Steelers End Season 8-8 In Beating Browns & Avoid Losing Season
The only good news that came out of the Steelers beating the Browns 24-10 is their avoiding a losing season. Unfortunately, it gives Steeler fans very little to cheer about. This game marked only the second time the Steelers won in the last six weeks.
In the season's most meaningless game, Ben threw three touchdowns. Plaxico Burress, Antonio Brown and Leornad Pope each scored touchdowns.
The Numbers:
- Roethlisberger threw for 134 yards. He was 15 for 23 with 3 TD's and no interceptions.
- Steelers had 17 first downs to Cleveland's 18.
- Time of Possession: Steelers edged out Cleveland 30:21 to 29:39.
- Dwyer, Redman and Mendenhall ran for a total of 97 yards.
- Steeler receiving totalled 112 yards.
One thing is certain. Steelers ownership and Coach Tomlin will have a busy off season. The team is facing an aging roster. In addition, they will be facing some salary cap issues.
Future editions of The Pittsburgh Steelers Report will cover off season discussions and plans. So make sure you come back periodically.
Cleveland Browns Visit Heinz Field
Browns will be visiting Steelers at home on Sunday for Pittsburgh's last game of the 2012 season. Game time is 1 p.m.
On Nov. 25, 2012, the last time both teams met, Cleveland beat the Steelers 20-14. Steelers own the Browns at home with an overall record of 38-21 since 1950. Steelers have not been swept by Cleveland since 1988.
Bengals D The Difference
Bengals knocked the Steelers out of post season with a 13-10 win. The win puts Cincinnati in the AFC playoffs marking the first time in 30 years the Bengals reached the playoffs in back-to-back seasons.
One of the key differences was the Cincinnati defense. Once again, for the second straight game, Roethlisber was picked off with little time remaining. The Bengals defense came through on some key plays. Their front four sacked Ben four times, all at critical times in the game. The Steelers also had three turnovers.
The stats for the Bengals were pathetic picking up only 14 rushing yards while turning the ball over three times.
The two bright spots for the Steelers were Antonio Brown's 60 yard touchdown, and Troy Polamalu's defense. Troy looked like Polamalu of old breaking up one pass and a beautifully timed blitz in the second quarter to sack Dalton.
Steelers final game is at home against Cleveland next week at 1 p.m.
Needless to say, coach Mike Tomlin will need to do some serious soul searching before the beginning of the 2013 season. The Pittsburgh Steeelers Report will be there to keep our readers of news in the off season.
The Immaculate Reception
There's another bright spot but not having anything to do with this dismal season. Forty years ago today on Dec. 23, 1972, one of the greatest plays in Steeler history took place---The Immaculate Reception. Many observers also consider it the greatest play of all time in any sport.
There continues to be some controversy regarding the play to this day. But we do know this. The Oakland Raiders were leading the Steelers 7-6 with 22 seconds left. As Bradshaw's pass spiraled toward John "Frenchy" Fuqua, Oakland's defensive back, Jack Tatum, collided with Fugua causing the ball to ricochet to Franco Harris who took the deflected pass for a touchdown.
Of course, among Steeler fans, there is no debate. The play is what it was...an immaculate reception. It was also the beginning of a dynasty, one that still has not match to this day---Six Time Super Bowl champions.
Cowboys Edge Steelers In Overtime 27-24
I had all kinds of strange feelings watching this game (more than normal). And the numbers didn't allay my anxiety.
Steelers only rushed about 30% of the time. But it was the Cowboys time-of-possession that continued to increase my anxiety. Steelers had the ball for 27 minutes. On the other hand, the Cowboys were in possession over 34 minutes, a full 7 precious minutes---a lifetime in football. Dallas also edged out the Steelers in first downs, 23-20.
Roethlisberg had a decent game when it came to his stats. He was 24/40 for 339 yards with one interception and two TD's. Wallace, Miller and Brown had a total of 263 yards on 19 receptions. Dwyer, Redman and Rainey ran for 67 yards on 15 carries for an average of just under 5 yards per carry.
