Game # 5 Pittsburgh Steelers (2-2) vs. Tennessee Titans (3-1) Sunday, Oct. 9, 2011 1:00 p.m. (ET) Heinz Field Pittsburgh, Pa. Game #5 Pittsburgh Steelers (2-2) vs. Tennessee Titans (3-1) Date: Sunday, Oct. 9, 2011 Kickoff: 1:00 p.m., ET Site: Heinz Field (65,500) Pittsburgh, Pa. Playing Surface: Grass TV Coverage: CBS (locally KDKA-TV, channel 2) Announcers: Greg Gumbel (play-by-play) Dan Dierdorf (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 Network Announcers: Bob Fitzgerald (play-by-play) Ross Tucker (color analyst) Tony Graziani (sideline reporter) 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: 45-23 (.662)/fifth season Regular-season record at Pittsburgh: 45-23 (.662)/fifth season Playoff Record/Years: 5-2/three years Tennessee Titans Head Coach Mike Munchak Overall regular-season record: 3-1 (.750)/first season Regular-season record at Tennessee: 3-1 (.750)/first season Playoff Record/Years: n/a For all of the most up-to-date information on the Pittsburgh Steelers, visit the team s official web site at. Updated daily, the web site has the most extensive information on upcoming games and the most comprehensive news on the Steelers. Pittsburgh Steelers 2011 Schedule/Results Preseason (3-1) Friday, Aug. 12 at Washington L, 7-16 (KDKA) Thursday, Aug. 18 PHILADELPHIA W, 24-14 (FOX) Saturday, Aug. 27 ATLANTA W, 34-16 (KDKA) Thursday, Sept. 1 at Carolina W, 33-17 (KDKA) Regular Season (2-2) Sunday, Sept. 11 at Baltimore L, 7-35 (CBS) Sunday, Sept. 18 SEATTLE W, 24-0 (FOX) Sunday, Sept. 25 at Indianapolis W, 23-20 (NBC) Sunday, Oct. 2 at Houston L, 10-17 (CBS) Sunday, Oct. 9 TENNESSEE 1 p.m. (CBS) Sunday, Oct. 16 JACKSONVILLE 1 p.m. (CBS) Sunday, Oct. 23 at Arizona 4:05 p.m. (CBS) Sunday, Oct. 30 NEW ENGLAND 4:15 p.m. (CBS) Sunday, Nov. 6 BALTIMORE 8:20 p.m. (NBC) Sunday, Nov. 13 at Cincinnati 1 p.m. (CBS) Sunday, Nov. 20 BYE Sunday, Nov. 27 at Kansas City 8:20 p.m. (NBC) Sunday, Dec. 4 CINCINNATI 1 p.m. (CBS) Thursday, Dec. 8 CLEVELAND 8:20 p.m. (NFL Net./KDKA) Monday, Dec. 19 at San Francisco 8:30 p.m. (ESPN) Saturday, Dec. 24 ST. LOUIS 1 p.m. (FOX) Sunday, Jan. 1 at Cleveland 1 p.m. (CBS) Times and TV Network may change due to NFL flexible scheduling Postseason Sat.-Sun., Jan. 7-8 Wild Card Weekend (NBC, CBS & FOX) Sat.-Sun., Jan. 14-15 Divisional Playoff Games (CBS & FOX) Sunday, Jan. 22 Conference Championships (CBS & FOX) Sunday, Jan. 29 AFC-NFC Pro Bowl (Hawaii) (NBC) Sunday, Feb. 5 Super Bowl XLVI (Indianapolis) (NBC) NOTE: All times are Eastern. Home games in Bold/CAPS.
THE COACHES MIKE TOMLIN was named the 16th head coach in Pittsburgh Steelers history on Jan. 22, 2007. Hired at the age of 34, Tomlin became only the third head coach hired by the Steelers since 1969. Tomlin became the youngest head coach in NFL history to both coach in and win a Super Bowl when he led the Steelers to a 27-23 victory over the Arizona Cardinals in Super Bowl XLIII. By winning the Super Bowl in only his second season as a head coach, he also became the fastest to win a Super Bowl title in Steelers history. Tomlin is one of only seven coaches in league history to win a Super Bowl within his first two seasons as an NFL head coach. Tomlin compiled a 43-21 record in the regular season during his first four years as head coach. His.672 winning percentage after four seasons tied for first in team history. By leading the Steelers to a 12-4 record in 2010, Tomlin became only the second Steelers head coach to post winning records in each of his first four seasons. The Steelers offense ranked 14 th in the NFL (14 th passing, 11 th rushing) despite playing its first four games without its starting quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger. Pittsburgh s defense ranked second in the NFL (first vs. run, 12 th vs. pass) while leading the NFL with 48 quarterback sacks. The Steelers set a team record and led the NFL, allowing only 62.8 rushing yards per game. The Steelers continued to be dominant at Heinz Field under Tomlin in 2010. Pittsburgh finished with a 5-3 home record in 2010 after finishing 7-1 (2007), 6-2 (2008) and 6-2 (2009) at home during Tomlin s first three seasons. Tomlin s 24-8 record and.750 winning percentage at home after four seasons ranks second in Steelers history. Tomlin was a three-year starter at wide receiver at William and Mary (1990-94) and finished his career with 101 receptions for 2,046 yards and a school-record 20 TD catches. A first-team All- Yankee Conference selection in 1994, he established a school record with a 20.2 yards-per-catch average. Tomlin was the NFL s second-youngest head coach in 2007, and he became only the second Steelers coach in team history to win at least 10 games during his first year at the helm. The Steelers posted a 7-1 record at home in 2007 and were 5-1 in the AFC North (3-0 at home). Tomlin became only the second Steelers head coach to win his first three games. During 2007, the Steelers became just the fifth team in NFL history to win their first four home games by at least 20 points. The Steelers defense was dominant under Tomlin s guidance in 2008, leading the NFL in total defense (237.2), pass defense (156.9), points per game (13.9), total yards per play (3.9), rushing yards per attempt (3.3), passing yards per attempt (4.7) and third down efficiency (31.4), and finished second in league rushing defense (80.3). Tomlin led the Steelers to a 10-6 record in 2007, and became just the second coach in team history to post a winning record, win a division title and earn a playoff berth in his inaugural season. MIKE MUNCHAK became the 16th head coach in franchise history on February 7, 2011, after spending the previous 29 seasons with the team as a player and coach. Munchak played for the Houston Oilers from 1982-93, he started 156 games and earned nine Pro Bowl invitations. After his playing career he served as an offensive assistant/quality control coach for three seasons (1994-96) and then was the offensive line coach for 14 years. Four of his offensive linemen totaled 10 Pro Bowl invitations and his lines paved the way for five different runnning backs to total 11 1,000-yard rushing