2011 Pittsburgh Steelers season

The 2011 Pittsburgh Steelers season was the franchise's 79th season as a professional sports franchise and as a member of the National Football League (NFL). It was the twelfth season under the leadership of general manager Kevin Colbert and the fifth under head coach Mike Tomlin. The Steelers hoped to return to the Super Bowl and defend their AFC championship from 2010, but suffered a 29–23 overtime loss to the Denver Broncos in the Wild Card round of the playoffs. The Steelers played all of their home games at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

2011 Pittsburgh Steelers season
Owner	The Rooney Family
Head coach	Mike Tomlin
General manager	Kevin Colbert
Home field	Heinz Field
Results
Record	12–4
Division place	2nd AFC North
Playoff finish	Lost Wild Card Playoffs (at Broncos) 23–29 (OT)
Pro Bowlers	7 KR Antonio Brown FS Ryan Clark OLB James Harrison SS Troy Polamalu C Maurkice Pouncey QB Ben Roethlisberger WR Mike Wallace
AP All-Pros	Troy Polamalu (1st team) Maurkice Pouncey (1st team)
Team MVP	Antonio Brown
Team ROY	Marcus Gilbert

The Steelers' defense allowed the fewest points, passing yards, and total yards in the 2011 NFL season.

Staff

2011 Pittsburgh Steelers staff

	Front office Chairman Emeritus – Daniel M. Rooney President – Arthur J. Rooney II Vice President – Arthur J. Rooney, Jr. Administration Advisor – Chuck Noll Administrative Assistant – Diane Lowe Business Office Director of Business – Mark Hart Controller – Bob Tyler Director of Business & Administration – Omar Khan Business Administration – Dan Ferens Human Relations/Office Coordinator – Geraldine Glenn Assistant Controller – Jodie Spagnolli Administrative Assistant – Kelly Serafin Administrative Assistant – Rebecca Mihalcik Administrative Assistant – Colleen Kimmel Media Relations Communications Coordinator – Burt Lauten Public Relations/Media Manager – Nathan LoCascio Administrative Assistant – Emily Scerba Intern – Ryan Scarpino Community Relations Community Relations Manager – Michele Rosenthal Administrative Assistant – Stacie Lawrence Information Technology Technology Manager – Scott Phelps IT/Network Support Technician – Jon Pugliano Steelers.com/Steelers Digest Editor – Bob Labriola Assistant Editor/Website – Teresa Varley Photography Team Photographer – Mike Fabus Football Operations General Manager – Kevin Colbert College Scouting Coordinator – Ron Hughes Pro Personnel Coordinator – Brandon Hunt Special Assistant/Pro and College Personnel – Joe Greene Pro/College Scout – Phil Kreidler College Scout – Kelvin Fisher College Scout – Mark Gorscak College Scout – Bruce McNorton College Scout – Dan Rooney College/Pro Scout – David Petett BLESTO Scout – Mark Bruener College Personnel – Bill Nunn Administrative Assistant – Maureen Mannion Administrative Assistant – Karen Mercalde Head coaches Head Coach – Mike Tomlin Assistant Head Coach/Defensive Line – John Mitchell Offensive coaches Offensive Coordinator – Bruce Arians Quarterbacks – Randy Fichtner Running Backs – Kirby Wilson Wide Receivers – Scottie Montgomery Tight Ends – James Daniel Offensive Line – Sean Kugler Offensive Assistant – Harold Goodwin			Defensive coaches Defensive Coordinator – Dick LeBeau Linebackers – Keith Butler Defensive Backs – Carnell Lake Defensive Assistant – Jerry Olsavsky Special teams coaches Special Teams Coordinator– Al Everest Assistant Special Teams – Amos Jones Strength and conditioning Conditioning Coach – Garrett Giemont Conditioning Assistant – Marcel Pastoor Player Development – Raymond Jackson Administrative Assistant – Chrissy Bulger Administrative Assistant – Mia Daudet Medical Staff Physician, Internal Medicine – Dr. Mark Duca Physician, Internal Medicine – Dr. Tony Yates Physician, NeuroSurgery – Dr. Joseph Maroon Physician, Orthopedic Surgery – Dr. James P. Bradley Athletic Training Staff Head Athletic Trainer – John Norwig Assistant Athletic Trainer – Ryan Grove Assistant Athletic Trainer – Sonia Gysland Football Equipment Staff Equipment Manager - Rodgers Freyvogel Field Manager/Assistant Equipment Manager – Patrick Noone Video Video Coordinator – Bob McCartney Video Assistant – Andy Lizanich Video Assistant – Jason McMann [1]

Offseason

2011 NFL Draft

Pittsburgh Steelers 2011 NFL Draft selections

Draft order			Player name	Position	Height	Weight	College	Contract	Notes
Round	Choice	Overall
1	31	31	Cameron Heyward	DE	6'5"	288 lbs.	Ohio State
2	31	63	Marcus Gilbert	T	6'6"	330 lbs.	Florida		Started at right tackle for most of the 2011 season.
3	31	95	Curtis Brown	CB	6'0"	184 lbs.	Texas		Was placed on Injured Reserve (Knee).
4	31	128	Cortez Allen	CB	6'1"	197 lbs.	The Citadel
5	31	162	Chris Carter	ILB	6'1"	248 lbs.	Fresno State University		Was placed on Injured Reserve (Hamstring).
6	31	196	Keith Williams	G	6'5"	310 lbs.	University of Nebraska		Was released by the Steelers on September 2, 2011.
7	29	232	Baron Batch	RB	5'11"	205 lbs.	Texas Tech University		Was placed on Injured Reserve (Foot).

