Game # 14 Pittsburgh Steelers (8-5) at Atlanta Falcons (5-8) Sunday, Dec. 14, 2014 1 p.m. (ET) Georgia Dome Atlanta, Ga. Game #14 Pittsburgh Steelers (8-5) at Atlanta Falcons (5-8) Date: Sunday, Dec. 14, 2014 Kickoff: 1 p.m., ET Site: Georgia Dome (71,250) Atlanta, Ga. Playing Surface: FieldTurf TV Coverage: CBS (locally KDKA-TV, channel 2) Announcers: Greg Gumbel (play-by-play) Trent Green (color analyst) Evan Washburn (sideline) Local Radio: Steelers Radio Network WDVE-FM (102.5)/WBGG-AM (970) Announcers: Bill Hillgrove (play-by-play) Tunch Ilkin (color analyst) Craig Wolfl ey (sideline) National Radio: Westwood One Announcers: Kevin Lee (play-by-play) Mark Malone (color analyst) A Look at the Coaches: Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin Overall regular-season record: 79-46 (.632)/eighth season Regular-season record with Pittsburgh: 79-46 (.632)/eighth season Playoff Record/Years: 5-3/four years Atlanta Falcons Head Coach Mike Smith Overall regular-season record: 65-44 (.596)/seventh season Regular-season record with Atlanta: 65-44 (.596)/seventh season Playoff Record/Years: 1-4/four years For all of the most up-to-date information on the Pittsburgh Steelers, visit the team s offi cial 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 2014 Schedule Preseason (1-3) Saturday, Aug. 9 at N.Y. Giants L, 20-16 (KDKA) Saturday, Aug. 16 BUFFALO W, 19-16 (KDKA) Thursday, Aug. 21 at Philadelphia L, 31-21 (KDKA) Thursday, Aug. 28 CAROLINA L, 10-0 (KDKA) Regular Season (8-5) Sunday, Sept. 7 CLEVELAND W, 30-27 (CBS) Thursday, Sept. 11 at Baltimore L, 26-6 (CBS) Sunday, Sept. 21 at Carolina W, 37-19 (NBC) Sunday, Sept. 28 TAMPA BAY L, 27-24 (FOX) Sunday, Oct. 5 at Jacksonville W, 17-9 (CBS) Sunday, Oct. 12 at Cleveland L, 31-10 (CBS) Monday, Oct. 20 HOUSTON W, 30-23 (ESPN) Sunday, Oct. 26 INDIANAPOLIS W, 51-34 (CBS) Sunday, Nov. 2 BALTIMORE W, 43-23 (NBC) Sunday, Nov. 9 at N.Y. Jets L, 20-13 (CBS) Monday, Nov. 17 at Tennessee W, 27-24 ESPN) Sunday, Nov. 23 BYE WEEK Sunday, Nov. 30 NEW ORLEANS L, 35-32 (FOX) Sunday, Dec. 7 at Cincinnati W, 42-21 (CBS) Sunday, Dec. 14 at Atlanta 1 p.m. (CBS) Sunday, Dec. 21 KANSAS CITY 1 p.m. (CBS) Sunday, Dec. 28 CINCINNATI* 1 p.m. (CBS) * Times and TV Network may change due to NFL flexible scheduling Postseason Sat.-Sun., Jan. 3-4 Sat.-Sun., Jan. 10-11 Sunday, Jan. 18 Sunday, Jan. 25 Sunday, Feb. 1 NOTE: All times are Eastern. Home games in Bold/CAPS. Wild Card Weekend (CBS, ESPN, FOX, NBC) Divisional Playoff Games (CBS, FOX, NBC) Conference Championships (CBS & FOX) AFC-NFC Pro Bowl (Glendale, Ariz.) (NBC) Super Bowl XLIX (Glendale, Ariz.) (NBC)
STEELERS RADIO COVERAGE MEDIA NOTES Weekly Press Conference: Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin will conduct his press conference on Tuesday, Dec. 9, at Noon (LIVE on ROOT Sports) in the Steelers press conference room. Official Steelers Website: Media and fans can read about the latest Steelers news on the offi cial Steelers website. The site, www. steelers.com, features breaking news, statistics, player biographies and much more. Media-Only Section of The Steelers Media Relations Department offers a Media-Only section on steelers.com. To sign up for this service, go to http:// /mediarelations/ and register as a new user below the left hand navigation bar. Then follow the instructions on the Media Relations page and once your registration is approved, you will receive an email and can access all information. If you have any questions or problems, please email steelers_digest@yahoo. com. NFLmedia.com: Journalists worldwide have access to the dedicated media website featuring news from the NFL and its teams. Daily releases, statistics, domestic and international NFL updates and other information about the NFL are available. The site also provides links to other NFL and individual team sites. STEELERS NATION HD RADIO Steelers Nation Radio is a 24-hour/day HD radio station dedicated specifi cally to the Pittsburgh Steelers. It can be heard on, 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. For the 16th 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 20th straight season, Bill Hillgrove serves as the Voice of the Steelers and handles play-by-play duties for the broadcast. Joining Hillgrove for his 16th season as an expert analyst is Tunch Ilkin, the former Steelers All-Pro offensive tackle. Joining the team for his 12th season is former Steeler offensive lineman Craig Wolfley, who provides sideline analysis. Fans in Mexico can also listen to Steelers broadcasts on Grupo Imagen and games are heard on /espanol. Stations on the Steelers Radio Network include: FLAGSHIP STATIONS (2) WDVE-FM (102.5) WBGG-AM (970) PENNSYLVANIA (31) 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-WRVV (97.3) Homer City-WCCS (1160) Johnstown-WNTJ (1490) Latrobe-WCNS (1480) Mount Union-WHUN (106.9) Punxsutawney-WPXZ (104.1) Riverside/Selinsgrove-WVSL (92.3) Saegertown-WUUZ (94.3) Somerset-WLLI (990) State College-WRSC (103.1) Uniontown-WMBS (590) Washington-WJPA (1450) Williamsport-WCXR (93.3) Williamsport-WZXR (103.7) Wilkes-Barre-WHBS (102.3) OHIO (3) Columbus-WTOH (98.9) Fremont-WOHF (92.1) Youngstown-WNIO (1390) MARYLAND (3) Cumberland-WTBO (1450) Frostburg-WFRB (560) Hagerstown-WHAG (1410) WEST VIRGINIA (7) Charleston-WCHS (580) Cross Lanes-WSWW (1490) Fairmont-WRLF (94.3) Fairmont-WMMN (920) New Martinsville-WXCR (92.3) St. Mary s-wjaw (630) Wheeling-WKWK (97.3) NEW YORK (1) Syracuse-WTLA (1200) SOUTH CAROLINA (1) Myrtle Beach-WRXZ (107.1) A daily schedule of what is on Steelers Nation HD Radio is available at www.facebook.com/steelersnationradio. Tuesday, Dec. 9 Wednesday, Dec. 10 Thursday, Dec. 11 Open locker room 9:30-10 a.m. Coach Tomlin Press Conference: Noon Live on ROOT Sports No player availability - players day off Open locker room 9:30-10 a.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) Practice 1-3 p.m. Coach Tomlin available upon request after practice Coordinators available coming off the fi eld after practice Friday, Dec. 12 Practice 10:45 a.m. - Noon Open locker room Noon - 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13 No media availability Players Day Off Sunday, Dec. 14 Monday, Dec. 15 1 p.m. (ET) Road Game at Atlanta Falcons (Georgia Dome) CBS (locally, KDKA-TV, channel 2) TBD Open locker room 3-3:30 p.m.