seasons. STEELERS RADIO COVERAGE For the 13th consecutive year, WDVE-FM (102.5) and WBGG- AM (970) are carrying all Steelers games. Additionally, Steelers games can be heard on a 47-station network spanning Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio and Maryland. For the second straight year, all Steelers games will be broadcast in Spanish on Estadio W (730 AM). For the 17th straight season, Bill Hillgrove serves as the Voice of the Steelers and handles play-by-play duties for the broadcast. Joining Hillgrove for his 13th season as an expert analyst is Tunch Ilkin, the former Steelers All-Pro offensive tackle. Joining the team for his ninth season is former Steeler offensive lineman Craig Wolfley, who provides sideline analysis. Stations on the Steelers Radio Network include: FLAGSHIP STATIONS (2) WDVE-FM (102.5) WBGG-AM (970) PENNSYLVANIA (31) Altoona-WVAM (1430) Altoona-WRKY (104.9) Beaver Falls-WBVP (1230) Beaver Falls-WMBA (1460) Bedford-WAYC (100.9) Bradford-WESB (1490) Butler-WISR (680) Chambersburg-WCHA (800) Clarendon-WKNB (104.3) Clarion-WCCR (92.7) Cooperstown-WUUZ (107.7) DuBois-WOWQ (102.1) Erie-WJET (1440) Gettysburg-WGET (1320) Grove City-WWGY (95.1) Harrisburg-WTPA (93.5) Indiana-WQMU (92.5) Johnstown-WRKW (99.1) Johnstown-WNTW (990) Latrobe-WCNS (1480) Punxsutawney-WPXZ (104.1) Saegertown-WUUZ (94.3) Scottdale-WLSW (103.9) Scranton-WEJL (630/1240) Scranton-WEZX (96.1/106.9) Somerset-WNTJ (850) State College/Pleasant Gap- WRSC (98.7) Uniontown-WMBS (590) Washington-WJPA (1450) Williamsport-WCXR (93.3) Williamsport-WZXR (103.7) OHIO (3) Findlay-WFIN (1330) Westerville-WTDA (103.9) Youngstown-WNIO (1390) MARYLAND (4) Cumberland-WTBO (1450) Frostburg-WFRB (560) Hagerstown-WHAG (1410) Mountain Lake Park-WKHJ (104.5) WEST VIRGINIA (6) Buckhannon-WBRB (101.3) Fairmont-WRLF (94.3) Fairmont-WMMN (920) Morgantown-WKKW (97.9) St. Mary s-wjaw (630) Wheeling-WWVA (1170) MEXICO (1) Mexico City-Imagen DF (90.5 FM) 2011 AFC North Standings W L T Pct. Pts. Opp. Baltimore 3 1 0.750 119 57 Pittsburgh 2 2 0.500 64 72 Cleveland 2 2 0.500 74 93 Cincinnati 2 2 0.500 80 74 This Week in the AFC North: Sunday, Oct. 9: Tennessee (3-1) at Pittsburgh (2-2), 1:00 p.m. (CBS, KDKA-TV, channel 2) Cincinnati (2-2) at Jacksonville (1-3), 1:00 p.m. (CBS) Cleveland (2-1), Bye Week Baltimore (2-1), Bye Week All times are Eastern.
STEELERS PRONUNCIATIONS Arnaz Battle... (ARE-nez) Trai Essex... (TRAY) Ramon Foster... (ra-mone) Brett Keisel... (KEE-sull) Chris Kemoeatu... (kay-moy-ah-too) Keenan Lewis... (KEY-nan) Jamon Meredith... (JUH-mon) Mewelde Moore... (Muh-WELL-dee) Troy Polamalu... (Pole-uh-MAH-lu) Maurkice Pouncey... (Mar-KEESE POUN-see) Ben Roethlisberger... (ROTH-lis-ber-ger) Shaun Suisham... (Swee-zum) LaMarr Woodley... (la-marr) Jason Worilds... (Worlds) MEDIA NOTES Tennessee Titans Conference Call: Tennessee Head Coach Mike Munchak and RB Chris Johnson will be available for interviews via conference call on Wednesday, Oct. 5, in the Steelers media workroom. Johnson will be available at 1:30 p.m. and Munchak will be at 1:45 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. The press conference will be broadcast live on ROOT Sports. Official Steelers Website: Media and fans can read about the latest Steelers news on the official Steelers website. The site,, features breaking news, statistics, player biographies and much more. Media-Only Section of The Steelers Media Relations Department offers a Media- Only section on steelers.com. To sign up for this service, go to http:///mediarelations/ and register as a new user below the left hand navigation bar. Then follow the instructions on the Media Relations page and once your registration is approved, you will receive an email and can access all information. If you have any questions or problems, please email steelers_digest@yahoo.com. NFLmedia.com: Journalists worldwide have access to the dedicated media website featuring news from the NFL and its teams. Daily releases, statistics, domestic and international NFL updates and other information about the NFL are available. The site also provides links to other NFL and individual team sites. LAST WEEK S GAME Houston 17, Pittsburgh 10 Sunday, Oct. 2 Houston, Texas (Reliant Stadium) Pittsburgh Team Notes: The Steelers fell to 325-207 all-time against AFC opponents. Head Coach Mike Tomlin is now 45-23 during the regular season as the Steelers head coach. The loss marked the Steelers first loss at Reliant Stadium and second overall to the Texans (3-2). It was only the Steelers third loss in the last 11 regular-season road games. The Steelers recorded 118 rushing yards on 22 carries (5.4 avg.) with one touchdown, the second best rushing performance by the Steelers in 2011 (124 vs. Sea). The Pittsburgh defense allowed only 138 passing yards to the Texans, who entered the game averaging 262.7 passing yards per game. It marked the third consecutive game that the Steelers gave up fewer than 150 passing yards. So far in 2011, Pittsburgh s defense is allowing only 157.5 passing yards per game to lead the NFL. Pittsburgh is now 10-10 against the AFC South since the division formed in 2002. During the third quarter the Steelers registered nine first downs compared to zero for the Texans. The Steelers controlled the ball for 13:22 in the third quarter, outgaining Houston 139 to 102 in total net yards. Pittburgh s defense held the Texans to two total net yards on three offensive plays during the fourth quarter, dating back to 1991 it was the second fewest yards allowed by the Steelers during the third quarter (-1, Det, 12/23/01). A new attendance record was set for Reliant Stadium: 71,585. Pittsburgh Individual Notes: QB Ben Roethlisberger Completed 16-of-30 passes for 206 yards with one interception. It was the first interception he had thrown in three career games against the Texans. WR Mike Wallace Registered a team-high 77 yards on four receptions, ending his streak of consecutive games with at least 100 yards receiving at six. The streak tied for the second longest in NFL history. 100-yard Receiving Games Player Team Year In a Row Charley Hannigan Hou 1961 7 Michael Irvin Dal 1995 7 Mike Wallace Pit 2010-11 6 Raymond Berry Bal 1960 6 Bill Groman Hou 1961 6 Pat Studstill Det 1966 6 Isaac Bruce StL 1995 6 Tuesday, Oct. 4 Noon - Coach Tomlin Press Conference (ROOT Sports) No player availability Wenesday, Oct. 5 Open locker room 12:30-1:00 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) Thursday, Oct. 6 Open locker room 12:15-12:45 p.m. Practice 1:00-3:00 p.m. Coach Tomlin available upon request after practice Coordinators available on field after practice Open locker room 3:00-3:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 7 Practice 10:45 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. Open locker room 12:30-1:00 p.m. Coach Tomlin available upon request after practice Saturday, Oct. 8 No media availability Sunday, Oct. 9 Monday, Oct. 10 1:00 p.m. (ET) TBA Home Game vs. Tennessee Titans (Heinz Field) CBS (KDKA-TV, locally channel 2)
