Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin will conduct a press conference on Tuesday, Nov. 5 at noon, in the Steelers media workroom at the UPMC Sports Performance Complex. Official Steelers Website: Media and fans can read about the latest Steelers news on the official Steelers website. The site, www.steelers.com, features breaking news, statistics, player biographies and much more. Media-Only Section of www.steelers.com The Steelers Media Relations Department offers a Media- Only section on steelers.com. To sign up for this service, go to http://members.steelers.com 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. LAST WEEK S GAME New England 55, Pittsburgh 31 Sunday, Nov. 3 Foxborough, Mass. (Gillette Stadium) Pittsburgh Team Notes: The Steelers fell to 14-9 against New England during the regular season, including 3-3 on the road. The Steelers are 406-264-2 during the regular season since 1970. Pittsburgh totaled 479 total net yards, its highest total since 12/ 20/09 vs. Green Bay (537). Pittsburgh registered 371 net passing yards, which marked only the second time (dating back to 1970) that the Steelers registered three games with at least 350 net passing yards in the same season (2009: 403, 402, 472). Over the last four games Pittsburgh has forced six turnovers (four interceptions and two fumble recoveries). The Steelers totaled 225 total net yards in the first half, the most since registering 234 in the first half vs. Washington on 10/28/12. Pittsburgh s defense registered three sacks, marking the sixth consecutive game this season they recorded at least one sack. The Steelers defense held the Patriots to a three-and-out on their first possession of the game. It marked the seventh time in eight games this season that Pittsburgh held their opponent without a touchdown on the first drive. It was also the fourth time this season that the Steelers did not allow their opponent to gain a first down on their first drive. Pittsburgh s defense held their opponent scoreless on the first drive of the second half for the fourth straight game and the sixth time this season. QB Landry Jones, WR Markus Wheaton, CB Curtis Brown, TE Richard Gordon, LB Kion Wilson, G David DeCastro and DT Hebron Fangupo were inactive for the Steelers. Pittsburgh Individual Notes: QB Ben Roethlisberger Completed 28-of-48 passes for 400 yards with four touchdowns, two interceptions for a passer rating of 95.8. Recorded at least 300 passing yards for the third straight game against the Patriots (387 on 11/14/10 and 365 on 10/30/11). Tuesday, Nov. 5 Wednesday, Nov. 6 Thursday, Nov. 7 Noon - Coach Tomlin press conference (ROOT Sports) No player availibility www.steelers.com Open locker room 12:30-1 p.m. Practice: 1:15-3:15 p.m. Coach Tomlin available upon request after practice Open locker room 3:15-3:45 p.m. THIS WEEK S SCHEDULE (SUBJECT TO CHANGE) Open locker room 12:15-12:45 p.m. Practice: 1-3 p.m. Coordinators available coming off the field after practice Coach Tomlin available upon request after practice Open locker room 3-3:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 8 Saturday, Nov. 9 Sunday, Nov. 10 Monday, Nov. 11 Practice: 10:45 a.m. - No media availibility 1 p.m. (ET) TBA 12:30 p.m. Home Game vs. Open locker room Buffalo 12:30-1 p.m. (Heinz Field) CBS (locally KDKA-TV, channel 2)
Registered a passer rating of at least 90.0 for the fifth time against New England during the regular season (126.4, 93.8, 97.0, 97.5). Registered his 26 th 300-yard passing game of his career during the regular season. Matched his franchise best by throwing for at least 375 yards in three games during the same regular season (2009). Registered at least four touchdown passes for the sixth time in his career. The 27-yard touchdown pass to WR Antonio Brown made him the second player in Steelers history to throw for at least 200 touchdowns during the regular season (Terry Bradshaw, 212). Joined Bradshaw, John Elway, Joe Montana, Tom Brady and Eli Manning as the only quarterbacks to throw for at least 200 touchdowns and win at least two Super Bowls. Is one of seven active quarterbacks to throw for at least 200 touchdowns during the regular season (Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Eli Manning, Philip Rivers and Matt Hasselbeck). Extended his franchise-best streak of consecutive games in which he has played in with at least one touchdown pass to 22 (including the postseason). Totaled a season-high 173 first half passing yards. Registered a passer rating of 105.7 in the first half, marking the fourth time this season, and the third time in the last four games, that he has registered a passer rating of at least 100.0 in the first half. With 2,330 passing yards on the season, Roethlisberger has totaled the most passing yards by a Steeler in the team s first eight games (dating back to 1960). Passing Yards Rk. Steelers Player (season) In Team s First Eight Games 1. Ben Roethlisberger (2013) 2,330 2. Ben Roethlisberger (2011) 2,302 3. Ben Roethlisberger (2009) 2,295 4. Ben Roethlisberger (2012) 2,203 5. Tommy Maddox (2003) 1,871 Tied for the most completions by a Steeler (200) in the team s first eight games of a season, dating back to 1960. Completions Rk. Steelers Player (season) In Team s First Eight Games 1. Ben Roethlisberger (2013) 200 Ben Roethlisberger (2012) 200 3. Ben Roethlisberger (2009) 185 4. Ben Roethlisberger (2011) 