2014 SEASON HIGHLIGHTS 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF FIRST TITLE The Steelers celebrated the 40th anniversary of the team s fi rst championship, Super Bowl IX, with a variety of events. Super Bowl IX was Pittsburgh s first title game appearence. The team captured their first NFL Championship with a 16-6 victory over the Minnesota Vikings in Tulane Stadium. RB Franco Harris was named the game s MVP with a rushing performance of 158 yards on 34 carries, establishing a new Super Bowl record. Harris gave the Steelers a 9-0 lead in the third quarter on a nine-yard rush. QB Terry Bradshaw connected with Larry Brown for a four-yard touchdown toss to seal the Steelers victory. Some highlights that took place in recognition of the team s Super Bowl IX win during the 2014 season included: Super Bowl IX 40th Anniversary Patch: The team wore wear a special patch on their uniform against the New Orleans Saints (Nov. 30). November 30 Halftime Ceremony: Players from the Super Bowl IX team were recognized during a halftime ceremony of the Saints game. Commemorative Game Ticket Logo: The Steelers printed a separate Super Bowl IX 40th Anniversary logo on game tickets for the November 30th game. Alumni Weekend: November 29-30 served as the team s annual Alumni Weekend to celebrate the team s 40th Anniversary victory in Super Bowl IX. Alumni Weekend Dinner Gala: On November 29, Heinz Field hosted the Alumni Weekend Dinner Gala with proceeds benefitting the UPMC Sports Medicine Concussion Program and The Cancer Caring Center. Players from the Super Bowl IX Championship team were introduced at the event and shared their stories from the 1974 season. 1974 Audio Replays: Replay of audio from the 1974 season and Super Bowl IX, which features Myron Cope and Jack Fleming, will be broadcast on Steelers Nation Radio on Alumni Weekend. 2014 CAPTAINS ANNOUNCED The Steelers selected four players to serve as team captains for the 2014 season, the team announced through a vote of their teammates for the 2014 season. QB Ben Roethlisberger will serve as the offensive captain, S Troy Polamalu will serve as the defensive captain and S Robert Golden and K Shaun Suisham will serve as the special teams captains. Roethlisberger has been selected as an offensive captain for the sixth time in his career (2008, 09, 11, 12, 13 and 14). This marks Golden s, Polamalu s and Suisham s fi rst selections as captains. CHUCK NOLL DAY AND DECAL Steelers President Art Rooney II announced in July on Steelers Nation Radio that the team will wear helmet decals as part of a season-long commemoration of Chuck Noll s coaching career. The decals, unveiled on Monday, September 1, were displayed on the team s helmets for the fi rst time during the team s Week One home opener against the Cleveland Browns, a date designated Chuck Noll Day as the result of bipartisan resolution introduced by Pennsylvania s two United States Senators Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) and Bob Casey (D-Pa.). Noll, the only coach to win four Super Bowls (IX, X, XIII and XIV), compiled a 209-156-1 record in 23 seasons at the helm of the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1969-1991. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993. GREENE NUMBER 75 RETIRED The Steelers retired Joe Greene s Number 75 in a ceremony on November 2, when the team hosted Baltimore at Heinz Field. Greene, the leader of the Steel Curtain defense during the 1970s, helped lead the team to four Super Bowl victories and six AFC Championship game appearances. Throughout his 13-year playing career, all with Pittsburgh, Greene earned All-NFL honors fi ve times and all-conference accolades 11 straight years to begin his tenure. He was twice named the NFL s Defensive Player of the Year in 1972 and 1974. The team s No. 1 draft pick in 1969, Greene quickly emerged in the league as he was named the NFL s Rookie of the Year and received the fi rst of his 10 Pro Bowl selections. Greene was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1987 and has been recognized with the following honors: All-Time NFL Team (2000) NFL 75th Anniversary Team Super Bowl Silver Anniversary Team 1970s All-Decade Team Greene s Number 75 has not been issued by the Steelers since his retirement following the 1981 season. He will join Ernie Stautner (No. 70) as the only players in franchise history to officially have their number retired. After a 13-year playing career, Greene briefl y worked as a color analyst for CBS Sports before becoming the Steelers defensive line coach from 1987-91. He then went on to coach the defensive line for the Miami Dolphins (1992-95) and the Arizona Cardinals (1996-03) before retiring from coaching and moving into the player personnel department with the Steelers. He spent nine years as a special assistant for pro and college personnel for Pittsburgh before retiring in 2013.