Draft notes

Preseason

Schedule

Week	Date	Opponent	Result	Record	Game site	NFL.com recap
1	August 12	at Washington Redskins	L 7–16	0–1	FedExField	Recap[2]
2	August 18	Philadelphia Eagles	W 24–14	1–1	Heinz Field	Recap[3]
3	August 27	Atlanta Falcons	W 34–16	2–1	Heinz Field	Recap[4]
4	September 1	at Carolina Panthers	W 33–17	3–1	Bank of America Stadium	Recap[5]

Regular season

Schedule

Week	Date	Opponent	Result	Record	Game site	NFL.com recap
1	September 11	at Baltimore Ravens	L 7–35	0–1	M&T Bank Stadium	Recap[6]
2	September 18	Seattle Seahawks	W 24–0	1–1	Heinz Field	Recap[7]
3	September 25	at Indianapolis Colts	W 23–20	2–1	Lucas Oil Stadium	Recap[8]
4	October 2	at Houston Texans	L 10–17	2–2	Reliant Stadium	Recap[9]
5	October 9	Tennessee Titans	W 38–17	3–2	Heinz Field	Recap[10]
6	October 16	Jacksonville Jaguars	W 17–13	4–2	Heinz Field	Recap[11]
7	October 23	at Arizona Cardinals	W 32–20	5–2	University of Phoenix Stadium	Recap[12]
8	October 30	New England Patriots	W 25–17	6–2	Heinz Field	Recap[13]
9	November 6	Baltimore Ravens	L 20–23	6–3	Heinz Field	Recap[14]
10	November 13	at Cincinnati Bengals	W 24–17	7–3	Paul Brown Stadium	Recap[15]
11	Bye
12	November 27	at Kansas City Chiefs	W 13–9	8–3	Arrowhead Stadium	Recap[16]
13	December 4	Cincinnati Bengals	W 35–7	9–3	Heinz Field	Recap[17]
14	December 8	Cleveland Browns	W 14–3	10–3	Heinz Field	Recap[18]
15	December 19	at San Francisco 49ers	L 3–20	10–4	Candlestick Park	Recap[19]
16	December 24	St. Louis Rams	W 27–0	11–4	Heinz Field	Recap[20]
17	January 1	at Cleveland Browns	W 13–9	12–4	Cleveland Browns Stadium	Recap[21]

Week 1: at Baltimore Ravens

Week One: Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Steelers	0	7	0	0	7
Ravens	14	7	11	3	35

at M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, Maryland

• Date: September 11
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
• Game weather: 75 °F (24 °C), Partly Cloudy
• Game attendance: 71,434
• Referee: Tony Corrente (99)
• TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz and Phil Simms
• Game Book

Game information

First quarter Ravens 7–0 – A. Boldin 27 Yard Pass from J. Flacco (B. Cundiff Kick) (13:28) Ravens 14–0 – R. Rice 1 Yard Run (B. Cundiff Kick) (1:49) Second quarter Steelers 14–7 – E. Sanders 11 Yard Pass from B. Roethlisberger (S. Suisham Kick) (10:23) Ravens 21–7 – R. Rice 11 Yard Pass from J. Flacco (B. Cundiff Kick) (1:48) Third quarter Ravens 29–7 – E. Dickson 18 Yard Pass from J. Flacco (S. Koch Run) (14:39) Ravens 32–7 – B. Cundiff 29 Yard Field Goal (2:50) Fourth quarter Ravens 35–7 – B. Cundiff 30 Yard Field Goal (1:56) Top passers PIT – B. Roethlisberger (22/41, 280 Yds, 1 TD, 3 INT) BAL – J. Flacco (17/29, 224 Yds, 3 TD, 0 INT) Top rushers PIT – R. Mendenhall (12 rushes, 45 Yds, 0 TD) BAL – R. Rice (19 rushes, 107 Yds, 1 TD) Top receivers PIT – M. Wallace (8/11, 107 Yds, 0 TD) BAL – A. Boldin (4/7, 74 Yds, 1 TD) Top tacklers PIT – L. Timmons (10 tackles, 2 assists) BAL – L. Webb (9 tackles, 2 assists, 0.5 sack)

The Steelers opened up their regular season on the road against their old AFC North division rivals, the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens scored quickly on their first drive, when only three plays into the game, Baltimore wide receiver Anquan Boldin caught a 27-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Joe Flacco. The Ravens scored again on the ensuing drive when running back Ray Rice ran in a 1-yard touchdown, putting Baltimore on top 14–0 early in the first quarter. The Steelers battled back on the next drive, driving down to the Ravens 11-yard line. Pittsburgh scored on a third-and-goal play when wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders caught a touchdown in the back of the end zone from quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. The Ravens responded by scoring again, this time on an 11-yard pass from Flacco to Rice. At halftime the Ravens led 21–7, just like in the 2010 playoffs. But unlike that game, the Ravens did not let up their dominance in the second half. On Pittsburgh's first play from scrimmage in the second quarter, Ravens defensive lineman Haloti Ngata stripped Roethlisberger of the football and recovered it at the Steelers 18-yard line. The Ravens scored yet again when tight end Ed Dickson caught an 18-yard touchdown pass from Joe Flacco. A two-point conversion by punter/holder Sam Koch put the Ravens on top 29–7. The Ravens never looked back, and put up two more Billy Cundiff field goals to close out the game 35–7. The Steelers finished with 7 turnovers in the game. The loss marked the Steelers first opening day loss in 8 years, and left Pittsburgh at the bottom of the division with an 0–1 record.[22]