183 5. Tommy Maddox (2003) 164 RB Le Veon Bell Totaled a team-high 74 rushing yards on 16 carries (4.6 avg.). Registered a 29-yard reception on third-and-30, setting up a fourth-and-inches that he converted with a one-yard run. Recorded a 25-yard run to the New England 31-yard line in the third quarter. Registered 139 yards from scrimmage, the eighth-most by a Steelers rookie in a single game during the regular season, dating back to 1960. RB Jonathan Dwyer Recorded a 30-yard run to the New England 27-yard line late in the second quarter. It was his second run of at least 20 yards this season (25 yards vs. CHI). WR Antonio Brown Recorded five receptions for 71 yards and one touchdown. Has registered at least one reception in 48 consecutive games in which he has played, including the postseason. Has 61 receptions this season, marking the most receptions by a Steelers player in the team s first eight games of a season (dating back to 1960). Receptions In Team s Rk. Steelers Player (season) 1. Antonio Brown (2013) 61 2. Hines Ward (2002) 55 3. Hines Ward (2003) 54 4. Hines Ward (2004) 51 5. Hines Ward (2001) 50 First Eight Games With 701 receiving yards this season he has recorded the fifthmost yards by a Pittsburgh player in the team s first eight games of a season, dating back to 1960. Rec. Yards In Team s Rk. Steelers Player (season) 1. Mike Wallace (2011) 800 2. Buddy Dial (1963) 791 3. Buddy Dial (1960) 770 4. John Stallworth (1984) 757 5. Antonio Brown (2013) 701 First Eight Games WR Emmanuel Sanders Led the team with a career high 98 receiving yards on six receptions (16.3 avg.). Recorded a 42-yard reception to the New England 34-yard line. The drive resulted in a field goal. It was his third reception of 40+ yards this season (43 yards at CIN and 55 yards at NYJ). WR Jerricho Cotchery Finished with a team-high seven receptions for 96 yards and a career-high three receiving touchdowns. Is the first Steelers receiver since Hines Ward (10/22/06 at ATL) to register three receiving touchdowns in the same game. Registered a 20-yard touchdown reception early in the third quarter to pull the Steelers to within seven and then tied the game with an eight-yard reception with 7:10 left in the third quarter. Recorded the second multi-touchdown game of his career (two receiving touchdowns vs. Arizona on 9/28/08). Five touchdown receptions this season are tied for the secondmost he has recorded in one regular season in his career. (Five in 2008 and six in 2006). TE Heath Miller Recorded four receptions for 43 yards. Registered at least one reception for the 80 th consecutive game in which he has played, including the postseason. LB Jason Worilds Recorded two sacks for the third time in his career (two vs. Cleveland on 12/8/11 and two at Cleveland on 11/25/12). Sacked QB Tom Brady for a loss of two yards on third-and-six, forcing the Patriots to punt on their first drive of the game. Forced New England to take a field goal late in the third quarter after sacking Brady for a loss of nine yards on third-and-three. Now has three sacks in the last four games and 13.0 for his career. DE Cameron Heyward Sacked QB Tom Brady for a loss of eight yards to force a thirdand-goal from the Pittsburgh 17-yard line that they did not convert. It was his first sack of the season and gave him 3.5 for his career. www.steelers.com
S Troy Polamalu Forced a fumble on RB Stevan Ridley on the first possession of the third quarter that was recovered by LB LaMarr Woodley at the New England 36-yard line. The ensuing drive resulted in a touchdown to pull Pittsburgh to within seven points. On fourth-and-goal from the Pittsburgh one-yard line, tackled RB Stevan Ridley for no gain in the first quarter. STEELERS NATION HD RADIO Steelers Nation Radio is a 24-hour/day HD radio station dedicated specifically to the Pittsburgh Steelers. SNR broadcasts live daily from Pittsburgh s practice facility at the UPMC Sports Performance Complex from 4:30-6 p.m. It can be heard on www.steelers.com, the Steelers Gameday Plus app or the iheart app on your smartphone (under the heading of Black and Gold Radio), and at 102.5 WDVE HD2. A full daily schedule of what is on Steelers Nation HD Radio is available at www.facebook.com/steelersnationradio. SALUTE TO SERVICE At this week s game, the Steelers will pay tribute to America s military veterans and active duty service members as part of the NFL s Salute to Service. A Veteran from every war will be honored on the field during pregame. Active duty Army Sergeant Corrin Campbell will sing the National Anthem and local veterans of The Marine Corp League Three Rivers Leatherneck Detachment 310 will serve as the Color Guard. The Terrible Towel Twirl will be led by the veterans crew of the U.S.S. Requin, a submarine that will be on display outside of the Carnegie Science Center. An active Army soldier rock band will perform before the game in the FedEx Great Hall. At halftime new recruits from each branch of the Military will be sworn in and the Air Force Band will perform. For every point scored during the 32 Salute to Service games (one at each club), the NFL will donate $100 to each of its core military non-profit partners - the Pat Tillman Foundation, USO and Wounded Warrior Project ($300 total per point scored). There will also be military-themed elements such as hats, goal post wraps, Gatorade towels, gloves, captains patches, instadium banners, a club-customized Salute to Service coin, and pylon decals. Fans can sign cards for service members, veterans and military families in the FedEx Great Hall through halftime as part of the Red Cross Holiday Mail for Heroes program. 