WR Hines Ward Hines Ward recorded one reception for 19 yards. He now has 11,838 career receiving yards, moving past Hall of Famer Don Maynard (11,834) to rank 20 th in NFL history in receiving yards. Ward trails Michael Irvin (11,904) for the 19 th most receiving yards in league history. RB Rashard Mendenhall Rashard Mendenhall registered a three-yard touchdown to pull the Steelers to within three points late in the third quartered. The touchdown marked the 22 nd rushing touchdown of his career to tie Walter Abercrombie for the 10 th most in franchise history. Including the 2010 regular and postseason, Mendenhall has 10 rushing touchdowns in his last 10 games, reaching the end zone in eight of those contests. Rk. Player Rushing Touchdowns 1. Franco Harris 91 2. Jerome Bettis 78 3. Kordell Stewart 37 4. Terry Bradshaw 32 5. John Henry Johnson 26 Barry Foster 26 7. Dick Hoak 25 8. Willie Parker 24 9. Rocky Bleier 23 10. Rashard Mendenhall 22 Walter Abercrombie 22 RB Isaac Redman Recorded a team-high 40 yards on six carries (6.7 avg.), with a long of 18 yards. Also registered a 12-yard reception. It marked the third-highest regular-season single game rushing performance of his career (43 vs. Car., 12/23/10, 49 vs. Sea, 9/18/ 11). RB Mewelde Moore Averaged 8.5 yards on four carries, totaling 34 yards. Marked his highest single game rushing performance since 11/30/08 at NE (67 yards on 12 carries). WR Antonio Brown Registered a 33-yard punt return to the Houston 48-yard line in the fourth quarter, marking the third-longest punt return of his career (37, 41) with all three coming during the 2011 season. Led the team with a career-high five receptions for 67 yards (13.4 avg.). Through four games in 2011, has 15 receptions for a careerbest 223 yards. In nine games played last season, recorded 16 receptions for 167 yards. CB William Gay Made 22 nd career regular-season start. Including the postseason, marked fifth start in the past six games. DT Ziggy Hood For the second straight week started in place of injured DE Brett Keisel, marking his 12 th career start. Hood started a career-best 10 games in 2010 for injured DE Aaron Smith. P Daniel Sepulveda Averaged 50.5 yards on four punts (202 total yards) with a net average of 46.3 and a long of 58 yards. One punt landed inside the 20-yard line. Marked eighth career game where he averaged over 50 yards per punt, including the third of 2011. Breast Cancer Awareness: In conjuction with the NFL and NFLPA s third annual national breast cancer screening-reminder and fundraising campaign, the Steelers players will visit Magee- Women s Hospital on October 4th to offer a nutritional cooking class to breast cancer survivors and patients. Twenty-five survivors also will be honored in a pregame ceremony during this Sunday s game versus the Tennessee Titans. They will be on the sidelines for the anthem and on the 45-yard line for the coin toss. Fans entering the stadium for that game will receive pink rally towels. ZTA members will distribute pink ribbons at the Steelers Experience before the game. GameDay Magazine cover will be dedicated to breast cancer awareness, along with an NFL breast cancer awareness ad in the program. The Steelers-Titans game on Sunday will feature: Game balls with pink ribbon decals used for every down. Pink equipment for players including: cleats, wristbands, gloves, sideline caps, helmet decals, captains patches, chin straps,shoe laces, skull caps,sideline towels, eye shield decals and quarterback towels. Pink coins used for the coin toss. Pink sideline caps for coaches and sideline personnel and pink ribbon pins for coaches and team executives. Pink caps, wristbands, whistles and pins for game officials. On-field pink ribbon stencils and A Crucial Catch wall banners. Pink goal post padding in end zones. Breast cancer awareness track jackets for cheerleaders. WHAT TO LOOK FOR PITTSBURGH TEAM NOTES The Steelers look to improve to 326-207 all-time against AFC opponents. Pittsburgh looks to earn its second victory in the last three games against an AFC South opponent and improve to 11-10 against the division since it formed in 2002. The Steelers look to improve to 5-5 at home against the AFC South. Pittsburgh s defense looks to give up less than 150 passing yards for the fourth consecutive game. It would mark the longest such streak for the Steelers defense since 2007 (11/5-11/26). PITTSBURGH INDIVIDUAL NOTES Head Coach Mike Tomlin Will attempt to improve his record to 6-4 against the AFC South (3-2 at home) and 3-1 against the Titans, including 2-0 at Heinz Field. Including the postseason, Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin looks to earn the 51 st victory of his career, tying Raymond Parker for the third most wins by a head coach in franchise history. Name W L T Win Pct. Chuck Noll (1969-91) 209 156 1 (.572) Bill Cowher (1992-2006) 161 99 1 (.619) Raymond Parker (1957-64) 51 48 6 (.514) Mike Tomlin (2007-Present) 50 25 0 (.667) QB Ben Roethlisberger Needs three touchdown passes to equal 150 for his career, becoming only the second Steelers quarterback to reach the mark (Terry Bradshaw, 212). RB Rashard Mendenhall Needs one rushing touchdown to tie Rocky Bleier (23) for the ninth-most in team history.