The proverbial "nail in the coffin" came on the second play of overtime when Brandon Carr intercepted a Roethlisberger pass setting up the overtime 21 yard field goal to end the game.
Meanwhile this was the Steelers second straight loss since Roethlisberger's return. It was also their 4th loss in 5 games at a time in the season when any football team needs to win games.
Steelers (7-7) remain in the hunt for wild card. Steelers play Cincinnati at home next week. As Coach Tomlin said after today's game, "the margin for error is zero." The Steelers need to beat Cincinnati next week and Cleveland the following week to make the playoffs as the sixth seed.
Steelers (7-6) at Dallas Cowboys (7-6)
Sunday, Dec. 16, 4:25 p.m. ET CBS
With the Steelers traveling to Dallas on Sunday, one fact is perfectly clear: They need a win to hold on to an AFC wild-card spot. Right now the Steelers hold a the head-to-head tiebreaker over the Bengals because of Cincinnati's loss to Dallas.
When the Steelers play at Dallas, the Cowboys hold an 8-5 lead in games. The last time both teams met in 2008 in Pittsburgh, the Steelers came on top 20-13. In December, Roethlisberger is 23-10.
While the Steelers continue with an NFL best 262.4 yards allowed a game, they are still not adding up many takeaways. The Cowboys team stats hold an edge of the Steelers in first downs, 21.3 to 19.6.
Bottom Line: Steelers control their own fate. And not dropping catchable balls would certainly help the team a lot---listening Wallace?
Steelers Listless In Loss To Chargers
In my previous post, I noted Steelers have had problems with much weaker teams. Chargers reinforced that observation.
Chargers were 0-14 at the Steelers. Under Coach Tomlin, the Steelers never lost to the Chargers. Those impressive stats came to a crashing end today.
Steelers appeared lethargic. Quite frankly, they didn't play competitive football today. They didn't play Steelers football.
The turning point appeared to be the third quarter. Steelers defense allowed San Diego to go 5-5 in converting third downs.
In addition, Steelers committed eight penalties including two for holding and a false start. Special teams committed two penalties both for holding. One of those holding penalties on Heyward had the Steelers start possession on their own 8 yard line. That was followed by attempted quick sideline pass to Antonio Brown and a broken play resulting in the ball bouncing off the back of TE David Paulson. The ball bounced into the end zone and was pounced on by San Diego's Quentin Jammer making the score 27-3 Chargers (The play was reviewed but upheld).
The one bright spot in the game included two touchdowns in the final six minutes.
Steelers now stand at 7-6. At this time last year, they were 10-3. If the Steelers hope to play in January, they will need to win their final three games (Dallas, Cincinnati and Cleveland). This is not the first season they've been in this situation. If anyone can do it, the Steelers have proven they can.
The Numbers:
- Time of Possession: Steelers 23:14 to Chargers 36:46.
- Steelers Play Selection: 71% passing and 29% rushing.
- First Downs: Steelers 18 to Chargers 19.
- Roethlisberger 22/42 for 285 yards and 3 TD's. 1 Interception.
- Dwyer Rushing: 8 attempts for 32 yards.
- Wallace: 7 receptions for 112 yards. 2 TD's.
- Miller: 5 receptions for 66 yards.
- Brown: 4 receptions for 35 yards. 1 TD.
- Chargers outscored Steelers in the first three quarters.
Next Game:
Sunday, Dec. 16 at Dallas. 4:25 p.m
Steelers (7-5) @ Home Against San Diego Chargers (4-8) Sunday, Dec. 9. 1:00 p.m.
To say the least, the Steelers have had a strange season this year. One thing we've learned is no game is a lock including cupcakes. Even though San Diego might appear to be another cupcake, Steelers fans are reminded we lost to both Oakland and Cleveland.
But there are reasons for Steeler fans to be a tad more optimistic this week. For one, Ben is probable for the game. That's damn good news. In addition, Polamalu will likely play too as well as WR Antonio Brown, T Willie Colon, WR's Sanders and Wallace. Polamalu needs one more interception to become the ninth Steelers' players to record 30 career interceptions.
There is some troubling news. LB Woodley, T Mike Adams and Corner Ike Taylor are not expected to play.