2013 REGULAR SEASON STATISTICAL COMPARISON Steelers Category Bills 19.5... Points Scored Per Game... 21.0 26.0... Points Allowed Per Game... 26.2 19.4... First Downs Per Game... 19.6 341.8... Total Yards Per Game... 344.7 73.6... Rushing Yards Per Game... 145.8 268.1... Passing Yards Per Game... 198.9 13... Sacks By... 29 4... Interceptions By... 12 30:25... Avg. Time of Possession... 27:33 15... Touchdowns... 19 3... Rushing Touchdowns... 8 12... Passing Touchdowns... 9 0... Touchdowns on Returns... 2 16/18... Field Goals... 18/20 42.8... Punting Avg.... 45.7 10.4... Punt Return Avg.... 8.6 23.0... Kickoff Return Avg.... 20.7 STEELERS-BILLS SERIES HISTORY Series History: Series began in 1970 Overall: Pittsburgh leads 12-8 At Pittsburgh: Pittsburgh leads 7-1 At Buffalo: Buffalo leads 7-5 Neutral Sites: n/a Last Regular-Season Meeting: Nov. 28, 2010 (in Buffalo) Pittsburgh 19, Buffalo 16 (OT) Postseason Series: Pittsburgh leads 2-1 Last Postseason Meeting: AFC Divisional Game Jan. 6, 1996 (in Pittsburgh) Pittsburgh 40, Buffalo 21 (postseason record not included in overall series record) This is the first meeting between these two teams at Heinz Field since 2007, when the Steelers won 26-3 Pittsburgh has won four straight regular-season contests in the series and seven of the last eight regular-season games dating back to 1993 the Bills have not won a game in Pittsburgh in their last five visits all but one of the Steelers last five home victories have been by at least 13 points the Steelers 19 points scored against Buffalo in 2010 was the first time in 11 games that Pittsburgh did not score at least 20 points against the Bills Steelers K Shaun Suisham was the hero the last time the two clubs met in the regular season, hitting all four of his field goal attempts, including the gamewinning 41-yarder in overtime, to lift Pittsburgh to a 19-16 victory Mike Tomlin owns a 2-0 record against the Bills as a head coach a win would give the Steelers a five-game winning streak against the Bills, matching Pittsburgh s current five-game winning streaks against Miami and Washington, which are the longest current regular-season streaks for Pittsburgh against any team. STEELERS-BILLS CONNECTIONS Local Connections Bills General Manager Doug Whaley is a native of Pittsburgh, Pa. and a graduate of Upper St. Clair High School. He won a state championship in football in 1989, before going on to play safety and linebacker at the University of Pittsburgh from 1990-93. Whaley served as the Steelers Pro Scouting Coordinator from 1999-2009. He originally broke into the NFL as a Pro Personnel Assistant with Pittsburgh in 1995. Bills offensive quality control coach Jason Vrable is a native of South Park, Pa., and a graduate of South Park High School. He also coached locally at Robert Morris University in 2008. Bills defensive coordinator Mike Pettine coached at the University of Pittsburgh from 1993-94. Bills special teams coordinator Danny Crossman played defensive back at the University of Pittsburgh from 1987-89. Bills linebackers coach Chuck Driesbach coached at the University of Pittsburgh from 1993-96. Pro Connections Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin was the Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator in 2006 when Bills offensive line coach Pat Morris was Minnesota s offensive line coach. Steelers defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau served as the assistant head coach of the Buffalo Bills in 2003. Steelers special teams coordinator Danny Smith coached for Buffalo from 2001-03. Bills OL Doug Legursky signed with the Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2008. He spent the 2008 season on the practice squad and then appeared in 51 regular season games, starting 17, from 2009-12. Legursky also started two postseason contests for Pittsburgh, including Super Bowl XLV. www.steelers.com
Bills G Kraig Urbik was originally drafted by the Steelers in the third round (79th overall) of 2009 NFL Draft. Bills FB Frank Summers was originally drafted by the Steelers in the fifth round (169 th overall) of the 2009 NFL draft. He played in two games for the Steelers in 2009, making one start. Bills P Brian Moorman spent time with the Steelers during training camp this season before being released and eventually re-signing with the Bills. Bills DL Corbin Bryant appeared in one game with the Steelers in 2011, and spent parts of the 2011 and 2012 seasons on the Steelers practice squad. Steelers S Ryan Clark and Bills wide receivers coach Ike Hilliard were teammates with the New York Giants in 2002-03. Hilliard also played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2005-08, working with Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin (in 2005) and wide receivers coach Richard Mann (05-08). Hilliard was on the Washington Redskins coaching staff in 2012 with Steelers special teams coordinator Danny Smith. Steelers wide receivers coach Richard Mann and Bills offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Nathaniel Hackett worked together for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2006-07. Steelers special teams coordinator Danny Smith