Week 2: vs. Seattle Seahawks

Week Two: Seattle Seahawks at Pittsburgh Steelers – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Seahawks	0	0	0	0	0
Steelers	7	10	7	0	24

at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

• Date: September 18
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
• Game weather: 63 °F (17 °C), (Partly Cloudy)
• Game attendance: 63,663
• Referee: Bill Leavy (127)
• TV announcers (Fox): Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston and Tony Siragusa
• Game Book

Game information

First quarter Steelers 7–0 – R. Mendenhall 1 Yard Run (S. Suisham Kick) (3:28) Second quarter Steelers 14–0 – I. Redman 20 Yard Run (S. Suisham Kick) (12:41) Steelers 17–0 – S. Suisham 20 Yard Field Goal (1:52) Third quarter Steelers 24–0 – M. Wallace 2 Yard Pass from B. Roethlisberger (S. Suisham Kick) (3:30) Fourth quarter No Scoring Top passers SEA – T. Jackson (20/29, 159 Yds, 0 TD, 0 INT) PIT – B. Roethlisberger (22/30, 298 Yds, 1 TD, 0 INT) Top rushers SEA – T. Jackson (3 rushes, 12 Yds, 0 TD) PIT – R. Mendenhall (19 rushes, 66 Yds, 1 TD) Top receivers SEA – B. Obomanu (4/6, 35 Yds, 0 TD) PIT – M. Wallace (8/9, 126 Yds, 1 TD) Top tacklers SEA – B. Browner (6 tackles, 1 assist) PIT – T. Polamalu (6 tackles, 2 assists, 1 sack)

Hoping to rebound from their Week 1 divisional loss to the Ravens, the Steelers played their home-opener against the Seattle Seahawks at Heinz Field. After a failed 4th and goal run on their first drive, Pittsburgh delivered the game's first punch with a 1-yard touchdown run from running back Rashard Mendenhall. This score on their second drive gave them the early lead. The Steelers added onto their lead in the second quarter with a 20-yard touchdown run from running back Isaac Redman, followed by a 20-yard field goal from kicker Shaun Suisham. Pittsburgh's offense made one last score in the third quarter with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger finding wide receiver Mike Wallace on a 2-yard touchdown pass. From there, the defense prevented any scoring attempt from Seattle's offense.

With the shutout win, the Steelers improved to 1–1.[22]

Week 3: at Indianapolis Colts

Week Three: Pittsburgh Steelers at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Steelers	10	0	0	13	23
Colts	0	13	0	7	20

at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana

• Date: September 25
• Game time: 8:20 p.m. EDT
• Game weather: 57 °F (14 °C), Light Rain (Dome closed)
• Game attendance: 66,309
• Referee: Terry McAulay (77)
• TV announcers (NBC): Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth and Michele Tafoya
• Game Book

Game information

First quarter Steelers 3–0 – Shaun Suisham 48 Yard Field Goal (12:43) Steelers 10–0 – Mike Wallace 81 Yard Pass from Ben Roethlisberger (Shaun Suisham Kick) (3:29) Second quarter Steelers 10–3 – Adam Vinatieri 21 Yard Field Goal (6:14) Tied 10–10 – Jamaal Anderson 47 Yard Fumble Return (Adam Vinatieri Kick) (1:46) Colts 13–10 – Adam Vinatieri 25 Yard Field Goal (0:15) Third quarter No scoring plays Fourth quarter Tied 13–13 – Shaun Suisham 44 Yard Field Goal (12:10) Steelers 20–13 – Troy Polamalu 16 Yard Fumble Return (Shaun Suisham Kick) (5:13) Tied 20–20 – Joseph Addai 6 Yard Run (Adam Vinatieri Kick) (2:09) Steelers 23–20 – Shaun Suisham 38 Yard Field Goal (0:04) Top passers PIT – Ben Roethlisberger – 25/37, 364 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT IND – Kerry Collins – 13/29, 93 yards Top rushers PIT – Rashard Mendenhall – 18 rushes, 37 yards IND – Joseph Addai – 17 rushes, 86 yards, 1 TD Top receivers PIT – Mike Wallace – 5 receptions, 144 yards, 1 TD IND – Pierre Garçon – 6 receptions, 82 yards Top tacklers PIT – James Harrison – 6 tackles, 1 assist, 1 sack IND – Pat Angerer – 11 tackles, 9 assists

Coming off their shutout home win over the Seahawks, the Steelers flew to Lucas Oil Stadium for a primetime game against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday night (Pittsburgh's first primetime game of the year). Pittsburgh scored first in the first quarter with a 48-yard field goal by kicker Shaun Suisham, followed by quarterback Ben Roethlisberger finding wide receiver Mike Wallace on an 81-yard touchdown pass. The Colts answered in the second quarter with kicker Adam Vinatieri getting a 21-yard field goal, followed by defensive end Jamaal Anderson returning a Roethlisberger fumble caused by Dwight Freeney 47 yards for a touchdown. Vinatieri got another 25-yard field goal before the end of the half. After a scoreless third quarter, the Steelers regained the lead in the fourth quarter with a 44-yard field goal from Suisham, followed by safety Troy Polamalu returning a fumble forced by James Harrison 16 yards for a touchdown. However, Indianapolis replied with running back Joseph Addai getting a 6-yard touchdown run. Pittsburgh prevailed, however, with Shuisham hitting a game-winning 38-yard field goal with 4 seconds remaining.