If stats mean anything this season, one stands out above all others. The Chargers are 0-14 all-time at Pittsburgh. In addition, Chargers coach Norv Turner is 0-6 at Pittsburgh. Both teams have not played each other since 2009. In that game, Ben threw for 333 yards and two touchdowns. Roethlisberger is 3-1 against the Chargers.
Steelers Edge Out Ravens 23-20
Playing in place of injured Ben Roethlisberger, Charlie Batch got the job done (reinforced my pleasure with the Steelers resigning Charlie at the beginning of the season).
Batch, outplaying Flacco, opened the second half with an impressive 78-yard touchdown drive culminating with a 16-yard Dwyer run into the end zone.
Batch also directed a 61 yard drive in the closing minutes of the game topped by a Shawn Suisham 42 yard field goal as time expired giving the Steelers a 23-20 victory of their arch rival Ravens.
Steelers snapped a two-game losing streak while snapping the Ravens 15 game winning streak at home. In addition, Ravens lost for the first time in 13 games against division competitors.
The Numbers:
Steelers (6-5) Visit Ravens (9-2) Sunday, Dec. 2, 4:30 p.m. ET CBS
After last week's loss to the Cleveland Browns, the Steelers can forget about the division title. Baltimore can clinch this weekend. In fact, the wild-card now appears to be a tad shaky since the Steelers are now tied with the Bengals for the conference second wild card spot.
While Ben Roethlisberger will not play, Charlie Batch is poised for his second consecutive start. The good news is S Troy Polamalu will likely play as well as WR Antonio Brown, DT Casey Hampton and T Max Starks.
The Ravens will try to beat the Steelers for the second time in three weeks. They will also try to extend their winning streak at home to 17 games with a 12-game winning streak in the AFC North. The Steelers were the last team to beat Baltimore at home on Dec. 5, 2010.
The Steelers will certainly need their running game to show up against the Ravens. Last Sunday, all three Steeler backs had a "whopping" 32 yards on 15 carries. Dwyer will be starting in place of Mendenhall.
After this week's game at Baltimore, Steelers play three of their final four games at home. The December 16th game is at Dallas. In short, that final stretch will decide if the Steelers enter 2013 still playing.
Steelers.com, Fox Sports
A Voice From The Stands: "Tale Of Two Calls: In Addition To Turnovers, Irony Also Played A Role In the Steelers Loss and Ravens Victory."
Browns Beat Steelers For First Time Since 2009
There's going a lot to be written about this game in the coming hours. I sense most reviews will focus on the overall sloppy play of the Steelers. All four Steelers running backs fumbled. And Charlie Batch threw three interceptions. Cleveland scored 17 or their 20 points of off Steeler turnovers. The following numbers tell the entire story:
- Steelers managed only 213 offensive yards.
- Batch was 20 for 34 for 199 yards.
- Browns edged out the Steelers in first downs 14-13.
- Steelers only rushed 37% of the time.
- Brown had a huge advantage in Time of Possession with 33:30 to Pittsburgh's 26:30.
- Rainey, Dwyer and Redman combined for a total of 43 rushing yards in 16 attempts.
- To illustrate how much the Steelers miss Roethlisberger, third down efficiency was a pathetic 11%.
Steelers are now sitting on 6-5. It's imperative they win four of their final five games. If not, Sunday, Dec. 30 (against Cleveland) could be the end of their season. Things can also change for the better quickly for the Steelers if Ben and Troy get back in the lineup. In addition, it would help immeasurably if the running backs can hold on to the ball.
Steelers (6-4) @ Cleveland (2-8) Sunday, Nov. 25, 1 p.m.
While the Steelers have dominated the Browns by winning 16 of the last 17 games, Steelers face some unique challenges Sunday.
Charlie Batch, 37 years old, will be under center with Roethlisberger and Leftwich out with injuries. All three QB's have a combined 21-2 record against Cleveland. In addition, Troy Polamalu is still recuperating from his calf injury although he did practice this week.