held the same position with Washington in 2011 when Bills RB Tashard Choice was with the Redskins for one game. Steelers WR Jerricho Cotchery was a member of the New York Jets from 2004-10. In 2004-05, Bills Head Coach Doug Marrone was the Jets offensive line coach. In 2010, Bills assistant defensive backs coach Samson Brown joined the Jets coaching staff. In 2009 and 2010, Bills defensive coordinator Mike Pettine and linebackers coach Jim O Neil were on the Jets staff, Cotchery s final two seasons in New York. Cotchery also played with a pair of current Bills players while with the Jets including S Jim Leonhard (2009-10) and LB Jamaal Westerman (2009-10). Steelers CB William Gay and Bills LB Jamaal Westerman played together for the Arizona Cardinals in 2012. Steelers C Fernando Velasco was in his first season with the Tennessee Titans in 2008 when Bills tight ends coach Greg Adkins was in his final season on the Titans coaching staff. Steelers QB Bruce Gradkowski and Bills LB Manny Lawson were teammates with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2011-12. Gradkowski played for the Oakland Raiders with Bills OL Erik Pears in 2009. Steelers C/G Cody Wallace and Bills LB Manny Lawson were teammates with the San Francisco 49ers in 2008-09. Wallace played in Houston with Bills DL Mario Williams in 2011. Steelers OT Guy Whimper played with Bills OL Mark Asper for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2012. Steelers P Mat McBriar and Bills RB Tashard Choice were teammates with the Dallas Cowboys from 2008-11. Steelers K Shaun Suisham spent part of the 2009 season with the Cowboys and Bills TE Scott Chandler played for Dallas in 2010. College Connections Bills Head Coach Doug Marrone was the head coach at Syracuse Univresity from 2009-12, the same time that Steelers rookie S Shamarko Thomas was playing for the Orange. A number of Thomas former coaches from Syracuse are on the Bills staff including: Greg Adkins (tight ends), John Anselmo (special teams asst.), Stephen Brown (asst. to the head coach), Nathaniel Hackett (offensive coordinator/quarterbacks), Donnie Henderson (defensive backs), Hal Luther (asst. strength and conditioning), Jason Rebrovich (defensive quality control), Jason Vrable (offensive quality control) and Tyrone Wheatley (running backs). Steelers offensive line coach Jack Bicknell, Jr. was the head coach at Louisiana Tech when Bills head strength and conditioning coach Eric Ciano was on the Bulldogs staff from 2000-02. Steelers WR Jerricho Cotchery and Bills DE Mario Williams and LB Manny Lawson were teammates at North Carolina State in 2003. Cotchery and Lawson also played together in 2002. In 2000, Bills assistant strength and conditioning coach Hal Luther was on the Wolfpack coaching staff, Cotchery s first collegiate season. Steelers LB Lawrence Timmons and Bills LS Garrison Sanborn were teammates at Florida State from 2003-06. Steelers LB Vince Williams played at Florida State with Bills LB Nigel Bradham and QB E.J. Manuel from 2009-11. Williams and Manuel were also teammates in 2012 and are both in their rookie season. Steelers LB Jarvis Jones and Bills OL Cordy Glenn were teammates at the University of Georgia in 2010-11. Steelers NT Steve McLendon and Bills CB Leodis McKelvin were teammates at Troy from 2005-07. Steelers OT Marcus Gilbert was in his final season at the University of Florida in 2010 when Bills defensive line coach Anthony Weaver was in his only season on the Gators staff. Steelers RB Jonathan Dwyer, who played at Georgia Tech from 2007-09, and Bills RB Tashard Choice were teammates at GT in 2007. Bills head strength and conditioning coach Eric Ciano was also on the Yellow Jackets staff during those seasons. Steelers LB LaMarr Woodley and Bills DL Alan Branch were teammates at the University of Michigan from 2004-06. In 2006, Titans offensive quality control coach Kurt Anderson joined the Wolverines coaching staff. Steelers TE David Paulson and Bills S Jairus Byrd and OL Mark Asper were teammates at the University of Oregon in 2007-08. Paulson and Asper played together for the Ducks through 2011 with Bills LB Kiko Alonso, who joined the Ducks in 2008. WHAT TO LOOK FOR PITTSBURGH TEAM NOTES The Steelers look to improve to 13-8 against the Bills during the regular season, including 8-1 at home. Pittsburgh aims to record its fifth consecutive regular-season win against Buffalo and the eighth in the last nine contests against the Bills. Look to become the first Steelers offense to register four games with at least 350 net passing yards in one season, dating back to 1970. The Steelers aim to improve to 407-264-2 during the regular season since 1970. PITTSBURGH INDIVIDUAL NOTES Head Coach Mike Tomlin A win would make him 66-39 during the regular season, including 38-14 at home. Looks to improve to 3-0 against Buffalo during the regular season. Can improve to 16-10 in the month of November. QB Ben Roethlisberger A win would make him 90-45 as a starter during the regular season. Aims to improve to 3-0 against Buffalo during the regular season. Is looking to improve to 51-17 during the regular season at home. Looks to record his 90th regular season win in his 135th start, which would make him the fifth-fastest quarterback in the Super Bowl era to reach 90 regular-season wins as a starter. Below are the top five fastest quarterbacks in NFL history to reach 90 wins as a starter: Number Of Starts Rk. Quarterback To Get to 90 Wins 1. Tom Brady 115 2. Joe Montana 128 3. Terry Bradshaw 129 4. Ken Stabler 133 5. Steve Young 137 www.steelers.com