FROM LAST WEEK S GAME AT CINCINNATI THE STEELERS The Steelers improved to 54-34 in the all-time regular-season series against the Bengals (25-19 on the road). Pittsburgh has won seven of its previous nine games against Cincinnati and four of its previous fi ve on the road. The Steelers are 3-2 against AFC North opponents in 2014. The Steelers are 8-5 in 2014 (4-3 on the road). Pittsburgh has won four consecutive games in the month of December, dating back to Week 15 of the 2013 season. The Steelers have won at least eight games in a season for the 11th consecutive year, the second-longest active streak in the NFL. The Steelers are 420-271-2 during the regular season since 1970. The Steelers have scored 30 or more points in seven games in 2014 tying a franchise record for the most such games in a season. The Steelers have produced a 4,000-yard passer, 1,000-yard receiver and a 1,000-yard running back in the same season for the second time in franchise history (2009 and 2014). HEAD COACH MIKE TOMLIN Is now 79-46 during the regular season (34-29 on the road). Has led the Steelers to at least eight wins in each of his eight years as the team s head coach. Becomes the seventh head coach in NFL history to lead a team to at least eight wins in each of their fi rst eight years as a head coach (George Allen, Dennis Green, Mike Holmgren, John Madden, George Seifert, Don Shula, Mike Tomlin) and only the fourth to do so with one team (Green, Madden, Seifert, Tomlin). Is 11-4 as the Steelers head coach vs. Cincinnati (6-2 on the road). Is now 19-12 in December as the team s head coach (6-6 on the road). QB BEN ROETHLISBERGER Made his 155th career regular season start and completed 25-of-39 passes for 350 yards with three touchdowns for a 118.5 passer rating. Completed a 94-yard touchdown pass to WR Martavis Bryant the secondlongest pass play in team history (95 yard touchdown from Roethlisberger to Mike Wallace, 10/23/11 at Arizona). Is now 103-52 as a starter during the regular season, 45-32 on road. Improved to 28-13 in his regular-season career as a starter in the month of December and to 11-5 on the road in the month. Is now 15-6 against Cincinnati in the regular season as a starter, 9-2 on the road. Has recorded the second-most pass completions in a single-season by a Steelers QB (339). His 4,055 passing yards are fourth most by a Steelers QB in a season. Has thrown for 4,000 passing yards in 2014 to mark the fourth such season of his NFL career and becomes the fi rst Steeler to accomplish the feat in back-to-back years (2013: 4,261). Totaled 350 passing yards, his 35th 300-yard passing game of his career during the regular season and second such game against the Bengals in his career. Has thrown at least one touchdown pass in 11 consecutive games (Sept. 21, 2014-present), the fourth 10-game streak with a touchdown pass of his NFL career. Surpassed Terry Bradshaw (22 games 25 touchdown passes) for the most touchdown throws by a Steelers quarterback against Cincinnati in the all-time series with 26 in 21 games. Has thrown 29 touchdown passes in 2014 the second-most scoring tosses by a Steelers QB in a single-season. The 94-yard touchdown pass to WR Martavis Bryant was his 12th touchdown pass of at least 60 yards, extending his franchise record. For the 64th time in his career during the regular season, and sixth time against the Bengals in 21 games started, he registered a passer rating over 100.0. The Steelers are 57-7 in those games. TE HEATH MILLER Extended his consecutive regular-season games started streak to 27 - third-longest active treak among NFL tight ends. Extended his consecutive games played with a catch streak to 101 - dating back to 11/3/2008 vs. Washington (including the postseason). With his one-yard touchdown catch, broke a tie with Buddy Dial (42) for sole possession of the fourth-most touchdown receptions in Steelers history. WR LANCE MOORE Recorded a 29-yard reception his longest of the season. WR DARRIUS HEYWARD-BEY Forced a fumble on a Cincinnati fake punt attempt on a fourth-down play in the fi rst quarter - play resulted in a takeway - the fi rst forced fumble of his NFL career. WR MARTAVIS BRYANT Totaled four catches for 109 yards, including a 94-yard touchdown pass from QB Ben Roethlisberger the second-longest pass play in franchise history. Is the fourth Steelers rookie in team history to reach seven touchdown catches in their fi rst season and fi rst since 1990. Is one of fi ve rookies in franchise history to reach 100 receiving yards in at least two games during their rookie season. K SHAUN SUISHAM Has tallied 100 points in a season for the sixth time in his NFL career and fourth straight year. Converted a 44-yard fi eld goal attempt, extending his streak to 30 consecutive attempts made from 40-49 yards the longest active streak in the NFL. WR ANTONIO BROWN Has registered at least one reception in 69 consecutive games in which he has played, including the postseason dating back to October 3, 2010. Led the Steelers in receptions (nine) and receiving yards (117). Surpassed Louis Lipps (358) for the fourth most catches in team history. Totaled his 100th catch of 2014, becoming the fi rst player in Steelers history to record back-to-back seasons of 100 receptions. Became the 13th player (16h occasion) in NFL history to post back-toback seasons with 100 catches. Became the seventh player (eighth occasion) in NFL history to record 100 catches or more in the fi rst 13 games of a season, tying for the second-most (105). Is the second player (third occasion) with 100 catches in a season in in team history. Has recorded at least fi ve catches in 29 consecutive games, dating back to Week One of the 2013 season - an NFL record. Has recorded at least fi ve catches and 50 receiving yards in 29 consecutive games, dating back to Week One of the 2013 season, an NFL record. Set an NFL record of 15 consecutive games with at least five catches and 70 receiving yards. Became the fi rst Steeler in franchise history to reach 1,300 receiving yards through the fi rst 13 games of a season. Became the first Steeler in team history to register back-to-back seasons of 1,300 receiving yards (1,499 in 2013). Joins Yancey Thigpen (1995 and 1997) as the only Steelers to post 1,300 receiving yards in two seasons with the team. Has recorded the fourth most receiving yards in a season in team history. Recorded the 14th 100-yard receiving game of his career, tying as the fourth-most 100 yard performances in Steelers history. Surpassed Louis Lipps for the fourth-most punt return yards in team history. RB Le VEON BELL Extended his consecutive regular-season games started streak to 26 - the fi fth-longest active streak among running backs. Totaled 235 yards from scrimmage to join Walter Payton (1977) as only the second player in NFL history to tally 200 yards from scrimmage in three three consecutive games. Rushed for 185 yards the second-most of his NFL career and added 50 receiving yards on six catches. Produced the fi fth 100-yard rushing game of his NFL career, fourth of 2014. Has recorded 100 yards from scrimmage in 11 games during the 2014 season the second-most such games by a Steeler in a season. Registered the second game of his NFL career with two rushing touchdowns. Became the sixth player (seventh occasion) in Steelers history to have two rushing touchdowns and a touchdown catch in the same game, first since Mewelde Moore (Oct. 19, 2008 at Cincinnati). Is the fi rst Steeler since 2010 (Rashard Mendenhall) to have 1,200 rushing yards. With 185 rushing yards, extended his new single-season career-high to 1,231 surpassing his 2013 rookie total of 860. With 185 rushing yards, extended his team record for most rushing yards by a Steeler in their fi rst two seasons in the NFL 2,091. Joins Jerome Bettis as the second player in team history with at least 2,000 rushing yards in their fi rst two seasons with the team. Became the first Steelers running back to have at least three touchdown catches in a season since 2006 (Willie Parker). Has recorded the second-most receiving yards (693) by a Steelers running back in a season. Joins Jerome Bettis as the second player in team history with at least 3,000 yards from scrimmage in their fi rst two seasons with the team. Has recorded the second most yards from scrimmage by a Steeler through the fi rst 13 games of a season (1,924) - the second-most in a season. Increased his franchise record for the most yards from scrimmage by a Steeler in their fi rst two seasons in the NFL to 3,183. Extended his franchise record for the most receptions by a running back in a single-season to 71. CB WILLIAM GAY Extended his consecutive regular-season games played streak to 125 longest active streak among NFL cornerbacks. Tallied his 10th pass breakup of the season marking the fourth double-digit season of his career in the defensive category and fi rst since 2011. DE CAM HEYWARD Extended his consecutive regular-season games played streak to 61 - tying as the fi fth-longest active streak among NFL defensive ends. Sacked Cincinnati QB Andy Dalton on the fi rst offensive play of the second half, increasing his season total to 5.0 to match a personal single-season high (5.0 in 2013). LB LAWRENCE TIMMONS Extended his streak of consecutive regular-season games started to 66 the longest active streak among current Steelers. Recorded his 100th tackle of the 2014 season and his third straight 100-plus tackle season, fourth of his NFL career (per gamebook statistics). LB ARTHUR MOATS Registered his fi rst career multi-sack game, tallying two, increasing his 2014 total to a new single-season career-high (4.0), and forced a fumble and recovered a fumble. DE STEPHON TUITT Made his first career start and finished with two tackles (one solo) and a quarterback hit.