With the win, the Steelers improved to 2–1.[22]

Week 4: at Houston Texans

Week Four: Pittsburgh Steelers at Houston Texans – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Steelers	0	0	7	3	10
Texans	7	3	0	7	17

at Reliant Stadium, Houston, Texas

• Date: October 2
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT/12:00 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: 75 °F (24 °C), Sunny
• Game attendance: 71,585
• Referee: Clete Blakeman (34)
• TV announcers (CBS): Greg Gumbel and Dan Dierdorf
• Game Book

Game information

First quarter Texans 7–0 – Owen Daniels 1 Yard Pass from Matt Schaub (Neil Rackers Kick) (4:05) Second quarter Texans 10–0 – Neil Rackers 25 Yard Field Goal (2:33) Third quarter Texans 10–7 – Rashard Mendenhall 3 Yard Run (Shaun Suisham Kick) (7:02) Fourth quarter Tied 10–10 – Shaun Suisham 26 Yard Field Goal (14:57) Texans 17–10 – Arian Foster 42 Yard Run (Neil Rackers Kick) (12:02) Top passers PIT – Ben Roethlisberger – 16/30, 206 Yards, INT HOU – Matt Schaub – 14/21, 138 Yards, TD Top rushers PIT – Isaac Redman – 6 Rushes, 40 Yards HOU – Arian Foster – 30 Rushes, 155 Yards, 1 TD Top receivers PIT – Mike Wallace – 4 Receptions, 77 Yards HOU – Owen Daniels – 5 Receptions, 69 Yards, 1 TD Top tacklers PIT – Troy Polamalu – 8 tackles, 1 assist HOU – Jason Allen – 6 tackles, 1 INT

Coming off their Sunday night win over the Colts, the Steelers flew to Reliant Stadium in Houston for a duel with the Houston Texans. Pittsburgh trailed late in the first quarter when Texans quarterback Matt Schaub completed a 1-yard touchdown pass to tight end Owen Daniels. Houston would add onto their lead in the second quarter with kicker Neil Rackers getting a 25-yard field goal.

The Steelers finally answered in the third quarter with a 3-yard touchdown run from running back Rashard Mendenhall. Pittsburgh would tie the game in the fourth quarter with a 26-yard field goal from kicker Shaun Suisham, but the Texans retook the lead when running back Arian Foster got a 42-yard touchdown run. The Steelers were unable to rally, and Big Ben was intercepted on the Steelers' final drive.

With the loss, the Steelers fell to 2–2.[22]

Week 5: vs. Tennessee Titans

Week Five: Tennessee Titans at Pittsburgh Steelers – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Titans	3	0	7	7	17
Steelers	7	14	7	10	38

at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

• Date: October 9
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
• Game weather: 78 °F (26 °C), (Sunny)
• Game attendance: 63,875
• Referee: Walt Anderson (66)
• TV announcers (CBS): Greg Gumbel and Dan Dierdorf
• Game Book

Game information

First quarter Titans 3–0 – Rob Bironas 29 Yard Field Goal (8:21) Steelers 7–3 – Heath Miller 8 Yard Pass from Ben Roethlisberger (Shaun Suisham Kick) (3:00) Second quarter Steelers 14–3 – Hines Ward 8 Yard Pass from Ben Rothelisberger (Shaun Suisham Kick) (11:14) Steelers 21–3 – David Johnson 8 Yard Pass from Ben Rothelisberger (Shaun Suisham Kick) (6:11) Third quarter Steelers 28–3 – Hines Ward 5 Yard Pass from Ben Rothelisberger (Shaun Suisham Kick) (4:44) Steelers 28–10 – Chris Johnson 1 Yard Run (Rob Bironas Kick) (2:02) Fourth quarter Steelers 31–10 – Shaun Suisham 19 Yard Field Goal (10:45) Steelers 31–17 – Damian Williams 19 Yard Pass from Matt Hasselbeck (Rob Bironas Kick) (3:32) Steelers 38–17 – Mike Wallace 40 Yard Pass from Ben Rothelisberger (Shaun Suisham Kick) (2:39) Top passers TEN – Matt Hasselbeck – 29/49, 262 Yards, TD, INT PIT – Ben Roethlisberger – 24/34, 228 Yards, 5 TD, INT Top rushers TEN – Chris Johnson – 14 Rushes, 51 Yards, TD PIT – Jonathan Dwyer – 11 Rushes, 107 Yards Top receivers TEN – Nate Washington – 5 Receptions, 69 Yards PIT – Mike Wallace – 6 Receptions, 82 Yards, TD Top tacklers TEN – Jason McCourty – 8 tackles, 6 assists PIT – James Farrior – 9 tackles, 4 assists

Hoping to rebound from their road loss to the Texans, the Steelers went home for a Week 5 intraconference duel with the Tennessee Titans. Pittsburgh trailed early in the first quarter as Titans kicker Rob Bironas got a 29-yard field goal, yet the Steelers answered with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger finding tight end Heath Miller on an 8-yard touchdown pass. Pittsburgh would add onto their lead in the second quarter with Roethlisberger hooking up with wide receiver Hines Ward and fullback David Johnson on a 7-yard and a 1-yard touchdown pass.