Aims to become the first Steelers quarterback to throw for at least 400 yards in back-to-back games. Looking to throw for 400+ yards for the sixth time in his career and the third time this season (400 yards at NE, 11/3/13 and 406 yards vs. CHI, 9/22/13). Is looking to set a franchise best by throwing for at least 375 yards in four games during the same regular season (383 yards vs. MIN in London, 9/29/13 / 400 yards at NE, 11/3/13 / 406 yards vs. CHI, 9/22/13). Looking to extend his franchise best streak of consecutive games in which he has played in with at least one touchdown pass to 23 (including the postseason). Can become the first player in Steelers history to throw for at least four touchdowns in back-to-back games. It would also mark the second time in his career that he has registered at least two games with at least four touchdown passes in the same season (3 in 2007). RB Le Veon Bell With 100+ yards from scrimmage he would become the fourth Steelers rookie to record at least 100 yards from scrimmage in back-to-back games, dating back to 1960. Looks to record two rushing touchdowns and join Willie Asbury (2 TDs @ PHI on 12/4/66 and 2 TDs @ NYG on 12/11/66) and Franco Harris (2 TDs @ BUF on 10/29/72 and 2 TDs vs. CLE on 12/3/72) as the only Steelers rookies to record two games with at least two rushing touchdowns in the same season, dating back to 1960. With one rushing touchdown he will tie for second among Steelers rookies in rushing touchdowns in the team s first nine games of the regular season (dating back to 1960): Rk. Steelers Rookie Rushing TDs 1. Franco Harris (1972) 5 2. Bam Morris (1994) 4 Joe Womack (1962) 4 4. Le Veon Bell (2013) 3 Mike Collier (1975) 3 WR Antonio Brown Needs six receptions to pass Hines Ward (66 in 2002) for the most receptions by a Steelers player in the team s first nine games, dating back to 1960. Although he has only played in eight games, his 61 receptions this season are the second most by a Pittsburgh player in the team s first nine games. Is 99 yards shy of becoming the fourth Steelers player (Mike Wallace, 2011 / Buddy Dial 1960 and 63 / John Stallworth 1984) to record at least 800 receiving yards in the team s first nine games. Is 10 receptions shy of tying Keyshawn Johnson (71 in 2001) for the fifth-most receptions by an NFL player in the team s first nine games, dating back to 1960. Looks to become the third Steelers player to record two games with at least 10 receptions in the same regular season (Hines Ward, 2002 and Yancey Thigpen, 1995). Aims to record 150+ receiving yards for the third time in his career and the second time this season. It would make Brown the sixth player in franchise history to register at least two games with 150+ receiving yards in the same season and the first to accomplish the feat since Plaxico Burress in 2001. Looking to record at least one reception for the 49th consecutive game in which he has played, including the postseason. WR Emmanuel Sanders Looks to register his fourth reception of 40+ yards this season (42 at NE / 55t at NYJ / 43 at CIN). Aims to record at least six receptions for a career-best third consecutive game. TE Heath Miller Is two touchdowns away from tying Buddy Dial (42) for the fourth most receiving touchdowns in team history. Looks to register a reception for the 81st consecutive game in which he has played, including the postseason. S Troy Polamalu Needs one interception to tie Jack Ham and Darren Perry (32) for the seventh most in team history. LB Lawrence Timmons Looks to register at least 10 tackles for the fifth time this season. Date Opponent Tackles (solo) 9/8 Tennessee 11 (6) 9/22 Chicago 10 (7) 10/13 at New York Jets 10 (6) 10/20 Baltimore 20 (17) 10/27 at Oakland 12 (5) LB Jason Worilds After registering 2.0 sacks against the Patriots, looks to record at least one sack in back-to-back games for the second time in his career (recorded one sack against PHI on 10/7/12 and one sack at TEN on 10/11/12). TEAM NOTES Defense Feels At Home: Pittsburgh s defense only gave up 16 points in Week 1 versus Tennessee and in a Week 7 win over Baltimore. The Titans game was the ninth consecutive home opener where the Steelers gave up 17 points or less. The Steelers yielded 40 points in Week 3 against Chicago in part due to five turnovers, including two the Bears brought back for touchdowns. Pittsburgh s 17.4 points per game allowed at home are the fourth-fewest in the NFL and first in the AFC since the start of 2012. 2012-13 2012-13 Team Home GP Points Per Game Allowed at Home Seattle 12 12.7 San Francisco 12 15.8 Green Bay 11 16.5 Pittsburgh 11 17.4 Since Dick LeBeau has been defensive coordinator (2004- present), the Steelers have allowed an average of 15.7 points per game at Heinz Field, which is the second-lowest in the NFL over that time span for points given up at home during the regular season (Baltimore, 15.4). Dating back to 2010, Coach LeBeau s defenses have been consistently stingy at home. In 2010 the Steelers allowed only 13.8 points per game, followed by 10.0 in 2011 and 14.9 in 2012. Holding away teams to under 15.0 points per game in each of the last three seasons tied 1992-94 (11.4, 12.1 and 13.0) for the second-longest streak of only giving up an average of less than 15.0 points per home game. The longest such streak in team history was eight years, 1972-79 (10.3, 13.8, 9.4, 13.3, 9.9, 14.9, 13.4 and 10.5). Heinz Field Advantage: The Steelers own the best home record in the NFL with a 240-94-1 record (.718) since 1970. Pittsburgh is 71-27-1 (.722) at home since Heinz Field opened in 2001, which is the fourth best winning percentage in the NFL during that time span. Only six opponents have registered multiple regularseason victories at Heinz Field. Below are the top five home records since 2001: www.steelers.com