LOOKING AHEAD... The Steelers stay at home to play the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, Oct. 16 at Heinz Field. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. and will be televised nationally on CBS (locally KDKA-TV, channel 2). WR Mike Wallace With 100 yards receiving will record his 12th 100-yard receiving game of his career and the fourth of this season. With 12 100-yard receiving games, Wallace will tie Plaxico Burress and Lynn Swann for the fourth most in franchise history. If Wallace records at least 100 yards receiving it will be his seventh 100+ yard receiving game in the last eight regular season games. Below is the numbers from Wallace s last seven regular-season games: Game Yards Rec TDs 12/19/10, vs. NYJ 102 7 0 12/23/10, vs. Car 104 4 1 1/2/11, at Cle 105 3 1 9/11/11, at Bal 107 8* 0 9/18/11, vs. Sea 126 8* 1 9/25/11, at Ind 144** 5 1 10/2/11, at Hou 77 4 0 *tied career-high set on 11/14/10 vs. New England **career-high WR Hines Ward Needs 67 receiving yards to surpass Hall of Famer Michael Irvin (11,904) for 19 th in NFL history. TE Heath Miller After recording three receptions for 15 yards in the Week Four at Houston, needs two receptions to reach 300 for his career, becoming the seventh player in franchise history to reach the mark and only the second tight end. LB James Harrison Needs 2.5 sacks to tie Greg Lloyd (53.5) for the sixth-highest career total in team history. SS Troy Polamalu After returning a fumble 16 yards for the second fumble returned for a touchdown of his career vs. Indianapolis, is one away from tying Jason Gildon (3) for the most fumbles returned for touchdowns in franchise history. Needs one touchdown to move into a tie for the second-most defensive touchdowns in Steelers history: Player INT TDs FR TDs Total Def. TDs Rod Woodson 5 1 6 Carnell Lake 3 2 5 Dwayne Woodruff 3 2 5 Jack Butler 4 1 5 Troy Polamalu 2 2 4 Mel Blount 2 2 4 Jim Bradshaw 2 2 4 Donnie Shell 2 2 4 Chad Scott 4 0 4 One interception shy of tying Jack Lambert (28) for the ninth-most in Steelers history. Needs one interception return for a touchdown to tie Carnell Lake, Dwayne Woodruff, Deshea Townsend and Tony Campagno (3) for the third-most in franchise history. Needs 41 yards to surpass Chad Scott (368) for the ninth-most interception return yards in a career in Steelers history. LB LaMarr Woodley Needs 3.5 sacks to catch teammate Aaron Smith (44.0) for the ninth most all-time. PIT-TEN CONNECTIONS Local Connections Titans Head Coach Mike Munchak played at Penn State University from 1979-1981. Munchak was teammates with Titans special teams assistant Chet Parlavecchio. Titans rookie defensive back Tommie Campbell was born in Aliquippa, Pa. Campbell played for the University of Pittsburgh from 2005-2006 and local Edinboro University in 2007 before transferring to California (Pa.) University. Steelers OG Ramon Foster was born in Henning, Tenn. and attended the University of Tennessee. Steelers OT Chris Scott also attended the University of Tennesee. Titans LB Patrick Bailey was originally signed by the Steelers as an undrafted rookie free agent out of Duke prior to the 2008 season. Bailey appeared in 28 games for the Steelers in two seasons, recording one tackle and adding 35 special teams tackles. Bailey appeared in all three postseason contests for the Steelers in 2008, recording two special teams tackles and helping lead the Steelers to a victory in Super Bowl XLIII. Bailey was the winner of the Joe Greene Great Performance Award as Steelers Rookie of the Year. Titans S Chris Hope was originally drafted by the Steelers in the third round (94 th overall pick) of the 2002 NFL Draft. Hope played for the Steelers from 2002-2005, playing in 62 games and starting 32 of them. Hope tallied 212 tackles, four interceptions, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. Hope saw action in eight postseason contests with six starts for the Steelers, recording 32 tackles and five special teams stops, helping the Steelers to victory in Super Bowl XL. Titans S Anthony Smith was originally drafted by the Steelers in the third round (83 rd overall) of the 2006 NFL Draft. Smith played in 46 games, making 14 starts for the Steelers in three seasons. Smith recorded 79 tackles, four interceptions, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery for Pittsburgh. Titans WR Nate Washington was originally signed by the Steelers as an undrafted free agent out of Tiffin University in 2005. Washington played for the Steelers from 2005-2008, recording 104 receptions for 1,705 yards and 12 touchdowns in 49 games played in the regular season. Washington played in seven postseason contests, recording nine receptions for 83 yards, and helped lead the Steelers to victories in Super Bowl XL and XLIII. Pro Connections Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin and Titans offensive line coach Art Valero were on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers staff together from 2002-2005. Steelers S Will Allen played for the Buccaneers while Valero was on the staff from 2004-2007. Steelers defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau and Titans defensive coordinator Jerry Gray were on the Buffalo Bills coaching staff together in 2003. Steelers linebackers coach Keith Butler was on the Cleveland Browns staff with Titans offensive coordinator Chris Palmer from 1999-2000. Steelers special teams coach Al Everest and Titans running backs coach Jim Skipper and senior assistant Dave McGinnis were all on the Arizona Cardinals coaching staff in 1996. Steelers wide receivers coach Scottie Montgomery played for the Denver Broncos from 2000-2002 when Titans linebackers coach Frank Bush was on the Broncos staff. Steelers K Shaun Suisham played for the Dallas Cowboys in 2005-2006 when Titans quarterbacks coach Dowell Loggains and offensive coordinator Chris Palmer were on the Cowboys staff. Suisham also played for the Redskins from 2006-2009, when Titans defensive coordinator Jerry Gray was on the