Charlie has extensive experience in the league with 15 years under center. He's appeared in 79 career games with 53 career starts. The Steelers have a high degree of confidence in Batch."He has command in this huddle, " said tackle Max Starks. "We have the utmost trust in him, " he added. Charlie has a 5-2 record as a starter with the Steelers.
Steelers Fall To 6-4 With Loss To Ravens
When a team's franchise quarterback is sitting on the sidelines with two pro bowlers like Polamalu and Antonio Brown, perhaps, as fans, we shouldn't be surprised at the outcome of this game. Add to this, Byron Leftwich making his first start in three years was sacked 3 times and intercepted once.
Leftwich started out of the blocks fast running for 31 yards for a touchdown giving the Steelers a 7-0 lead early in the game. Unfortunately, he spent most of the rest of the game picking himself up off the turf. With Leftwich, "fast" is all relative.
Even with Redman, Mendenhall and Dwyer, the Steelers couldn't get the train moving. Mendenhall showed he's still rusty around the edges. Redman left with a concussion and Dwyer only had 12 carries.
The bright spot remained with the defense. Ray Rice average a "whopping" 2 yards per carry while Torrey Smith had one catch for 7 yards. Ravens ended the game with only 200 net yards. In fact, Joe Flacco was not much better than Leftwich. He was 20 for 32 with 164 yards.
The loss dropped the Steelers two behind the Ravens in the division. The loss also marked the 6th time the Steelers lost to the Ravens when Roethlisberger was not leading the team. In that scenario, the Steelers are now 0-6.
The Numbers (If stats won games, Steelers would be winners today):
Steelers (6-3)-Ravens (7-2): Sunday, Nov. 18 @ Heinz Field 8:20 p.m. ET NBC
Steelers host Ravens tomorrow night at home. Steelers history with Ravens goes back to 1996. Steelers lead in the series 18-14. Their last regular season meeting took place on November 6, 2011, with Baltimore edging out Steelers 23-20.
In the 16 years, these two teams have battled, Steelers beat the Ravens 10 times in their first meeting. The Steelers are 8-3 at home against Baltimore during the regular season. 2011 marked the first time the Ravens swept the Steelers since 2006. Steelers are 0-4 without Roethlisberger against the Ravens.
If Steelers win, they will be 19-18 all time on Sunday Night Football including 7-5 at home. Ravens have won 11 straight AFC North Games. Their last divisional loss was to the Steelers in December of 2010.
Steelers, once again, will be wearing the 1934 throwback uniforms.
Leftwich and Mendenhall To Play Sunday
With Roethlisberger out due to injury (shoulder/rib), Byron Leftwich will start Sunday. Leftwich relieved Big Ben last week against Kansas City where they won 16-13 in OT. He was 7-14 for 73 yards.
Tomorrow night Pittsburgh will be relying on a quarterback who has not stated since 2009 when Leftwich was with Tampa Bay. He's been 0-6 as a starter.
"I feel good," said Leftwich earlier this week. "I feel like I got more reps with the guys. I feel as though I'm ready to roll...I'm excited. We all understand the importance of this football game."
Leftwich is likely to have Rashard Mendenall in the backfield. Mendenhall missed the last four games with the Steelers due to an Achilles injury. He will likely be splitting playing time with Redman and Dwyer.
In addition to Roethlisberger being out, Polamalu (calf), Antonio Brown (ankle), and Marcus Gilbert (ankle) are not expected to play Sunday. FS Ryan Clark, despite two concussions, is expected to play. "They said I'm cleared to play," said Clark. Linebacker Stevenson Sylvester (hamstring) is questionable.
Steelers next meet Ravens at Baltimore on Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012, at 4:25 p.m.
Steelers.com, CBS Sports, Fox Sports, ProSports Daily
Steelers Beat Chiefs 16-13 In Overtime: Big Ben Injured
Steelers edged out the Chiefs in OT last night but at a high cost. Roethlisberger suffered a right-shoulder injury in the third quarter. At the time of the injury, Ben was 9-18 for 84 yards and one touchdown.
Wallace caught a TD pass from Roethlisberger in the corner of the end zone with one hand that is today one of the 10 top plays on ESPN.