Team Record Win Pct. New England Patriots 84-17.832 Baltimore Ravens 75-24.758 Green Bay Packers 72-27.727 Pittsburgh Steelers 71-27-1.722 Indianapolis Colts 72-28.720 In the first six seasons under Tomlin, the Steelers won at least five games at home each season. The last time Pittsburgh did not win at least five home games in a season was 2003. Since 2004, Pittsburgh and New England are the only teams in the league to register at least five wins at home during each regular 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. The Steelers finished the 1979 regular season with an undefeated home record (8-0) and eventually won Super Bowl XIV. The Steelers were also undefeated at home (7-0) in 1972. The following is a look at the list of the Steelers records at home since 2004: Year Record 2004 8-0 2005 5-3 2006 5-3 2007 7-1 2008 6-2 2009 6-2 2010 5-3 2011 7-1 2012 5-3 2013 1-2 Tough On Rookies: Since Defensive Coordinator Dick LeBeau returned to the Steelers in 2004, the Steelers have had tremendous success against rookie quarterbacks. In Week 6 the Steelers held Jets rookie QB Geno Smith to a passer rating of 48.8 while forcing two interceptions in the 19-6 win. Including the postseason, the Steelers are 16-2 against teams that start a rookie quarterback. In those 18 contests, rookie quarterbacks have combined for 3,087 passing yards with nine touchdowns and 21 interceptions, a completion percentage of 53.4 (297-556) and a passer rating of 59.4. The following is a list of all the games, the quarterback the Steelers faced, and the outcome. Date Opponent Quarterback Result 12/18/04 at N.Y. Giants Eli Manning W, 33-30 12/11/05 CHICAGO Kyle Orton W, 21-9 12/24/05 at Cleveland Charlie Frye W, 41-0 12/3/06 TAMPA BAY Bruce Gradkowski W, 20-3 11/27/07 MIAMI John Beck W, 3-0 12/30/07 at Baltimore Troy Smith L, 27-21 9/29/08 BALTIMORE Joe Flacco W, 23-20 (OT) 12/14/08 at Baltimore Joe Flacco W, 13-9 *1/18/09 BALTIMORE Joe Flacco W, 23-14 10/17/10 CLEVELAND Colt McCoy W, 28-10 12/23/10 CAROLINA Jimmy Clausen W, 27-3 1/2/11 at Cleveland Colt McCoy W, 41-9 10/16/11 JACKSONVILLE Blaine Gabbert W, 17-13 11/13/11 at Cincinnati Andy Dalton W, 24-17 12/4/11 CINCINNATI Andy Dalton W, 35-7 10/28/12 WASHINGTON Robert Griffin III W, 27-12 11/25/12 at Cleveland Brandon Weeden L, 20-14 10/13/13 at New York Jets Geno Smith W, 19-6 *Postseason A Good 10-Plus Years: Pittsburgh is one of five teams to win at least 100 regular-season games since the start of the 2003 season. They are also second in Super Bowl appearances over that time span and tied for the lead with two Super Bowl victories. The following are the top-five teams in regular-season winning percentage from 2003-present: Team W L T Pct. Playoff Berths SB App. SB Wins New England 133 36 0.787 9 4 2 Indianapolis 118 50 0.702 9 2 1 Pittsburgh 105 63 0.625 6 3 2 Green Bay 103 64 0.617 7 1 1 Baltimore 100 68 0.595 7 1 1 Among The Best: The Steelers win at the New York Jets in Week 5 gave the franchise 600 career wins (including postseason). Pittsburgh is the fourth team in the league, and the first in the AFC, to reach to 600 win total. The following is a list of the top five teams in the NFL for career wins (including postseason): Team Wins 1. Chicago Bears 743 2. Green Bay Packers 725 3. New York Giants 678 4. Pittsburgh Steelers 601* 5. Washington Redskins 587 *Total includes 1943 season when Pittsburgh joined Philadelphia Additionally, Pittsburgh owns the third-best regular-season record in the NFL since the free-agency era (since 1993) with a 203-124-1 (.620) record. The Steelers are one of three teams (New England, 217 / Green Bay, 210) to record over 195 wins since 1993. The following is a look at the top three regular-season records in the free agency era (since 1993): Team W L T Pct. 1. New England Patriots 217 112 0.660 2. Green Bay Packers 210 117 0.642 3. Pittsburgh Steelers 203 123 1.622 Continued Success: With a victory over the Washington Redskins in Week 8 of 2012, the Steelers became the first team to reach 400 regular season wins since the 1970 merger of the National and American Football Leagues. 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 406 264 2.606 2. Miami Dolphins 396 274 2.591 3. Dallas Cowboys 394 279 0.585 If You Build It, They Will Come: Pittsburgh opened the 2013 season with crowds of over 61,000 in the first three home games. Pittsburgh has sold out every home game, dating back to Nov. 5, 1972 versus Cincinnati, a span of 320 regular season games. The Steelers averaged 61,141 fans in eight home games during the 2012 season. It was the 11th time in 12 seasons at Heinz Field that Pittsburgh averaged over 61,000 fans per game. In the 2010 AFC Championship victory over the N.Y. Jets, the Steelers broke the single-game record. The attendance of 66,662 surpassed the old mark of 65,597 set October 25, 2009, during a game versus the Minnnesota Vikings. The previous regular-season record was 65,392, which was set on November 16, 2009 versus Cincinnati. It helped Pittsburgh set the team home attendance record in 2009 by averaging 63,458 (507,882 total). Following is a look at the team s average attendance in its 12 plus years at Heinz Field: Year Total Attendance Avg. 2001 499,191 62,399 2002 490,274 61,284 2003 477,584 59,698 2004 507,385 63,423 2005 507,434 63,429 2006 499,461 62,433 2007 496,675 62,084 2008 503,125 62,890 2009 507,882 63,458 2010 504,669 63,084 www.steelers.com