Redskins staff. Titans defensive assistant Arthur Smith was also on the Redskins staff from 2007-2008. Steelers S Will Allen and Titans LB Barrett Ruud were teammates with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2005-2009. College Connections Steelers wide receivers coach Scottie Montgomery and Titans offensive assistant Charles London coached at Duke University together in 2006. Steelers offensive coordinator Bruce Arians was the quarterback for the Virginia Tech Hokies in 1974, when Titans special teams coach Alan Lowry was an assistant coach for the Hokies. Titans defensive line coach Tracy Rocker was coaching for the University of Mississippi in 2008 when Steelers WR Mike Wallace was a senior. Titans defensive assistant Arthur Smith and Steelers LS Greg Warren were teammates at the University of North Carolina from 2001-2004. Steelers CB Bryant McFadden and Titans S Chris Hope were teammates at Florida State University from 2000-2001. Steelers WR Jerricho Cotchery and Titans C/G Leroy Harris were teammates at North Carolina State University in 2003. Steelers OT Jamon Meredith and Titans TE Jared Cook were teammates at the University of South Carolina from 2005-2007. Steelers OT Jonathan Scott and Titans S Michael Griffin were teammates at the University of Texas from 2003-2005. Several Steelers and Titans are products of the same colleges, including the following: STEELERS-TITANS COLLEGE CONNECTIONS STEELERS COLLEGE TITANS QB Charlie Batch... Eastern Michigan... DL Jason Jones CB Bryant McFadden... Florida State... S Chris Hope LB Lawrence Timmons WR Hines Ward... Georgia... C/G Fernando Velasco LB Will Witherspoon RB Jonathan Dwyer... Georgia Tech... DE Derrick Morgan S Ryan Clark... LSU... CB Chris Hawkins FB Quinn Johnson CB William Gay... Louisville... OT Byron Stingily WR Jerricho Cotchery North Carolina State... G/C Leroy Harris OT Jamon Meredith... South Carolina... TE Jared Cook TE Weslye Saunders DT Shaun Smith SS Troy Polamalu... Southern California... WR Damian Williams DT Jurrell Casey CB Curtis Brown... Texas... S Michael Griffin NT Casey Hampton OT Jonathan Scott 2011 REGULAR SEASON STATISTICAL COMPARISON Steelers Category Titans 16.0... Points Scored Per Game... 22.0 18.0... Points Allowed Per Game... 14.0 20.5... First Downs Per Game... 16.0 359.3... Total Yards Per Game...347.3 93.8... Rushing Yards Per Game... 66.8 265.5... Passing Yards Per Game...280.5 7... Sacks By... 10 0... Interceptions By... 5 32:07... Avg. Time of Possession...27:34 7... Touchdowns... 10 3... Rushing Touchdowns... 1 3... Passing Touchdowns... 8 1... Touchdowns on Returns... 1 5/8... Field Goals... 6/8 50.0... Punting Avg.... 41.2 12.8... Punt Return Avg.... 6.2 26.9... Kickoff Return Avg.... 24.0 STEELERS-TITANS SERIES HISTORY Series History: Series began in 1970 Overall: Pittsburgh leads 43-30 At Pittsburgh: Pittsburgh leads 25-10 At Tennessee (Houston): Tennessee leads 20-18 Neutral Sites: n/a Last Regular-Season Meeting: Sept. 19, 2010 (in Tennessee) Pittsburgh 19, Tennessee 11 Postseason Series: 3-1 Last Postseason Meeting: Jan. 11, 2003 (in Tennessee) Tennessee 34, Pittsburgh 31 (OT) (Divisional Playoffs) (postseason record included in overall series record) Pittsburgh is 40-29 in the regular season against Tennessee...the Steelers are 3-1 in the postseason against the Titans, including a 2-0 record in AFC Championiship games...pittsburgh has won the last three home games against Tennessee...the last time the Titans won in Pittsburgh was in 2000 (23-20)...Tennessee last played at Heinz Field in 2009, losing 13-10 in overtime...the last two games between the Titans and Steelers have been decided by a combined 11 points. TEAM NOTES Four Straight: The Steelers are in the midst of playing four consecutive games against the AFC South. Pittsburgh opened up against the division with a 23-20 victory at Indianpolis in Week Three. This past week the Steelers lost 17-10 in Houston. On Sunday Pittsburgh welcomes the Tennessee Titans to Heinz Field followed by the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week Six. Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin is 5-4 against the AFC South, including 2-1 against the Titans. Tennesse has only played at Pittsburgh once since Tomlin was named head coach, losing 13-10 in overtime on 9/10/09. Under Tomlin the Steelers are 2-2 at home against the AFC South, including winning the last two. Overall, Pittsburgh is 4-5 at home versus the AFC South. Tough In The Air: This season has seen an unprecendented number of 300-yard passing games throughout the NFL. The Steelers defense though has been yet to allow a team to even reach 250 passing yards in a game. After allowing 215 passing yards in Week One, Pittsburgh s defense held the last three opponents under 145 passing yards per game. Opp. Passing Yards W/L vs. Sea, 9/18 133 W at Ind, 9/25 144 W at Hou, 10/2 138 L The Steelers have held their opponents to a league-low 157.5 net passing yards per game and 5.66 yards per attempt. Pittsburgh has allowed a total of 630 net passing yards in four games. The next fewest allowed in the league is 721 by the New York Jets. Under Head Coach Mike Tomlin (2007-present) the Steelers have given up a league low 188.8 net passing yards per game during the regular season: Team Net Passing Yards/Game (2007-Present) Pittsburgh 188.8 Tampa Bay 195.1 New York Jets 195.5 Indianapolis 199.5 Oakland 202.6 Since the start of the 2007 season, Pittburgh s defense has allowed only 75 passing touchdowns, tied with the New York Jets