The Steelers continued their dominating day in the third quarter with Roethlisberger connecting with Ward again on a 5-yard touchdown pass. Tennessee responded with running back Chris Johnson getting a 1-yard touchdown run. Afterwards, the Steelers would pull away in the fourth quarter with a 19-yard field goal from kicker Shaun Suisham. The Titans tried to rally with quarterback Matt Hasselbeck completing a 19-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Damian Williams, yet Pittsburgh closed out the game with Roethlisberger finding wide receiver Mike Wallace on a 40-yard touchdown pass.

With the win, the Steelers improved to 3–2.[22]

Week 6: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

Week Six: Jacksonville Jaguars at Pittsburgh Steelers – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Jaguars	0	3	7	3	13
Steelers	7	10	0	0	17

at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

• Date: October 16
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
• Game weather: 60 °F (16 °C), (Cloudy)
• Game attendance: 62,934
• Referee: Ron Winter (14)
• TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle and Dan Fouts
• Game Book

Game information

First quarter Steelers 7–0 – Rashard Mendenhall 8 Yard Run (Shaun Suisham Kick) (4:23) Second quarter Steelers 14–0 – Mike Wallace 28 Yard Pass from Ben Roethlisberger (Shaun Suisham Kick) (13:40) Steelers 17–0 – Shaun Suisham 21 Yard Field Goal (10:58) Steelers 17–3 – Josh Scobee 46 Yard Field Goal (8:44) Third quarter Steelers 17–10 – Jason Hill 18 Yard Pass from Blaine Gabbert (Josh Scobee Kick) (1:46) Fourth quarter Steelers 17–13 – Josh Scobee 45 Yard Field Goal (4:17) Top passers JAC – Blaine Gabbert – 12/26, 109 Yards, TD PIT – Ben Roethlisberger – 12/23, 200 Yards, TD Top rushers JAC – Maurice Jones-Drew – 22 Rushes, 96 Yards PIT – Rashard Mendenhall – 23 Rushes, 146 Yards, TD Top receivers JAC – Mike Thomas – 4 Receptions, 36 Yards PIT – Mike Wallace – 2 Receptions, 76 Yards, TD Top tacklers JAC – Paul Posluszny – 9 tackles, 7 assists PIT – James Farrior – 6 tackles, 5 assists, 1 sack

Coming off their home win over the Titans, the Steelers closed out their intraconference schedule at home in a Week 6 duel with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Pittsburgh delivered the game's opening punch in the first quarter with an 8-yard touchdown run from running back Rashard Mendenhall. The Steelers would add onto their lead in the second quarter with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger finding wide receiver Mike Wallace on a 28-yard touchdown pass, followed by a 21-yard field goal from kicker Shaun Suisham. The Jaguars would close out the half with kicker Josh Scobee making a 46-yard field goal.

Jacksonville crept closer in the third quarter with quarterback Blaine Gabbert completing an 18-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Jason Hill. The Jaguars tried to rally in the fourth quarter with Scobee getting a 45-yard field goal, yet Pittsburgh's defense held on to preserve the victory.

With the win, the Steelers improved to 4–2.[22]

Week 7: at Arizona Cardinals

Week Seven: Pittsburgh Steelers at Arizona Cardinals – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Steelers	7	10	9	6	32
Cardinals	0	7	7	6	20

at University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona

• Date: October 23
• Game time: 4:05 p.m. EDT/1:05 p.m. Arizona Time
• Game weather: 90 °F (32 °C)
• Game attendance: 62,475
• Referee: John Parry(132)
• TV announcers (CBS): Greg Gumbel and Dan Dierdorf
• Game Book

Game information

First quarter Steelers 7–0 – Heath Miller 12 Yard Pass from Ben Roethlisberger (Shaun Suisham Kick) (9:39) Second quarter Steelers 14–0 – Mike Wallace 95 Yard Pass from Ben Rothelisberger (Shaun Suisham Kick) (8:09) Steelers 14–7 – Alfonso Smith 1 Yard Run (Jay Feely Kick) (1:20) Steelers 17–7 – Shaun Suisham 41 Yard Field Goal (0:00) Third quarter Steelers 17–14 – LaRod Stephens-Howling 73 Yard Pass from Kevin Kolb (Jay Feely Kick) (9:26) Steelers 24–14 – Emmanuel Sanders 4 Yard Pass from Ben Rothelisberger (Shaun Suisham Kick) (3:54) Steelers 26–14 – Intentional Grounding called on Kevin Kolb in the End Zone (3:42) Fourth quarter Steelers 29–14 – Shaun Suisham 42 Yard Field Goal (11:30) Steelers 32–14 – Shaun Suisham 39 Yard Field Goal (6:46) Steelers 32–20 – Early Doucet 2 Yard Pass from Kevin Kolb (2-pt Kevin Kolb pass failed) (3:53) Top passers PIT – Ben Roethlisberger – 26/39, 361 Yards, 3 TD ARI – Kevin Kolb – 18/34, 272 Yards, 2 TD, INT Top rushers PIT – Rashard Mendenhall – 13 Rushes, 32 Yards ARI – Beanie Wells – 12 Rushes, 42 Yards Top receivers PIT – Mike Wallace – 3 Receptions, 118 Yards, TD ARI – Larry Fitzgerald – 4 Receptions, 78 Yards Top tacklers PIT – LaMarr Woodley – 6 tackles, 1 assist, 2 sacks ARI – Richard Marshall, Patrick Peterson, & Daryl Washington – 7 tackles each

Coming off their win over the Jagaurs, the Steelers flew to the University of Phoenix Stadium for a Week 7 interconference duel with the Arizona Cardinals, in a rematch of Super Bowl XLIII. Pittsburgh delivered the game's opening punch in the first quarter as quarterback Ben Roethlisberger found tight end Heath Miller on a 12-yard touchdown pass. The Steelers would add onto their lead in the second quarter with Roethlisberger hooking up with wide receiver Mike Wallace on a 95-yard touchdown pass. The Cardinals would answer with running back Alfonso Smith getting a 1-yard touchdown run. Pittsburgh would close out the half with a 41-yard field goal from kicker Shaun Suisham.