2011 504,279 63,035 2012 489,135 61,141 2013 185,455 61,818 Team record In the Red Zone: Following is a look at how the Steelers offense performed in the red zone so far this season: Opponent Att./Scores TDs FGs Pts Tennessee... 4/4... 1... 3... 16 @ Cincinnati... 1/1... 1... 0... 7 Chicago... 2/2... 0... 2... 6 vs. Minnesota (in London)... 3/3... 2... 1... 17 @ New York Jets... 2/2... 2... 0... 14 Baltimore... 3/3... 1... 2... 13 @ Oakland... 4/2... 2... 0... 14 @ New England... 4/4... 3... 1... 24 Total... 23/21... 12... 9... 111 Red Zone Defense: Following is a look at how the Steelers defense performed in the red zone so far this season: Opponent Att./Scores TDs FGs Pts Tennessee... 1/2... 1... 0... 7 @ Cincinnati... 2/2... 1... 1... 10 Chicago... 4/4... 3... 1... 24 vs. Minnesota (in London)... 6/5... 3... 2... 24 @ New York Jets... 2/1... 0... 1... 3 Baltimore... 2/2... 1... 1... 10 @ Oakland... 2/2... 2... 0... 14 @ New England... 8/7... 5... 2... 41 Total... 27/25... 11... 6... 92 Five & 10: The Steelers rank in the top five in the AFC and/or the top 10 in the NFL in several team and individual categories this season. Following is a list of those rankings: Pittsburgh Steelers - 2013 AFC/NFL Rankings Team Offense Statistic Rank (AFC/NFL) Gross Passing Yards/Game... 293.1... 3rd/6th Completions Percentage... 65.0... 3rd/7th Completions/Game... 25.1... 3rd/7th Net Passing Yards/Game... 268.1... 4th/8th Passing Yards/Attempt... 7.59... 4th/10th Team Defense Statistic Rank (AFC/NFL) Completions/Game... 18.5... 2nd/2nd Passing Touchdowns... 9... T-2nd/T-4th Passing First Downs... 78... 2nd/2nd Gross Passing Yards/Game... 218.5... 2nd/3rd Passing Net Yards/Game... 210.0... 3rd/4th First Downs... 153... T-3rd/T-7th Pass Plays of 25+ Yards... 14... T-4th/T-9th Average Yards After Catch... 5.2... 5th/8th Individual Offense Statistic Rank (AFC/NFL) Ben Roethlisberger (Completion %)... 64.9... 3rd/7th Ben Roethlisberger (Passing Yards)... 2,330... 4th/8th Ben Roethlisberger (Yards/Attempt)... 7.56... 4th/10th Ben Roethlisberger (Passing Yards/Game)291.3... 3rd/6th Ben Roethlisberger (Completions)... 200... 4th/8th Ben Roethlisberger (Completions/Game).. 25.0... T-3rd/T-7th Ben Roethlisberger (25+ yard completions) 18... T-5th/T-9th Antonio Brown (Receptions/Game)... 7.6... 1st/1st Antonio Brown (Receptions)... 61... 1st/1st Antonio Brown (Third Down Receptions)... 16... T-4th/T-5th Antonio Brown (Receiving First Downs)... 35... T-3rd/T-6th Antonio Brown (Receiving Yards/Game)... 87.6... 5th/9th Antonio Brown (Receiving Yards)... 701... 4th/9th Jerricho Cotchery (First Down % - min. 15 rec.)86.2... 1st/2nd Le Veon Bell (Rushing Yards - Rookies)... 282... 2nd/5th Le Veon Bell (Rushing TDs - Rookies)... 3... 2nd/3rd Individual Special Teams Statistic Rank (AFC/NFL) Shaun Suisham (FG% 40-49)... 100%... T-1st/T-1st Shaun Suisham (FG Made 40-49)... 6... T-4th/T-5th Shaun Suisham (FG Made)... 16... T-6th/T-8th Felix Jones (Kickoff Return Avg.)... 25.5... 6th/10th www.steelers.com COACHING NOTES Our House: Head Coach Mike Tomlin owns a 37-14 career regular-season record at Heinz Field. In 2012, Tomlin won his first four home games for the fourth time in his career (2007, 09 and 11). Tomlin has led Pittsburgh to at least five home wins in each of his first six seasons as head coach. Tomlin s 37 home wins during the regular season are tied for the fifth-most in the NFL since 2007. Below is a look at the best home records during the regular season since 2007: Team W L Pct. New England 47 6.887 Green Bay 42 10.808 Baltimore 39 12.765 Atlanta 38 14.731 Pittsburgh 37 14.725 Indianapolis 37 15.712 For the second time in the Tomlin era, the Steelers finished 7-1 at home in 2011 (2007). In The Division: Head Coach Mike Tomlin owns an 26-12 alltime mark against teams in the AFC North. Tomlin s 26 regularseason wins against division opponents are the fourth-most in the NFL and the most of any AFC North team since 2007 (Baltimore: 23-16 / Cincinnati: 18-20 / Cleveland: 10-29). Tomlin has won at least four games against division opponents in four of his first six seasons. Tomlin owns an impressive 14-5 record against divisional foes at Heinz Field. Among The Best: Since Mike Tomlin was named head coach of the Steelers in 2007, Pittsburgh is tied for the fourth-most wins in the NFL during that time span (65). The following is the top five regular-season records in the NFL since 2007: Team Record Playoff App. Super Bowl App. NE 83-22 5* 2 GB 71-33 5* 1 IND 68-36 5* 1 PIT 65-39 4 2 NO 65-39 3 1 *Made the playoffs in 2012 Tomlin also has the sixth-highest regular-season winning percentage (.625) amongst active NFL head coaches who have coached a minimum of 40 regular-season games: Name W L T Win Pct. Mike McCarthy (GB 2006-13) 79 40 0.664 Mike Smith (ATL 2008-13) 58 30 0.659 Sean Payton (NO 2006-11, 2013) 68 36 0.654 Bill Belichick (Cle 1991-95, NE 2000-13) 194 103 0.653 John Harbaugh (Bal 2008-13) 57 31 0.648 Mike Tomlin (Pit 2007-2013) 65 39 0.625 Andy Reid (Phi 1999-12, KC 2013) 139 93 1.599 Tomlin reached 60 regular-season wins in 88 games, tying Chuck Knox (88) for the fourth-fewest games to reach 60 career victories among coaches who began their career since 1970. The coaches who began their career since 1970 to win 60 games in the fewest games: COACH TEAM(S)^ NO. OF GAMES George Seifert San Francisco 75 Joe Gibbs Washington 84 Mike Ditka Chicago 85 Mike Tomlin Pittsburgh 88 Chuck Knox LA Rams, Buffalo 88 Bill Cowher Pittsburgh 90 Andy Reid Philadelphia 90 ^ Through first 60 wins