for the second fewest in the NFL over that time span. In 2011, the Steelers have yielded only four passing touchdowns, which is tied for third fewest in the league. If You Build It, They Will Come: The Steelers registered three of the top-10 all-time attendance records for a single game during the 2010 season, including the single-game record. In the AFC Championship victory over the N.Y. Jets, the Steelers broke the single-game record. The attendance of 66,662 surpassed the old mark of 65,597 set October 25, 2009, during a game versus the Minnnesota Vikings. The previous regular-season record was 65,392, which was set on November 16, 2009 versus Cincinnati. Pittsburgh set the team home attendance record in 2009 by averaging 63,458 (507,882 total). Pittsburgh has sold out 304 straight games at home, dating back to Nov. 5, 1972 versus Cincinnati. Following is a look at the team s average attendance in its 10- plus years at Heinz Field: Year Total Attendance Avg. 2001 499,191 62,399 2002 490,274 61,284 2003 477,584 59,698 2004 507,385 63,423 2005 507,434 63,429 2006 499,461 62,433 2007 496,675 62,084 2008 503,125 62,890 2009 507,882 63,458 2010 504,669 63,084 2011 63,663 63,663 Team record Heinz Field Advantage: The Steelers own the best home record in the NFL with a 228-88-1 record (.719) since 1970. Pittsburgh is 43-14 (.754) at home over the past seven seasons, including a 1-0 record in 2011. The Steelers have opened 2-0 at home in three out of the last four seasons. 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 1-0 Starting Away From Home: This season the Steelers played three of their first four games on the road for the first time since 2001, and for only the eighth time in team history. In 2001, Pittsburgh went 3-1, including winning two out of three of those road games. This season the Steelers finished 1-2 on the road, losing the final away game last week at Houston, 17-10. The Steelers have won seven of their last nine regular-season road games. Since 1970, Pittsburgh has opened the season with three of the first four games on the road six times and in five of those occurances, including this season, they finished the four game set with at least a.500 record. The chart below shows how they finished the first four games and the regular season. Year first four games first three road games end of season 2011 2-2 1-2 - 2001 3-1 2-1 13-3* 1992 3-1 2-1 11-5* 1986 1-3 1-2 6-10 1982 3-1 2-1 6-3* 1972 2-2 1-2 11-3* *made the postseason 1982 was a strike interupted season Controlling The NFC: After beating Seattle in Week Two, the Steelers have won 24 of their past 29 regular-season games versus teams in the NFC, dating back to 2003. The Steelers are 98-58-1 all-time against the NFC, including 56-19-1 at home. Pittsburgh has won six of there last seven games against NFC opponents. The Steelers have reeled off six consecutive home vicories versus NFC teams. Pittsburgh last lost to an NFC team at Heinz Field in 2008 (14-21, vs. New York Giants). Prior to losing to the Giants, Pittsburgh had won eight straight games versus NFC teams at home. The Steelers are 6-2 versus the NFC in the Super Bowl. Turning Up the Heat: Pittsburgh has registered seven sacks in 2011, including five sacks in Week Two versus Seattle, tying for the third highest single-game total of the Mike Tomlin era and the most since registering six versus Oakland on 11/21/10. In Week Three against Indianapolis, LB James Harrison forced a fumble on a sack of Curtis Painter that S Troy Polamalu returned 16 yards for a touchdown to give Pittsburgh a 20-13 lead in the fourth quarter. Since 1994, the Steelers have led the AFC in sacks six times and the entire NFL three times, including in 2010. Since 2004, the Steelers have the most sacks in the NFL with 309. The Steelers led the NFL with 48 sacks in 2010, including a season-high six in Week 11 versus Oakland. 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... 48 1990... 34 2011... 7 * Team Record
Defense! Defense! Defense!: Pittsburgh shut out the Seattle Seahawks in Week Two, 24-0. It marked the fourth shutout during the Mike Tomlin era and the first since 12/28/08 (31-0, vs. Cleveland). It marked the 28th shutout for the Steelers since 1960, which is the second most in the NFL during that time span: Team Shutouts Chicago 30 Pittsburgh 28 Miami 25 New England 24 San Francisco 24 Defensive Dominance: The Steelers have given up 18.0 points per game in 2011 to rank fifth in the NFL. Over the past three weeks Pittsburgh has given up a total of 37 points. Last season Pittsburgh gave up just 232 points, which ranked first in the AFC and in the NFL. The Steelers have allowed the fewest points in the NFL since the beginning of the 2007 season. Pittsburgh has allowed just 1,120 points during that span (16.5 per game). The following is a list of the top four teams in the NFL who have allowed the fewest points since the start of the 2007 campaign: Team Points Allowed Pittsburgh 1,120 Baltimore 1,216 New England 1,279 Green Bay 1,305 Road Warriors: The Steelers have had great success playing away from Heinz Field over the last decade. Dating back to the start of 2010 season, the Steelers have won eight of their past 11 road games. 