Arizona began the third quarter with quarterback Kevin Kolb completing a 73-yard touchdown pass to running back LaRod Stephens-Howling, yet the Steelers responded with Roethlisberger connecting to wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders on a 4-yard touchdown pass, along with Kolb getting called for intentional grounding in his endzone, resulting in a safety. In the fourth quarter, the Steelers continued to pull away with a 42-yard and a 39-yard field goal from Suisham. The Cardinals tried to rally with Kolb completing a 2-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Early Doucet (with a failed two-point conversion), yet Pittsburgh held on to preserve the victory.

With the win, the Steelers improved to 5–2.[22]

Week 8: vs. New England Patriots

Week Eight: New England Patriots at Pittsburgh Steelers – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Patriots	0	10	0	7	17
Steelers	7	10	3	5	25

at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

• Date: October 30
• Game time: 4:15 p.m. EDT
• Game weather: 39 °F (4 °C), (Sunny)
• Game attendance: 64,424
• Referee: Mike Carey (94)
• TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz and Phil Simms
• Game Book

Game information

First quarter Steelers 7–0 – Mewelde Moore 5 Yard Pass from Ben Roethlisberger (Shaun Suisham Kick) (9:08) Second quarter Steelers 10–0 – Shaun Suisham 33 Yard Field Goal (14:57) Steelers 10–7 – Deion Branch 2 Yard Pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski Kick) (8:20) Steelers 17–7 – Antonio Brown 7 Yard Pass from Ben Rothelisberger (Shaun Suisham Kick) (2:41) Steelers 17–10 – Stephen Gostkowski 46 Yard Field Goal (0:29) Third quarter Steelers 20–10 – Shaun Suisham 21 Yard Field Goal (6:11) Fourth quarter Steelers 23–10 – Shaun Suisham 23 Yard Field Goal (11:26) Steelers 23–17 – Aaron Hernandez 1 Yard Pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski Kick) (2:35) Steelers 25–17 – Fumble forced out of back of End Zone by Troy Polamalu (0:08) Top passers NE – Tom Brady – 24/35, 198 Yards, 2 TD PIT – Ben Roethlisberger – 36/50, 365 Yards, 2 TD, 1 INT Top rushers NE – Kevin Faulk – 6 Rushes, 32 Yards PIT – Rashard Mendenhall – 13 Rushes, 70 Yards Top receivers NE – Rob Gronkowski – 7 Receptions, 94 Yards PIT – Heath Miller – 7 Receptions, 85 Yards Top tacklers NE – Patrick Chung – 10 tackles, 3 assists PIT – Ike Taylor – 6 tackles

Coming off their road win over the Cardinals, the Steelers went home for a Week 8 duel with the New England Patriots. Pittsburgh delivered the game's opening punch in the first quarter as quarterback Ben Roethlisberger found running back Mewelde Moore on a 5-yard touchdown pass. The Steelers would add onto their lead in the second quarter with a 33-yard field goal from kicker Shaun Suisham. The Patriots answered with quarterback Tom Brady completing a 2-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Deion Branch, yet Pittsburgh struck back with Roethlisberger connecting with wide receiver Antonio Brown on a 7-yard touchdown pass. New England would close out the half with kicker Stephen Gostkowski got a 46-yard field goal.

The Steelers began the third quarter with a 21-yard field goal from Suisham, followed by his 23-yard field goal in the fourth. The Patriots tried to rally as Brady completed a 1-yard touchdown pass to tight end Aaron Hernandez, yet Pittsburgh's defense held with safety Troy Polamalu forcing a New England fumble out of the back of the end zone for a safety.

With the win, the Steelers improved to 6–2 and also won their first game against the Patriots since 2008 and first game against the Patriots with Tom Brady as the starter since 2004.[22] This would be the Steelers' final win against the Patriots until 2018.

Week 9: vs. Baltimore Ravens

Week Nine: Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Ravens	3	6	7	7	23
Steelers	0	6	0	14	20

at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

• Date: November 6
• Game time: 8:20 p.m. EST
• Game weather: 47°F, (Clear)
• Game attendance: 64,851
• Referee: Walt Coleman
• TV announcers (NBC): Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth, Michele Tafoya

Game information

First quarter Ravens 3–0 – Billy Cundiff 18 Yard Field Goal (8:10) Second quarter Tied 3–3 – Shaun Suisham 36 Yard Field Goal (14:05) Ravens 6–3 – Billy Cundiff 43 Yard Field Goal (9:28) Tied 6–6 – Shaun Suisham 30 Yard Field Goal (1:10) Ravens 9–6 – Billy Cundiff 51 Yard Field Goal (0:00) Third quarter Ravens 16–6 – Ray Rice 4 Yard Run (Billy Cundiff Kick) (4:27) Fourth quarter Ravens 16–13 – Rashard Mendenhall 1 Yard Run (Shaun Suisham Kick) (6:45) Steelers 20–16 – Mike Wallace 25 Yard Pass from Ben Roethlisberger (Shaun Suisham Kick) (4:59) Ravens 23–20 – Torrey Smith 26 Yard Pass from Joe Flacco (Billy Cundiff Kick) (0:08) Top passers BAL – Joe Flacco – 28/47, 300 yards, TD PIT – Ben Roethlisberger – 20/37, 330 yards, TD, INT Top rushers BAL – Ray Rice – 18 rushes, 43 yards, TD PIT – Rashard Mendenhall – 13 rushes, 52 yards, TD Top receivers BAL – Anquan Boldin – 7 receptions, 88 yards PIT – Antonio Brown – 5 Receptions, 109 Yards Top tacklers BAL – Lardarius Webb – 6 tackles PIT – James Harrison – 8 tackles