STEELERS-FALCONS SERIES HISTORY Series History: Series began in 1966 Overall Regular Season: Steelers lead, 12-2-1 At Pittsburgh: Steelers lead, 6-0-1 At Atlanta: Steelers lead, 6-2 Neutral Sites: n/a Streak: Steelers won previous meeting Last Regular-Season Meeting: Sept. 12, 2010 in Pittsburgh Pittsburgh 15, Atlanta 9 Postseason Series: n/a (preseason and postseason record not included in overall series record) This week s game marks the 16th time the Pittsburgh Steelers and Atlanta Falcons will meet in the regular season and the ninth time in Atlanta, where the Steelers hold a four game advantage... the two teams will meet for the third time in the month of December (1-1) and the third time in Atlanta during the month. 2014 TEAM STATS Steelers Category Falcons 27.8... Points Scored Per Game...25.2 24.5...Points Allowed Per Game...26.3 24.6... First Downs Per Game...21.2 427.0...Total Yards Per Game...381.0 123.8...Rushing Yards Per Game...96.7 303.2... Passing Yards Per Game...284.3 24.0...Sacks By...15.0 8... Interceptions By...14 33:22...Avg. Time of Possession...29:16 41... Touchdowns...37 7... Rushing Touchdowns...10 30... Passing Touchdowns...25 4... Touchdowns on Returns...2 23-26... Field Goals...23-26 43.1... Punting Avg....45.4 6.9...Punt Return Avg....15.3 20.9... Kickoff Return Avg...22.8 2014 AFC NORTH STANDINGS 2014 AFC North Standings W L T Pct. Pts. Opp. Cincinnati 8 4 1.654 281 289 Pittsburgh 8 5 0.615 362 319 Baltimore 8 5 0.615 356 255 Cleveland 7 6 0.538 276 270 This Week in the AFC North: Sunday, Dec. 14: Pittsburgh (8-5) at Atlanta (5-8), 1 p.m. (CBS, locally KDKA-TV) Baltimore (8-5) vs. Jacksonville (2-11) 1 p.m. (CBS) Cincinnati (8-4-1) at Cleveland (7-6), 1 p.m. (CBS) THE LAST TIME VS. ATLANTA Pittsburgh 15, Atlanta 9 (OT) Sept. 12, 2010 Heinz Field (63,609) PITTSBURGH The Steelers won their eighth straight game on Kickoff Weekend with a dramatic 15-9 overtime victory against the Atlanta Falcons at Heinz Field. The eight-game winning streak in season openers is the longest current streak in the NFL. The Falcons won the coin toss in overtime and elected to receive. After two costly holding penalties the Falcons were forced to punt from their own 14-yard line. The Steelers took over at midfield and on the fi rst play RB Rashard Mendenhall broke free for a game-winning 50-yard touchdown run. Mendenhall finished the game with 120 yards on 22 carries and one touchdown, his fourth career 100-yard rushing game. On the Steelers opening drive in the first quarter, QB Dennis Dixon, making only his second career start, marched the team to the Atlanta 35-yard line. K Jeff Reed connected from 52 yards out to put the Steelers up 3-0. It was the longest field goal in Heinz Field history and Reed s second longest of his career. Neither team moved the ball effectively, exchanging punts for most part of the half. Reed missed a 55-yard fi eld goal with 22 seconds left in the half, which left enough time for Atlanta to strike. Falcons QB Matt Ryan found WR Eric Weems for 17 yards and WR Roddy White for another seven yards to put the Falcons at the Steelers 32-yard line. K Matt Bryant connected from 49-yards out just as the halftime clock expired and the game was tied, 3-3. On the opening drive of the second half, Bryant connected from 39 yards out to put the Falcons up 6-3. Reed would connect on two more field goals, and Bryant added another, and the game was tied, 9-9. The Falcons took over at their own 21-yard line with 1:45 left in the game, but on the fi rst play S Troy Polamalu picked off QB Matt Ryan. The Steelers looked like they had the game in hand but Reed s 40-yard fi eld goal attempt went wide right and the game headed into overtime. WR Hines Ward finished the game with 108 yards receiving on six catches. He became the first Steelers receiver to surpass 11,000 yards receiving, and he broke the record for most 100-yard receiving games in team history (26), passing former WR John Stallworth. The Steelers defense held the Falcons to only 58 yards rushing and posted two sacks (LB LaMarr Woodley, LB James Harrison) and an interception. GAME SUMMARY Falcons (0-1) 0 3 3 3 0 9 STEELERS (1-0) 3 0 3 3 6 15 TEAM Q TIME PLAY DRIVE SCORE PIT 1 7:51 Reed 52 FG 11-40; 7:09 3-0 ATL 2 0:00 Bryant 49 FG 4-24; 0:17 3-3 ATL 3 10:40 Bryant 39 FG 13-56; 4:20 3-6 PIT 3 6:53 Reed 36 FG 6-62; 3:47 6-6 PIT 4 8:54 Reed 34 FG 10-67; 5:07 9-6 ATL 4 3:24 Bryant 23 FG 13-64; 5:30 9-9 PIT OT 12:25 Mendenhall 50 run 1-50; 0:11 15-9 All times are Eastern. TEAM STATISTICS INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS Falcons Steelers 1st Downs 18 14 3rd Downs 6-16 (38%) 4-14 (29%) 4th Downs 0-0 (0%) 0-0 (0%) Total Net Yards 295 354 Plays-Avg. 71-4.2 60-5.9 Rushing Yards 58 143 Rush Att.-Avg. 25-2.3 31-4.6 Passing Yards 237 211 Att.-Comp.-Int. 44-27-1 26-18-1 Sacks By 3-25 2-15 Punts-Avg. 7-40.1 5-50.8 Penalties 3-24 4-25 Fumbles-Lost 0-0 0-0 Time of Poss. 30:29 32:06 RUSHING: Atl. Turner 19-42; Norwood 2-8; Snelling 2-4; Ryan 2-4. Pit. Mendenhall 22-120, 1 TD; Redman 6-19; Dixon 2-4; Moore 1-0. PASSING: Atl. Ryan 44-27-1, 252. Pit. Dixon 26-18-1, 236. RECEIVING: Atl. White 13-111; Weems 4-36; Douglas 3-39; Gonzalez 2-35; Peelle 2-11; Norwood 1-9; Turner 1-7; Snelling 1-4. Pit. Ward 6-108; Miller 4-40; Wallace 2-62; Mendenhall 2-15; Randle El 2-8; Moore 2-3.