Steelers announced today Ben has a SC sprained , right throwing shoulder. According to Coach Tomlin, Roethlisberger is questionable for Sunday's game against the Baltimore Ravens.
Ryan Clark is being evaluated to determine if he suffered a concussion.
When Coach Tomlin was asked about Ben's injury and his concern: "...I don't live in a hypothetical world. I wait until I get information and then I respond accordingly to that information."
The Numbers:
- Steelers won their 15th consecutive Monday night game at home.
- Mike Tomlin is 4-0. (Cowher was 11-0 and Chuck Noll was 9-5).
- Steelers record now: 6-3. Last year: 6-3.
- Steelers won their 4th straight game.
- Byron Leftwich, playing for the first time in nearly two years. was 7 for 14 for 73 yards. Leftwich has a career record of 24-25 as a starter. He has not started since 2009 when he played at Tampa.
Next Game:
Steelers @Ravens Sunday, Nov. 18. 8:20 p.m. (may change due to flexible scheduling).
Steelers.com, CBS Sports, Fox Sports, Sify News
Kansas City Chiefs @ Steelers Monday Nov. 12 8:30 p.m.
Series History:
- Series began in 1970.
- Steelers lead 18-9. At home, Steelers are 8-4 against Chiefs.
- Last regular season meeting: Nov. 27, 2011. Steelers 13-9.
Pre-Game Notes:
- Steelers have not lost at home on Monday night since 1991.
- Chiefs have not led during regulation time in this season's first half.
- Chiefs give up 126 rushing yards per game.
- Steelers are looking for their 11 win in last 12 home games.
- Steelers are looking to keeping their 8th opponent this season under 100 yards rushing.
- WR Antonio Brown officially out for this game (ankle) as are T Marcus Gilbert (ankle), S Troy Polamalu (calf), LB Stevenson Sylvester (hamstring).
- RB Mendenhall is doubtful (Achilles). LB Chris Carter is questionable (abdomen).
- Dwyer and Rainey are probable.
Steelers To Honor Veterans Monday Night
The "Salute To Service" game on Monday night will honor our nation's veterans. Events will include a "flyover." Fireworks will be on display prior to and after the flyover. On field presentations will be held honoring veterans from WWII to Afghanistan including Tuskegee Airmen and a Pearl Harbor survivor.
Steelers will be holding their annual "Salvation Army Red Kettle Collection" Monday night for disaster relief.
USA TODAY, Steelers.com, NY Post
Overcoming Penalties, Steelers Manage To Win
Depending how one defines "ugly" wins, this win just might fit that description. Despite racking up 87 yards in pass interference penalties including a personal foul penalty by Ryan Clark in the end zone, Steelers were able to rally back and beat the New York Giants 24-20.
Kudos are due to third-string back, Isaac Redman, who manged to run for 147 yards and scoring the winning touchdown with 4:02 left on the clock. He also found the Giant's soft spot by running up the middle all day. Mike Wallace (51 yards) and Emmanuel Sanders (4 yards) also scored touchdowns from Ben Roethlisberger. Wallace's touchdown appeared to give the Steelers the momentum they needed to pull the game out.
Steeler Corner, Steve McLendon, pressured Manning relentlessly. Ike Taylor's interception was the first interception by a Steeler corner this season. Chris Rainey had a respectable return of 68 yards.
This Steelers win snapped a Giants four game winning streak.
The Numbers:
- Time of Possession: Steelers 35:15 to Giants 24:45.
- Play Selection for Steelers: 46% PASSING and 54% RUSHING.
- Roethlisberger: 21/30 for 216 yards. Two TD's and 1 Interception.
- Redman: 147 yards on 26 attempts. 1 touchdown.
- Wallace: 66 yards on 3 receptions. 1 touchdown.
- Cotchery: 50 yards on 4 receptions.
- Heath Miller: 48 yards on 4 receptions.
- Sanders: 20 yards on 2 receptions. 1 touchdown.
- Antonio Brown: 19 yards on 2 receptions.
- Steelers: 109 yards on five penalties.