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 59 31 0.656 Philadelphia 58 31 1.650 New England 59 32 0.648 Pittsburgh 54 37 0.593 New Orleans 52 38 0.578 New York Giants 52 39 0.571 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 386 248 2.608 2. Miami Dolphins 379 255 2.598 3. Dallas Cowboys 375 261 0.590 Among The Best: The Steelers have 579 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 722 2. Green Bay Packers 693 3. New York Giants 659 4. Pittsburgh Steelers 579 5. Washington Redskins 573 Additionally, Pittsburgh owns the second-best record in the NFL since the free-agency era (since 1993) with a 183-107-1 (.631) 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 188 104 0.644 2. Pittsburgh Steelers 183 108 1.628 3. Green Bay Packers 183 109 0.627 Regular-Season Success: Pittsburgh owns the third-best regular-season record in the NFL over the past 10-plus seasons. The Steelers have averaged over 10 wins per year and have earned seven playoff berths, six division titles and two Super Bowl victories in that time period. The following are the top five teams in regular-season winning percentage from 2000-2011: Team W L T Pct. Playoff Berths New England 129 51 0.717 8 Indianapolis 125 55 0.694 9 Pittsburgh 117 62 1.653 7 Philadelphia 114 65 1.636 9 Green Bay 109 71 0.606 7 Sustaining Success: Pittsburgh has made the playoffs six times and won the AFC North five times since the divisional realignment in 2002. The Steelers won the AFC North Division for the third time in four years in 2010. The Steelers have won 20 division titles since the NFL merger in 1970, the most in the NFL during that time. The following is a list of teams that have won the most division titles and qualified for the playoffs since 2002: Team Playoffs Division Titles Indianapolis 9 7 New England 7 7 Philadelphia 7 6 Pittsburgh 6 5 San Diego 5 5 Green Bay 6 4 In the Red Zone: In Week Four, Pittsburgh was 2-of-3 inside the 20-yard line, recording one touchdown and one field goal. Following is a look at how the Steelers offense has performed in the red zone this season: Opponent Att./Scores TDs FGs Pts @ Baltimore... 2/1... 1... 0... 7 vs. Seattle... 4/3... 2... 1... 17 @ Indianapolis... 2/1... 0... 1... 3 @ Houston... 3/2... 1... 1... 10 Total... 11/7... 4... 3... 37 Red Zone Defense: In a Week Two shutout of Seattle, the Steelers defense didn t allow the Seahawks offense to reach the red zone and only one Seattle possession ended across midfield. Following is a look at how the Steelers defense has performed in the red zone in 2011: Opponent Att./Scores TDs FGs Pts @ Baltimore... 6/5... 3... 2... 27 vs. Seattle... 0/0... 0... 0... 0 @ Indianapolis... 3/3... 1... 2... 13 @ Houston... 2/2... 1... 1... 10 Total... 11/10... 5... 5... 50 Five & 10: The Steelers rank in the top five in the AFC and/or the top 10 in the NFL in several team and individual categories in 2011. Following is a list of those rankings: Pittsburgh Steelers - 2011 AFC/NFL Rankings Team Offense Statistic Rank (AFC/NFL) Passing Net Yards/Game... 265.5... 4th/10th Third Down Efficiency... 47.1... 3rd/6th Team Defense Statistic Rank (AFC/NFL) Total Yards/Game... 277.0... 2nd/2nd Yards Per Play... 4.9... 4th/5th
Passing Net Yards/Game... 157.5... 1st/1st Passing Net Yards/Play... 5.0... 1st/1st First Downs/Game... 14.0... 1st/1st Fourth Down Efficiency... 33.3... T-4th/T-9th Points Allowed/Game... 18.0... 4th/5th Net Yards/Game Differential... 82.3... 2nd/5th Inside the 20 Touchdown %... 45.5... 5th/13th Special Teams Statistic Rank (AFC/NFL) Punt Return Avg.... 12.8... 4th/8th Kickoff Return Avg... 26.9... T-4th/T-9th Gross Punting Avg.... 50.0... 4th/5th Net Punting Avg.... 42.9... 3rd/6th Individual Offense Statistic Rank (AFC/NFL) Roethlisberger (Passing Yards)... 1,148... 4th/9th Roethlisberger (Avg. Gain)... 8.32... 4th/8th Roethlisberger (Third Down Passing)... 103.0... 1st/5th Wallace (Receptions)... 25... T-2nd/T-7th Wallace (Receiving Yards)... 454... 2nd/3rd Wallace (First Downs)... 20... T-8th/T-10th A. Brown (Third Down Receptions)... 7... T-4th/T-9th Individual Defense Statistic Rank (AFC/NFL) Polamalu (Defensive Fumble Recoveries).. 1... T-3rd/T-7th Polamalu (Fumbles Returned For TD)... 1... T-1st/T-1st Individual Special Teams Statistic Rank (AFC/NFL) Sepulveda (Punting Average)... 50.0... 4th/5th Sepulveda (Net Punting Average)... 42.9... 3rd/6th A. Brown (Punt Return Average)... 14.6... 4th/6th A. Brown (Kick Return Average)... 28.3... 3rd/8th COACHING NOTES Among The Best: Since Head Coach Mike Tomlin was named of the Steelers in 2007, Pittsburgh has compiled the third-most wins in the NFL during that time span (45). The following is the top five regular-season records in the NFL since 2007: Team Record Playoff App. Super Bowl App. NE 54-14 3 1 IND 49-19 4 1 PIT 45-23 3 2 SD 44-24 3 0 GB 44-24 3 1 Tomlin Versus the NFC: With a victory over Seattle in Week Two Head Coach Mike Tomlin improved his regular-season record to 13-4 against NFC teams in his fifth season at the helm of the Steelers. The Steelers were 3-1 in 2010 against NFC teams (Week 1 victory over the Atlanta Falcons, Week 3 victory against Tampa Bay, Week 8 defeat at New Orleans, Week 16 victory Carolina). Nine Times: Head Coach Mike Tomlin became 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 joined George Siefert, Mike Holmgren, Bill Cowher, Chuck Knox, Mike Sherman and John Robinson. 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 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 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. Primetime Specialist: Head Coach Mike Tomlin improved to 16-5 overall in primetime games, including an 8-3 record on the road, with the Week Three win at Indianapolis. He is 6-0 on Monday Night Football, 6-4 on Sunday Night Football and 4-1 on Thursday Night Football. Tomlin joined only Bill Cowher (Steelers), Tom Flores (Raiders), Steve Mariucci (49ers), George Siefert (49ers) and Don Shula (Colts, Dolphins) as coachees to win their first six Monday Night Football games. Strong Out Of The Gate: In Week Two Pittsburgh won its fifth straight home opener under Head Coach Mike Tomlin. He is the only Steelers head coach to win his first five home openers. Under Tomlin the Steelers are 11-5 in the month of September. In Control: Head Coach Mike Tomlin owns an 18-7 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 was 43-21 from 2007-10, tying former coach Bill Cowher for the best total by a Steelers head coach in his first four seasons at the helm. Our House: Head Coach Mike Tomlin owns a 25-8 regularseason record at Heinz Field in his four seasons in Pittsburgh. The Steelers are 1-0 in 2011 at home.