STEELERS-FALCONS CONNECTIONS Steelers in Bold; Falcons in Bold Italic Former Steelers/Falcons Steelers TE Michael Palmer originally signed with the Falcons as an undrafted free agent in 2010 and played three seasons (2010-12) in Atlanta. Pittsburgh TE coach James Daniel coached seven seasons (1997-2003) in Atlanta. Falcons Secondary coach Tim Lewis was on the Steelers coaching staff for nine seasons (1995-2003), as the DB coach from 1995-99 and DC from 2000-03. Atlanta T Jonathan Scott played two seasons with the Steelers (2010-11). Area Connections Pittsburgh TE Michael Palmer is from Stone Mountain, Ga. Steelers OC Todd Haley was born in Atlanta. Falcons Secondary coach Tim Lewis played at the University of Pittsburgh from 1979-82. NFL Connections Pittsburgh HC Mike Tomlin (2005), WR coach Richard Mann (2005-08), Conditioning Coordinator Garrett Giemont (2005), QB Bruce Gradkowski (2006-07) and S Will Allen (2005-08) each spent time in Tampa Bay with Atlanta K Matt Bryant. Pittsburgh LB coach Keith Butler was on the Cleveland coaching staff for two seasons (2001-02) with Atlanta Asst. HC/WR coach Terry Robiskie. Steelers OC Todd Haley coached one season (2000) with Falcons DC Mike Nolan with the New York Jets. Pittsburgh RB coach James Saxon coached one season (2010) with Atlanta DB coach Joe Danna and Nolan in Miami. Saxon coached Falcons DT Paul Soliai for three seasons (2008-10) in Miami. Steelers TE coach James Daniel spent four seasons (1993-96) with Nolan with the New York Giants. Pittsburgh TE Matt Spaeth spent two seasons (2011-12) in Chicago with Atlanta OL coach Mike Tice, WR Devin Hester and OL Gabe Carimi. Spaeth played one season (2012) with Falcons WR Eric Weems in Chicago. Haley coached Falcons CB Javier Arenas and G Jon Asamoah (2010-11) and DE Tyson Jackson (2009-11) in Kansas City. Pittsburgh S Mike Mitchell played one season (2013) with Atlanta S Charles Godfrey in Carolina. Steelers CB Antwon Blake played one season (2012) with FAlcons S Dwight Lowery in Jacksonville. Pittsburgh STC Danny Smith coached Atlanta CB Josh Wilson for three seasons (2011-13) in Washington. Steelers CB Brice McCain played three seasons (2011-13) with Falcons QB T.J. Yates in Houston. STEELERS-FALCONS CONNECTIONS Steelers in Bold; Falcons in Bold Italic College Connections Steelers WR Martavis Bryant (2011-12) and TE Michael Palmer (2009) were teammates with Falcons DE Malliciah Goodman at Clemson. Pittsburgh LB Vince Williams played two seasons (2011-12) with Atlanta RB Devonta Freeman at Florida State. Steelers CB William Gay played three seasons (2004-06) with Falcons WR Harry Douglas at Louisville. Pittsburgh WR Darrius Heyward-Bey was teammates with Atlanta CB Josh Wilson for two seasons (2005-06) at Maryland. Steelers LB Sean Spence played three seasons (2008-10) with Falcons P Matt Bosher at Miami. Pittsburgh DT Cam Thomas was teammates with Atlanta QB T.J. Yates for two seasons (2007-08) at North Carolina. Steelers DE Stephon Tuitt played three seasons (2011-13) with Falcons LB Prince Shembo at Notre Dame. Pittsburgh WR Markus Wheaton was teammates with Atlanta RB Jacquizz Rodgers for two seasons (2009-10) at Oregon State. Steelers G David DeCastro played three seasons (2009-11) with Falcons TE Levine Toilolo at Stanford. Pittsburgh DL Daniel McCullers played two seasons (2012-13) with Atlanta C James Stone at Tennessee. Steelers CB Brice McCain was teammates with Falcons DT Paul Soliai for two seasons (2005-06) at Utah. Pittsburgh LB Arthur Moats played at James Madison in 2007 while Falcons DB coach Joe Danna held the same position. PIT-ATL SERIES HIGHS Passing Yards Steelers Tommy Maddox 473 11/10/2002 Falcons Steve Bartkowski 416 11/15/1981 Rushing Yards Steelers Franco Harris 141 10/28/1974 Falcons Warrick Dunn 129 11/10/2002 Receiving Yards Steelers Plaxico Burress 253 11/10/2002 Falcons Terance Mathis 166 11/10/2002
WHAT TO LOOK FOR FROM THE STEELERS The Steelers look to improve to 13-2-1 in the all time regularseason series against Atlanta to 7-2 on the road. With a win, Pittsburgh would be 9-5 in 2014 and 5-3 on the road. Pittsburgh looks to win its fi fth consecutive game in the month of December, dating back to Week 15 of the 2013 season. FROM HEAD COACH MIKE TOMLIN A win would improve Tomlin to 80-46 during the regular season, inlcuding 35-29 on the road. Looks to move to 2-0 as the Steelers Head Coach against Atlanta and win his fi rst game on the road vs. the Falcons. With a victory, would improve to 20-12 as the team s head coach during the month of December and to 7-6 on the road during the month. With a win, will have led the Steelers to at least nine wins in six of his eight years as the team s head coach. FROM THE STEELERS OFFENSE QB BEN ROETHLISBERGER Is scheduled to make his 156th regular-season start Sunday. Looks to improve to 1-1 against Atlanta as a starter (1-1 on the road) with a win. With a win, will improve to 29-13 all-time in the month of December as a starter (12-5 on the road). One touchdown pass to become the 17th player (fifth active) in NFL history to record 250 career touchdown passes. Will set a franchise record for the most touchdown passes in a season with his fourth (32 in 2007). Needs 37 to surpass his own franchise record for the most pass completions in a season (375 in 2013). Is 275 passing yards from surpassing his Steelers singleseason record of 4,328 in 2009. RB Le VEON BELL Will become the fi rst Steelers running