- Steelers now: 5-3. One year ago: 6-2
Next Game:
Monday, Nov. 12 Steelers @ home Against Kansas City 8:30 p.m. ESPN
Fox Sports, ESPN, Steelers.com
Steelers (4-3) At New York Giants (6-2)
Sunday. 4:25 p.m. CBS
Pre-Game Report
- Palomalu, Gilbert and Sylvester ruled out for tomorrow's game.
- Dwyer and Mendenhall doubtful at this time.
- Redman, Woodley and Clark probable.
- History: Giants lead 46-29-3
- Last Regular Season Meeting: Oct. 2008, Giants rallied from behind to beat Steelers 21-14.
- Eli Manning has won 8 consecutive games against AFC teams.
- Steelers are looking to improve to 3-0 against NFC teams.
- Tomorrow is only the fifth time both teams played each other since 1994.
- This game features two of three active quarterbacks who have won more than one Super Bowl.
- Steelers defense is looking to keep its seventh opponent in the last eight games to under 100 yards rushing.
- Roethlisberger looking to improve to 24-7 against NFC teams during the regular season.
- Roethlisgerger looking to record a passing rating of 120.0 for the fourth time this season.
- Steelers lead the league with a 51.9% third-down conversion rate.
- Steelers are first in the league in defense even with the lack of sacks and takeaways. Giants have 13 sacks and 13 takeaways.
- Steelers compensating more with nickel defense with the absence of Polamalu.
- Steelers ranked in the top five in pass defense, third-down defense and red-zone defense.
Steelers.com, USA TODAY, Pro-Sports Daily, Fox Sports
The Mid-Season Steelers Report
Steelers @ Giants: Sunday, Nov. 4, 2012. 4:25 p.m. ET
The following are current significant Steeler stats:
- Steelers power ranking this week (USA TODAY): 10. Up 3 from last week.
- Total First Downs: 152 ranked 12 in the league.
- First Downs Rushing: 39 ranked 21st.
- First Downs Passing: 102 ranked 8th.
- Third Down Conversions: 54 ranked 2nd.
- Fourth Down Conversions: 4 ranked 9th.
- Average Yds Per Offensive Play: 5.57 ranked 15th.
- Total TD's: 17 ranked 13th.
- Average Yds. Per Rushing Play: 3.7 ranked 26th.
- Rushing TD's: 3 ranked 24th.
- Total Passing Yds: 1908 ranked 8th.
- Average Yds Per Passing Play: 7.09 ranked 12th
- Passing TD's: 14 ranked 7th.
- Field Goals: 16 ranked 6th.
- Interceptions: 3 ranked 30th.
- Sacks: 12 ranked 24th.
- No defensive TD's, No Punt Return TD's and No Kick Return TD's.
- Play Selection: 60% passing; 40% rushing.
- Average Time of Possession: 34:35
- Steelers currently second behind the Ravens in the AFC North.
Team Leaders:
- Touchdowns: Heath Miller with 6. Wallace has 4.
- Passing Stats: Roethlisberger 179 completions on 268 attempts. Total Yards: 1987. He stands on 14 TD's and 3 interceptions. RTG: 101.4
- Rushing: Dwyer 299 yards on 58 attempts followed by Redman with 127 yards on 50 carries.
- Receiving: Antonio Brown has 480 yards with 49 receptions followed by Wallace at 459 yards with 36 receptions. Heath Miller stands at 336 yards with 35 receptions.
- Kickoff Returns: Chris Rainey with 15 attempts has 408 yards with an average of 27.2 yards. His longest return: 49 yards.
- Punt Returns: Rainey with 2 returns for 20 yards.
- Defense: Larry Foote has 50 tackles, 34 solo and 3 sacks. Ryan Clark has 44 tackles, 34 solo and no sacks.
- Interceptions: Ryan Clark, Lawrence Timmons and Woodley have 1 each.
News:
- Steelers released Safety Damon Cromartie-Smith
- Dwyer, Gilbert, Polamalu, Sylvester and Woodley missed practice today--injuries.
- Mendenhall and Batch limited their practice today.
- Good News: Ryan Clark participated in full practice today (concussion last week).