INDIVIDUAL OFFENSIVE NOTES Racking Up Yards: QB Ben Roethlisberger is in the midst of a career-long streak of 12 regular-season games with at least 200 passing yards. This season marks only the second time in his career when he has surpassed 200 yards passing in each of the first four games of the season (first six games, 2009). Titan-Sized Performances: QB Ben Roethlisberger is 2-1 during his career versus the Tennessee Titans, with both wins coming at Heinz Field. In each of the past two games versus the Titans, Roethlisberger has thrown for over 320 yards (329, 363). In his first game versus Tennessee back on 9/11/05, Roethlisberger recorded his first perfect passer rating of 158.3 after completing 9-of-11 passes for 218 yards and two touchdowns. Comeback Kid: In Week Three at Indianapolis, QB Ben Roethlisberger led the Steelers on a 10-play, 60-yard drive in the final two minutes that led to a game-winning 38-yard field goal with 0:04 left. It marked his 24th game winning/overtime drive of his career in the regular season. The win improved him to 27-12 in games decided by six points or less (including postseason). 300-Yard Plateau: QB Ben Roethlisberger totaled 364 passing yards in Week Three at Indianapolis. It marked the seventh-most passing yards in a single game in his career (503, 433, 417, 398, 387, 386). He has thrown for over 300 yards 16 times in his career, a team record. Quick Start: QB Ben Roethlisberger completed 7-of-11 passes for 171 yards and one touchdown for a 137.5 passer rating in the first quarter against the Colts in week three. The 171 yards were the most yards he has thrown for in the first quarter during his career. Dating back to 1991, it was the highest first-quarter passing total of any Steelers quarterback. Roethlisberger went on to total 231 yards during the first half, the fifth highest first half total of his career. Out of those five games, the Steelers went on to win four of them. Facing The NFC: With a career record of 71-31 as a starter, QB Ben Roethlisberger has posted gaudy numbers no matter the opposition. Throughout his career, Roethlisberger has feasted on competition from the NFC. In 26 career regular-season games against NFC opponents, Roethlisberger has posted a 20-6 record while completing 406-of-659 passes (61.6 pct.) for 5,539 yards with 34 touchdowns and 17 interceptions for a passer rating of 94.9. Roethlisberger s statistics against the NFC are equally impressive in games at Heinz Field. In 14 career games against NFC opponents at home, Roethlisberger has a 13-1 mark while completing 217-of-365 passes (59.5 pct.) for 3,139 yards with 18 touchdowns and eight interceptions for a passer rating of 94.8. Roethlisberger won his first seven starts against NFC teams. Title Man: QB Ben Roethlisberger has led the Steelers to the AFC Championship Game four times in his first seven seasons. He is one of only two active NFL quarterbacks to win multiple Super Bowl titles (Tom Brady). Roethlisberger joined Roger Staubach, Bernie Kosar, Tom Brady and Donovan McNabb as the only quarterbacks to lead their teams to the conference title game at least three times in their first five seasons as the starting quarterback. Controlling The North: QB Ben Roethlisberger owns a 29-8 (.784) record as a starter against AFC North opponents during his career with the Steelers. He finished a perfect 5-0 in 2010 against divisional foes. 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 37 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 14 times. The following is a look at his statistics against the AFC North in his 37 games as a starter: 37 games vs. Statistic AFC North (as a starter) Record... 29-8 Completion Pct. (Comp.-Att.)... 60.8 (643-1,057) Passing Yards... 8,200 Passing Touchdowns... 51 Interceptions... 35 Passer Rating... 87.4 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... 14-4 Completion Pct. (Comp.-Att.)... 60.9 (332-545)... 60.7 (311-512) Passing Yards... 4,358... 3,822 Passing Touchdowns... 28... 23 Interceptions... 20... 15 Passer Rating... 88.0... 86.6 Starting Strong At Heinz: QB Ben Roethlisberger improved his record to 5-0 in home openers, with a 24-0 win over the Seattle Seahawks in Week Two. Below is how he performed in the five home openers he has played in: Game Comp. Att. Yds. TD INT Rating 11 vs. Sea 22 30 298 1 0 115.7 09 vs. Ten 33 43 363 1 2 89.6 08 vs. Hou 13 14 137 2 0 147.0 07 vs. Buf 21 34 242 1 1 80.8 05 vs. Ten 9 11 218 2 0 158.3 Total 98 132 1,258 7 3 111.9 Home Cooking: QB Ben Roethlisberger owns a 39-12 (.765) 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 12,116 with 73 touchdowns and 42 interceptions for a passer rating of 93.6. He has thrown for more than 300 yards nine 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 42 of the 51 games at home with Roethlisberger as the starter. Starting In Style: In his career, QB Ben Roethlisberger owns a 71-31 (.696) record as a starting quarterback in the regular season. That mark is the second-best record in the NFL among all active quarterbacks (min. 50 starts). With a win in Week Two over Seattle, Roethlisberger reached 70 victories in the fourth-fewest starts (100) among quarterbacks who began their career in the Super Bowl era, only trailing Pro