back to record 1,300 yards in a season since 2007 (Willie Parker) with 69. Will set a single-season team record for the most receiving yards by a running back with 70 (Ray Mathews, 762, 1955). If he has 200 yards from scrimmage on Sunday, will become the fi rst player in NFL history to do so in four straight games. Is 111 yards from scrimmage away from setting a Steelers single-season record (Barry Foster, 2,034, 1992). WR ANTONIO BROWN With his eighth catch, will set a Steelers single-season record (Hines Ward, 112, 2002). Will match a Steelers single-season record for touchdown catches (12) with his next scoring grab (fourth occasion in team history). One 100-yard receiving game to tie John Stallworth (1984) and Mike Wallace (2010) for the most such games in a Steelers season (7). Needs 125 receiving yards to set a new career high and team record (1,499 in 2013). FROM THE STEELERS OFFENSE (CONT D) TE HEATH MILLER Will hit 6,000 career receiving yards with 143. Is 16 receiving yards from tallying 600 in 2014 to mark his fourth 600-plus yard season. WR MARTAVIS BRYANT With his next touchdown catch, will become the second Steelers rookie in team history to post 8 in his fi rst campaign and fi rst since 1984 (Louis Lipps, 9). Will become the eighth rookie in Steelers history to post 500 receiving yards in their fi rst season with 47 yards. WR DARRIUS HEYWARD-BEY Needs 28 receptions to notch 200 in his NFL career. Is 87 receiving yards away from 2,500 in his NFL tenure. FROM THE STEELERS DEFENSE S TROY POLAMALU With his next interception, will move into sole possession for seventh-most in Steelers history (33). Is one interception returned for a touchdown to match Chad Scott and Jack Butler (4) for the second-most INT-TDs in team history. CB WILL GAY Will set a single-season career-high with his next interception (three). Needs one interception returned for a touchdown to set a new single-season Steelers record (three). LB JAMES HARRISON Will record his 70th sack as a Steeler with his second Needs one multi-sack game to match Jason Gildon (17) for the most such games in Steelers history since sacks became an offi cial statistic in 1982 LB LAWRENCE TIMMONS Will record the 30th sack of his NFL career with his second quarterback takedown. FROM THE STEELERS SPECIAL TEAMS K SHAUN SUISHAM Two succesful field goal attempts to reach 25 on the season to mark the fifth such season of his NFL career (third in a row). WR/PR ANTONIO BROWN Needs 41 punt return yards to surpass Theo Bell (1,259) for third most in Steelers record books.
STEELERS TEAM RANKINGS IN 2014 The Steelers 2014 offense ranks in the top six in the NFL in multiple categories, including time of possession (1st), yards per play (2nd), yards per game (2nd), fi rst downs per game (2nd), passing yards per game (2nd) and points per game (6th): 2014 NFL TIME OF POSSESSION LEADERS Rk. TEAM TIME OF POSSESSION 1. Pittsburgh 33:22 2. Detroit 32:38 3. Indianapolis 32:35 4. Seattle 32:26 5. San Francisco 31:40 2014 NFL YARDS PER PLAY LEADERS Rk. TEAM YARDS PER PLAY 1. Green Bay 6.3 2. Pittsburgh 6.2 T3. Denver 6.1 Indianapolis 6.1 New Orleans 6.1 2014 NFL YARDS PER GAME LEADERS Rk. TEAM YARDS PER GAME 1. Indianapolis 432.4 2. Pittsburgh 427.0 3. New Orleans 421.0 4. Denver 405.6 5. Philadelphia 394.8 2014 NFL 1st DOWNS PER GAME LEADERS Rk. TEAM 1st DOWNS PER GAME 1. New Orleans 25.2 2. Pittsburgh 24.6 3. Indianapolis 24.4 4. New England 23.5 5. Denver 22.7 2014 NFL PASSING YARDS PER GAME LEADERS Rk. TEAM PASSING YARDS PER GAME 1. Indianapolis 321.8 2. Pittsburgh 303.2 3. New Orleans 297.3 4. Denver 294.3 5. Atlanta 284.3 FRANCHISE MARKS IN REACH Pittsburgh s 2014 offense has surpassed single-season franchise marks with its points per game, yards per game and passing yards per game averages this year and is on pace to register the most fi rst downs in a season: STEELERS POINTS PER GAME AVERAGE - SINGLE-SEASON Rk. YEAR POINTS PER GAME 1. 2014 27.8 2. 1975 26.6 3. 1979 26.0 4. 1995 25.4 5. 1952 25.0 STEELERS YARDS PER GAME AVERAGE - SINGLE-SEASON Rk. YEAR YARDS PER GAME 1. 2014 427.0 2. 1979 391.1 3. 2011 372.3 4. 2002 372.0 5. 2009 371.3 STEELERS PASSING YARDS PER GAME AVERAGE - SINGLE-SEASON Rk. YEAR PASSING YARDS PER GAME 1. 2014 303.2 2. 2009 259.3 3. 2011 253.4 4. 2013 251.1 5. 1995 244.8 STEELERS TOTAL FIRST DOWNS - SINGLE-SEASON Rk. YEAR TOTAL FIRST DOWNS 1. 1995 344 2. 2002 343 3. 2011 341 4. 1979 337 5. 2009 331 6. 2006 327 7. 1997 326 8. 2014 320 9. 1981 318 10. 1978 316 2014 NFL POINTS PER GAME LEADERS Rk. TEAM POINTS PER GAME 1. Green Bay 32.5 2. Indianapolis 31.3 3. New England 30.8 4. Philadelphia 29.9 5. Denver 29.6 6. Pittsburgh 27.8 Pittsburgh s defense has held its opponents to the third-lowest third-down conversion percentage in 2014: 2014 NFL OPPONENT 3RD DOWN CONVERSIONS Rk. TEAM OPPONENT 3RD DOWN % 1. Indianapolis 33.3 2. Buffalo 33.7 3. Pittsburgh 35.3 T4. Cleveland 35.7 Detroit 35.7