Good First Six: Head Coach Mike Tomlin has accomplished a lot in his first six seasons as head coach of the Steelers. Tomlin s 63 wins, four playoff appearances and three division titles are the second most in franchise history. His two Super Bowl appearances also are a franchise best for a coach in his first six seasons. Below is how Tomlin ranks among Steelers coaches after their first six seasons: Head Coach Record Bill Cowher (1992-2006) 64-32 (.667) (1992-1997) Mike Tomlin (2007-2012) 63-33 (.656) (2007-2012) Buddy Parker (1957-1964) 39-34 (.534) (1957-1962) Chuck Noll (1969-1991) 43-40 (.518) (1969-1974) Head Coach Super Bowl App. Super Bowl Wins Mike Tomlin 2 (2008, 10) 1 (2008) Chuck Noll 1 (1974) 1 (1974) Bill Cowher 1 (1995) 0 Head Coach Playoff Appearances Bill Cowher 6 (1992-97) Mike Tomlin 4 (2007, 08, 10, 11) Chuck Noll 3 (1972, 73, 74) Buddy Parker 1 (1962) Head Coach Bill Cowher Mike Tomlin Chuck Noll Division Titles 5 (1992, 94-97) (AFC Central) 3 (2007, 08, 10) (AFC North) 2 (1972, 74) (AFC Central) High Honor Roll: Defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in August of 2010. 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. Defensive Mastermind: The Steelers defense has been led by defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau since 2004. During that time span it has been regarded as one of the top defenses in the NFL, helping to lead the Steelers to three Super Bowls. Below is how the LeBeau s defenses rank since the start of the 2004 season: Defensive Category Statistic Rank (NFL) Sacks 394 1st Passing Touchdowns 164 1st Points Allowed Per Game 17.2 1st First Downs 2,517 1st Yards From Scrimmage 44,828 1st Scrimmage Yards/Game 294.9 1st Scrimmage Yards/Touch 6.8 1st Net Passing Yards/Game 190.8 1st Passing Yards/Attempt 6.22 1st Rushing Yards 13,348 1st Rushing Yards/Game 87.8 1st Rushes of 10+ Yards 305 1st 25+ Yard Passes 186 1st Rushing Touchdowns 80 2nd Touchdowns/Game 1.84 2nd Rushing Average 3.6 2nd QB Rating 75.0 2nd INDIVIDUAL OFFENSIVE NOTES Racking Up The Yards: With 2,330 passing yards on the season, QB Ben Roethlisberger has totaled the most passing yards by a Steeler in the team s first eight games (dating back to 1960). Passing Yards Rk. Steelers Player (season) In Team s First Eight Games 1. Ben Roethlisberger (2013) 2,330 2. Ben Roethlisberger (2011) 2,302 3. Ben Roethlisberger (2009) 2,295 4. Ben Roethlisberger (2012) 2,203 5. Tommy Maddox (2003) 1,871 Roethlisberger also tied for the most completions by a Steeler (200) in the team s first eight games of a season, dating back to 1960. Completions Rk. Steelers Player (season) In Team s First Eight Games 1. Ben Roethlisberger (2013) 200 Ben Roethlisberger (2012) 200 3. Ben Roethlisberger (2009) 185 4. Ben Roethlisberger (2011) 183 5. Tommy Maddox (2003) 164 He has registered 26 300+ yard passing games in his career during the regular season, including throwing for 406 yards against Chicago in Week 3 and 383 yards versus Minnesota in Week 4. It was the first time in his career he has thrown for at least 375 yards in back-to-back games. Roethlisberger also threw for 400 yards at New England in Week 9. He is tied with Peyton Manning and Philip Rivers for most games with at least 375 passing yards this season (3). The 406 yards in Week 3 were the fourth-most passing yards of his career and the sixth-most in franchise history. It was the eighth time a quarterback has thrown for at least 400 yards against the Bears and only the second time dating back to 2001 (Brian Griese, 407 yards, 9/21/08). Roethlisberger owns five of the top six single-game passing performances in franchise history. Below is each time Roethlisberger has thrown for at least 400 yards in a game: Date Opp. Yds. Cmp./Att. TD INT Rat. W/L 12/20/09 GB 503 29/46 3 0 121.9 W 11/5/06 Den 433 38/54 1 3 77.2 L 10/18/09 Cle 417 23/35 2 1 113.6 W 9/22/13 Chi 406 26/41 2 2 92.1 L 11/3/13 NE 400 28/48 4 2 95.8 L Below is how Roethlisberger s five 400+ yard games during the regular season stack up against quarterbacks from 2004- present: Player 400+ Yard Games 2004-present Drew Brees 10 Peyton Manning 6 Philip Rivers 6 Matthew Stafford 6 Ben Roethlisberger 5 Eli Manning 5 Carson Palmer 5 Tony Romo 5 Tom Brady 4 Matt Schaub 4 Home Cooking: QB Ben Roethlisberger owns a 50-17 (.746) mark in the regular season in his career at Heinz Field, including winning his first eight starts as a rookie in 2004. Roethlisberger is 12-5 at home since the start of the 2011 regular season. Dating back to 2011, Roethlisberger is one of six active quarterbacks to have a passer rating of at least 100.0 at home during the regular season (100.0). www.steelers.com