Following their victory over the Patriots, the Steelers remained at home the next week for their second match-up of the season against division rivals the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens scored first with an 18-yard field goal by kicker Billy Cundiff, the only points scored in the first quarter by either team. Steelers kicker Shaun Suisham answered with a 36-yard field goal early in the second quarter, and a 30-yard field goal near the end, but both of these were quickly matched by Baltimore's Cundiff with a 43-yard and 51-yard field goal, respectively, giving Baltimore a 9–6 lead at halftime. The Ravens then increased their lead in the third quarter when Ray Rice scored the first touchdown of the game on a 4-yard run. The Steelers rallied hard in the fourth quarter, with running back Rashard Mendenhall making a 1-yard run to score a touchdown, and then taking the lead for the first time in the game when quarterback Ben Roethlisberger made a successful 25-yard pass to wide receiver Mike Wallace in the endzone for a second touchdown. On their final drive of the game, the Steelers were ready to potentially increase their lead with a 47-yard field goal kick by Shaun Suisham, but a 5-yard delay of game penalty put them out of field goal range and they were instead forced to punt the ball to the Ravens. The Ravens then began a 92-yard drive, culminating in a 26-yard touchdown pass by quarterback Joe Flacco to wide receiver Torrey Smith in the endzone with just 8 seconds remaining, giving them the game.

With the loss, the Steelers fell to 6–3.[22]

Week 10: at Cincinnati Bengals

Week Ten: Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Steelers	14	3	7	0	24
Bengals	7	3	7	0	17

at Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio

• Date: November 13
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
• Game weather: 62°F, (Cloudy and Windy)
• Game attendance: 63,262
• Referee: Bill Leavy
• TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle and Dan Fouts

Game information

First quarter Steelers 7–0 – Jerricho Cotchery 16 Yard Pass from Ben Roethlisberger (Shaun Suisham Kick) (9:15) Steelers 14–0 – Rashard Mendenhall 2 Yard Run (Shaun Suisham Kick) (3:37) Steelers 14–7 – A. J. Green 36 Yard Pass from Andy Dalton (Mike Nugent Kick) (0:14) Second quarter Steelers 14–10 – Mike Nugent 43 Yard Field Goal (12:02) Steelers 17–10 – Shaun Suisham 39 Yard Field Goal (0:58) Third quarter Tied 17–17 – Jermaine Gresham 1 Yard Pass from Andy Dalton (Mike Nugent Kick) (8:38) Steelers 24–17 – Rashard Mendenhall 9 Yard Run (Shaun Suisham Kick) (1:55) Fourth quarter No scoring plays Top passers PIT – Ben Roethlisberger – 21/33, 245 yards, TD, INT CIN – Andy Dalton – 15/30, 170 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs Top rushers PIT – Rashard Mendenhall – 16 Rushes, 44 Yards, 2 TDs CIN – Cedric Benson – 15 Rushes, 57 Yards Top receivers PIT – Antonio Brown – 5 Receptions, 86 Yards CIN – Andrew Hawkins – 5 Receptions, 56 Yards Top tacklers PIT – Troy Polamalu – 5 tackles, 1 assist CIN – Chris Crocker – 5 tackles, 2 assists

Hoping to rebound from their season-sweeping loss to the Ravens, the Steelers flew to Paul Brown Stadium for a Week 10 AFC North duel with the Cincinnati Bengals. Pittsburgh delivered the game's opening punch in the first quarter with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger finding wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery on a 16-yard touchdown pass, followed by a 2-yard touchdown run from running back Rashard Mendenhall. The Bengals would answer with quarterback Andy Dalton completing a 36-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver A. J. Green. Cincinnati struck again the second quarter with kicker Mike Nugent getting a 43-yard field goal, yet the Steelers responded with a 39-yard field goal from kicker Shaun Suisham.

The Bengals would tie the game in the third quarter with Dalton completing a 1-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jermaine Gresham, yet Pittsburgh came right back with a 9-yard touchdown run from Mendenhall. Afterwards, the defense would prevent any comeback attempt from Cincinnati.