SINGLE-SEASON PLAYER MARKS IN REACH QB Ben Roethlisberger has already established a new Steelers single-season record for most 300-yard games with 7 in 2014 and is on pace to surpass his own single-season franchise records for pass completions, passing touchdowns and passing yards this year. Below is a look at where his 2104 numbers stand in single-season Steelers history: STEELERS SINGLE-SEASON COMPLETION LEADERS Rk. STEELER, YEAR COMPLETIONS 1. Ben Roethlisberger, 2013 375 2. Ben Roethlisberger, 2014 339 3. Ben Roethlisberger, 2009 337 4. Ben Roethlisberger, 2011 324 5. Tommy Maddox, 2003 298 STEELERS SINGLE-SEASON PASSING TD LEADERS Rk. STEELER, YEAR PASSING TOUCHDOWNS 1. Ben Roethlisberger, 2007 32 2. Ben Roethlisberger, 2014 29 T3. Ben Roethlisberger, 2013 28 Terry Bradshaw, 1978 28 Ben Roethlisberger, 2012 26 Ben Roethlisberger, 2009 26 Terry Bradshaw, 1979 26 STEELERS SINGLE-SEASON PASSING YARDS LEADERS Rk. STEELER, YEAR PASSING YARDS 1. Ben Roethlisberger, 2009 4,328 2. Ben Roethlisberger, 2013 4,261 3. Ben Roethlisberger, 2011 4,077 4. Ben Roethlisberger, 2014 4,055 5. Terry Bradshaw, 1979 3,724 WR Antonio Brown is in reach of setting Steelers single-season records for receptions, receiving touchdowns and receiving yards in 2014: STEELERS SINGLE-SEASON RECEPTION LEADERS Rk. STEELER, YEAR RECEPTIONS 1. Hines Ward, 2002 112 2. Antonio Brown, 2013 110 3. Antonio Brown, 2014 105 T4. Hines Ward, 2009 95 Hines Ward, 2003 95 SINGLE-SEASON PLAYER MARKS IN REACH RB Le Veon Bell has already eclipsed the team record for most receptions by a running back in a single-season with 65 and is on pace to set the mark for receiving yards at his position and the team s yards from scrimmage record and close in on the single-season rushing yardage mark: STEELERS SINGLE-SEASON RECEPTIONS BY A RUNNING BACK LEADERS Rk. STEELER, YEAR RECEPTIONS 1. Le Veon Bell, 2014 71 2. John L. Williams, 1994 51 3. Merril Hoge, 1988 50 T4. Merril Hoge, 1991 49 Frency Fuqua, 1971 49 STEELERS SINGLE-SEASON RECEIVING YARDS BY A RUNNING BACK LEADERS Rk. STEELER, YEAR RECEIVING YARDS 1. Ray Mathews, 1955 762 2. Le Veon Bell, 2014 693 3. Ray Mathews, 1954 652 STEELERS SINGLE-SEASON SCRIMMAGE YARDS LEADERS Rk. STEELER, YEAR SCRIMMAGE YARDS 1. Barry Foster, 1992 2,034 2. Le Veon Bell, 2014 1,924 3. Jerome Bettis, 1997 1,775 4. Willie Parker, 2006 1,716 5. Jerome Bettis, 1996 1,553 STEELERS SINGLE-SEASON RUSHING YARDS LEADERS Rk. STEELER, YEAR RUSHING YARDS 5. Jerome Bettis, 2000 1,341 6. Willie Parker, 2007 1,316 7. Rashard Mendenhall, 2010 1,273 8. Franco Harris, 1975 1,246 9. Le Veon Bell, 2014 1,231 10. Willie Parker, 2005 1,202 STEELERS SINGLE-SEASON RECEIVING TD LEADERS Rk. STEELER, YEAR RECEIVING TOUCHDOWNS T1. Hines Ward, 2002 12 Louis Lipps, 1985 12 Buddy Dial, 1961 12 T4. Antonio Brown, 2014 11 Five other occasions 11 STEELERS SINGLE-SEASON RECEIVING YARDS LEADERS Rk. STEELER, YEAR RECEIVING YARDS 1. Antonio Brown, 2013 1,499 2. Yancey Thigpen, 1997 1,398 3. John Stallworth, 1984 1,395 4. Antonio Brown, 2014 1,375 5. Hines Ward, 2002 1,329
THE TOMLIN FILE 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. Through seven seasons, Tomlin has accomplished many things that have never been done in the team s storied history. His 71-41 record (.634) is tied for the best start in franchise history. He has guided the Steelers defense to the NFL s top ranking in total defense four times, including most recently in 2012. He has also sent a total of 40 selections to the league s annual Pro Bowl, including two following the 2013 season. Tomlin has reached the playoffs four times in his fi rst seven 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 fi rst 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 fi rst 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. Arguably one of his best coaching performances may possibly have come in the second half of the 2013 season. Despite an 0-4 and 2-6 start to the season, the Steelers fi nished the regular season surging to a 6-2 second-half record, falling just short of the playoffs. However, he rallied the team despite numerous injuries on both sides of the ball, to stick together and fi nished second in the AFC North. The 2013 campaign also saw quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, wide receiver and team MVP Antonio Brown and running back Le Veon Bell break numerous regular-season records for the Steelers. Brown and safety Troy Polamalu were each selected to the Pro Bowl following the season. Tomlin led the Steelers to a 27-10 victory over the New York Jets in the 2012 home opener, becoming the fi rst coach in team history to win his fi rst six home openers. The Steelers fi nished the season with the top-ranked overall defense (275.8 ypg) and fi nished fi rst 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 fi nished 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 fi rst 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 fi rst down (4.08). Tomlin was a three-year starter at wide receiver at William and Mary (1990-94) and fi nished his career with 101 receptions for 2,054 yards and 20 TD catches. A fi rst-team All-Yankee Conference selection in 1994, he established a school record with a 20.2 yardsper-catch average. GOOD FIRST SEVEN Mike Tomlin has accomplished a lot in his fi rst seven seasons as head coach of the Steelers. Tomlin s 71 wins after his fi rst seven seasons are tied for the most wins in team history for any coach after his fi rst seven seasons. His two Super Bowl appearances also are tied for the franchise best for a coach in his fi rst seven seasons. Tomlin s four postseason berths and three division titles are tied for second for the most in a coach s first seven seasons. Below is how Tomlin ranks among Steelers coaches after their fi rst seven seasons: STEELERS HEAD COACHES THROUGH SEVEN YEARS HEAD COACH RECORD Mike Tomlin (2007-2013) 71-41 (.634) (2007-2013) Bill Cowher (1992-2006) 71-41 (.634) (1992-1998) Chuck Noll (1969-1991) 55-42 (.566) (1969-1975) Buddy Parker (1957-1964) 46-38 (.548) (1957-1963) HEAD COACH SUPER BOWL APP. SUPER BOWL WINS Chuck Noll 2 (1974, 75) 2 (1974, 75) Mike Tomlin 2 (2008, 10) 1 (2008) Bill Cowher 1 (1995) HEAD COACH PLAYOFF APPEARENCES Bill Cowher 6 (1992-97) Mike Tomlin 4 (2007, 08, 10, 11) Chuck Noll 4 (1972, 73, 74, 75) 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) 3 (1972, 74, 75) (AFC Central) IN THE DIVISION Mike Tomlin owns a 32-15 all-time record against teams in the AFC North. His 32 regular-season wins against division opponents are the most of any AFC North team since 2007 (Baltimore: 27-19 / Cincinnati: 22-24 / Cleveland: 12-34). Tomlin has won at least four games against division opponents in fi ve of his fi rst seven seasons. He owns an impressive 18-5 record against divisional foes at Heinz Field. OUR HOUSE Mike Tomlin has lead the Steelers to a 45-17 career regularseason record at Heinz Field. In 2012, he won his fi rst four home games for the fourth time in his career (2007, 09 and 11). He has guided the Steelers to a 4-2 mark in the team s fi rst six home games in 2014. Tomlin has led Pittsburgh to at least fi ve home wins in each of his fi rst seven seasons as head coach. His 45 home wins during the regular season are tied as the fourthmost in the NFL since 2007. Below is a look at the best home records during the regular season since 2007: HOME GAME RECORDS: 2007-CURRENT Team W L T Pct. New England 56 6 0.903 Green Bay 50 12 1.806 Baltimore 47 15 0.758 Pittsburgh 45 17 0.726 Indianapolis 45 18 0.714
TOMLIN AMONG THE BEST Since being named named head coach of the Steelers in 2007, Mike Tomlin has led Pittsburgh to 79 victories - the fourth-most wins in the NFL during that time span: NFL TEAM RECORDS: 2007-CURRENT TEAM RECORD PLAYOFF APP. SUPER BOWL APP. New England 98-27 6* 2 Green Bay 84-40-1 6* 1 Indianapolis 82-43 6* 1 Pittsburgh 79-46 4 2 New Orleans 75-50 4* 1 Baltimore 75-50 5 1 *Made the playoffs in 2013 Tomlin also has a.632 winning percentage - tied as the fi fth-best regular season winning mark among active NFL head coaches (min. 50 games): ACTIVE HEAD COACH WINNING PCT (MIN. 50 GAMES) COACH W L T Win Pct. Jim Harbaugh, SF (2011-pres.) 43 17 1.717 Bill Belichick (Cle 1991-95, NE 2000-pres.) 209 108 0.659 Mike McCarthy (GB 2006-pres.) 92 48 1.657 John Harbaugh (Bal 2008-pres.) 70 39 0.642 Mike Tomlin (Pit 2007-pres.) 79 46 0.632 Sean Payton (NO 2006-11, 2013-pres.) 78 47 0.624 FEWEST TO 60 Mike 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. FEWEST GAMES COACHED TO 60 WINS 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 L.A. Rams, Buffalo 88 Bill Cowher Pittsburgh 90 Andy Reid Philadelphia 90 ^ Through fi rst 60 wins TOMLIN VS. NFC During his career, Mike Tomlin s regular-season record against the NFC is 20-11, including 12-4 at home. The Steelers.645 regular-season winning percentage against the NFC since 2007 is third-best among AFC teams: AFC RECORDS VS. NFC: 2007-CURRENT Team W L T Pct. New England 25 7 0.781 Baltimore 22 10 0.688 Pittsburgh 20 11 0.645 Indianapolis 19 12 0.613 Cincinnati 18 12 2.594 Including the postseason Tomlin has a.636 winning percentage against the NFC during his fi rst eight years, which ranks fi rst among Steelers head coaches. PRIMETIME SPECIALIST Pittsburgh has played 19 games in primetime since the 2011 season. The Steelers won four consecutive primetime games in 2014, defeating the Panthers 37-19 on Sunday Night Football, the Houston Texans 30-23 on Monday Night Football, Baltimore Ravens on Sunday Night 43-23 and Tennessee Titans 27-24 on Monday in Week 11. Head Coach Mike Tomlin is 25-14 overall in primetime games, including a 12-9 record on the road. He is 9-2 on Monday Night Football, 11-8 on Sunday Night Football and 5-4 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 coaches to win their fi rst six Monday Night Football games. TOMLIN BY THE NUMBERS 1ST Only one head coach in Steelers history - Mike Tomlin - has led the team to two Super Bowl appearences in their fi rst four seasons. 3RD Tomlin became the third head coach hired by the Steelers since 1969 on Jan. 22, 2007. 4 Number of times the Steelers defense has ranked first in total defense in the NFL under Tomlin, most recently in 2012. The Steelers have reached the playoffs four times in Tomlin s fi rst seven years at the helm, including two trips to the Super Bowl (capturing Super Bowl XLIII). 7 Tomlin is one of only seven coaches in NFL history to win a Super Bowl within his fi rst two years as an NFL head coach. 7 Became the seventh head coach in NFL history to lead a team to at least eight wins in each of their fi rst eight years as a head coach (George Allen, Dennis Green, Mike Holmgren, John Madden, George Seifert, Don Shula, Mike Tomlin) and only the fourth to do so with one team (Green, Madden, Seifert, Tomlin). 27-23 Tomlin became the youngest head coach in NFL history to both lead his team to and capture a Super Bowl championship when Pittsburgh defeated the Arizona Cardinals 27-23 in Super Bowl XLIII. 40 Since 2007, Tomlin has sent a total of 40 selections to the League s annual Pro Bowl, including two following the 2013 campaign. 45-17 Tomlin s record in his fi rst seven seasons in games played at Heinz Field - the fourth-best home record in the NFL since 2007. 79-46 Tomlin has compiled a 79-46 record into his eighth season as Pittsburgh s head coach - the best start in Steelers history.