Steelers.com, Fox Sports
Steelers Skin Redskins 27-12
Okay, let's get one observation out of the way first. I don't particularly like the best football team in NFL history looking like a bunch of bumble bees or prisoners on some work release program. Personally, I don't care if I ever see those '34 throwback uniforms again.
Let's get back to what's really important---the numbers.
Once again, the Steelers led in time of possession with 33:13 to the Redskins 26:47. Steelers were also impressive with first downs 25 to the Skins 17.
Roethlisberger threw for 222 yards (24/33). He threw for three touchdowns (to Pope, Miller, and Will Johnson) and he had no interceptions. Roethlisberger was sacked once but he had no turnovers.
Steelers To Wear Throwback Uniforms
In celebrating the Steeler's 80th Anniversary this year, Steeler players agreed upon wearing the team's 1934 throwback uniform this week in their game against the Redskins.
Steelers-Redskins Pre-Game Report
- Four Steelers will be sitting out against the Redskins: Mendenhall, Marcus Gilbert, Brandon Johnson and Polamalu.
- Redman, at this writing, is questionable. Redman said he feels like he's ready to play. "I am ready. I want to play," said Redman earlier this week.
- Probable this week: Pouncey (knee), Chris Carter (hamstring), Dwyer (not injury related), Adrian Robinson (concussion), Shawn Suisham (ankle) and Jason Worild (illness).
- Steelers released TE Weslye Saunders this week. He served a four-game suspension for taking a banned substance.
- With Saunder's release, Steelers will be looking at moving up rookie David Paulson.
- Redskins QB, Robert Griffin III, leads the NFL with a 70.4 completion percentage. He has 13 TD's for the season while Roethlisberger sits on 11. Both QB's have 3 interceptions.
- Roethlisberger is 14-1 against NFC opponents at home.
- Roethlisberger has beaten Washington twice. However, his performances were shaky The Redskins are the only team he's not thrown a TD against.
- Steelers lead the league in 3rd down conversions at 53.8.
- Redskins have limited opponents on the ground to only 85.3 yards but have the league's worst-pass defense at 328.4 yards per game.
Polamalu NFL's Most-Liked Player
According to a recent Nielson survey, Steeler Safety Troy Polamalu was voted the NFL's Most-Liked player. Polamalu's 63% rating placed him ahead of Saint's QB Drew Brees at 62%.
Steelers.com, CBS Sports, Fox Sports, Pro Sports Daily
Steelers Are 3-3 With Win Over Bengals
The Steelers win over the Bengals---24-17--- was an important one. As Bob Labriola points out, the Steelers only have several commandments. One of those is clear and concise: Thou Shalt Win The Division. The win over the Bengals now puts the Steelers in second place (3-3) in their division behind the Ravens who lost to Houston yesterday.
Even without Mendenhall, Redman, Polamalu, Gilbert and Pouncey, Dwyer was able to fill those running back vacancies with a career-high 122 yards (going into the game, the Steelers running game was ranked 31st in the league). With a determined defense, fine field goal kicking by Shawn Suisham (42, 47 and 42 yards) and Roethlisberger completing 63% of third-downs as well as passing for 278 yards, the Steelers now appear to be hitting their stride.
Steelers-Bengals Pre-Game Notes
Steelers (2-3) at Bengals (3-3). 8:20 pm ET NBC
- Since 1970, Steelers lead series 51-32.
- Steelers will be looking for their 5th consecutive win over the Bengals.
- RB Rashard Mendenhall and Issac Redman will be sitting out today's game.
- In addition, Troy Polamalu, Tackle Marcus Gilbert and LB Chris Carter have also been ruled out.
- Mike Adams will make his first start for injured M. Gilbert.
- Roethlisberger is good to go.
- Jonathan Dwyer will be getting the call according to Coach Tomlin.
- Steelers are only one of two teams with no runs of 20 yards or longer.
- Bengals have 20 sacks.
- Steelers are winless on the road this season (0-3).
- Steelers have not lost back-to-back games since week 13 of the 2009 season.
- Roethlisberger is 7-1 against the Bengals and 14-2 in games played in his native Ohio.
- The Bengals have not lost 3 games in a row since 2010.
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