With the win, the Steelers went into their bye week at 7–3.[22]

Week 12: at Kansas City Chiefs

Week Twelve: Pittsburgh Steelers at Kansas City Chiefs – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Steelers	0	13	0	0	13
Chiefs	3	3	0	3	9

at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

• Date: November 27
• Game time: 8:20 p.m. EST/7:20 p.m. CST
• Game weather: 29°F, (Clear)
• Game attendance: 72,173
• Referee: Ed Hochuli
• TV announcers (NBC): Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth and Michele Tafoya

Game information

First quarter Chiefs 3–0 – Ryan Succop 41 Yard Field Goal (10:40) Second quarter Tied 3–3 – Shaun Suisham 21 Yard Field Goal (13:29) Steelers 10–3 – Weslye Saunders 2 Yard Pass from Ben Roethlisberger (Shaun Suisham Kick) (10:53) Steelers 10–6 – Ryan Succop 49 Yard Field Goal (4:30) Steelers 13–6 – Shaun Suisham 49 Yard Field Goal (0:00) Third quarter No scoring plays Fourth quarter Steelers 13–9 – Ryan Succop 40 Yard Field Goal (7:11) Top passers PIT – Ben Roethlisberger – 21/31, 193 yards, TD, INT KC – Tyler Palko – 18/28, 167 yards, 3 INT Top rushers PIT – Rashard Mendenhall – 17 Rushes, 57 Yards KC – Thomas Jones – 13 Rushes, 37 Yards Top receivers PIT – Antonio Brown – 4 Receptions, 81 Yards KC – Dwayne Bowe – 7 Receptions, 69 Yards Top tacklers PIT – Ryan Mundy – 7 tackles, 3 assists KC – Derrick Johnson – 8 tackles, 1 assist

Coming off their bye week, the Steelers flew to Arrowhead Stadium for a Week 12 Sunday night showdown with the Kansas City Chiefs. Pittsburgh trailed early in the first quarter when Chiefs kicker Ryan Succop kicked a 41-yard field goal. Pittsburgh would answer in the second quarter with a 21-yard field goal from kicker Shaun Suisham following a Chiefs goal-line stand. The Steelers struck again when quarterback Ben Roethlisberger threw a 2-yard touchdown pass to rookie tight end Weslye Saunders. Succop and Shuisham each made 49-yard field goals before the end of the half to make it 13–6. The third quarter was scoreless, but in the 4th quarter Kansas City pulled closer when Succop booted a 40-yarder. This pulled the Chiefs to within 13–9. However, Pittsburgh's defense held on to preserve the victory as cornerback Keenan Lewis sealed the deal with an interception late in the 4th quarter with 29 seconds remaining.

With the win, the Steelers improved to 8–3.[22]

Week 13: vs. Cincinnati Bengals

Week Thirteen: Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Bengals	0	7	0	0	7
Steelers	0	28	7	0	35

at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

• Date: December 4
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
• Game weather: 62°F, (Cloudy)
• Game attendance: 63,697
• Referee: Carl Cheffers
• TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz and Phil Simms

Game information

First quarter No Scoring Second quarter Steelers 7–0 – Rashard Mendenhall 3 Yard Run (Shaun Suisham Kick) (12:47) Steelers 14–0 – Rashard Mendenhall 5 Yard Run (Shaun Suisham Kick) (10:12) Steelers 21–0 – Mike Wallace 12 Yard Pass from Ben Roethlisberger (Shaun Suisham Kick) (8:33) Steelers 21–7 – A. J. Green 11 Yard Pass from Andy Dalton (Mike Nugent Kick) (4:06) Steelers 28–7 – Antonio Brown 60 Yard Punt Return (Shaun Suisham Kick) (1:16) Third quarter Steelers 35–7 – Mike Wallace 19 Yard Pass from Ben Roethlisberger (Shaun Suisham Kick) (3:26) Fourth quarter No Scoring Top passers CIN – Andy Dalton – 11/24, 135 yards, 1 TD PIT – Ben Roethlisberger – 15/23, 176 yards, 2 TDs Top rushers CIN – Cedric Benson – 13 Rushes, 52 Yards PIT – Rashard Mendenhall – 16 Rushes, 60 Yards, 2 TDs Top receivers CIN – A. J. Green – 6 Receptions, 87 Yards, 1 TD PIT – Antonio Brown – 2 Receptions, 67 Yards Top tacklers CIN – Rey Maualuga – 6 tackles PIT – Lawrence Timmons – 6 tackles, 2 assists

Coming off their Sunday night win over the Chiefs, the Steelers went home for a Week 13 AFC North rematch with the Cincinnati Bengals. In the first quarter, Cincinnati threatened to score after Bengals wide receiver AJ Green caught a 43-yard pass from quarterback Andy Dalton. Tight end Jermaine Gresham appeared to catch a 7-yard touchdown pass from Dalton, but it was nullified because of a false start penalty on Green. The Bengals lined up for a field goal, but could not get the kick off in time, causing a delay of game. After the five-yard penalty, the Bengals lined up for the field goal again. But this time, Pittsburgh's Cameron Heyward blocked the field goal, giving the Steelers the ball around the 20-yard line. Pittsburgh could not capitalize however, and punted it away. The rest of the 1st quarter was scoreless. Then in the 2nd quarter, the Steelers began a scoring frenzy. The first of Pittsburgh's 4 touchdowns came when Rashard Mendenhall ran in a score from 3 yards out to give Pittsburgh a 7–0 lead. He scored again on the Steelers' next drive, this time from 5 yards out. Pittsburgh scored yet again on their following drive when Ben Roethlisberger threw a 12-yard touchdown pass to Mike Wallace. Down 21–0, the Bengals finally got into the end zone. After a long drive going 80 yards, Dalton threw an 11-yard touchdown pass to Green. Though the Bengals brought the game to within 21–7, the Steelers would not let up. Pittsburgh answered Cincinnati with a 60-yard punt return by Antonio Brown, This gave the Steelers a 28–7 lead going into halftime. In the 3rd Quarter, Pittsburgh scored one more time when Roethlisberger threw a 19-yard touchdown pass to Wallace. Afterwards, Pittsburgh's defense held Cincinnati to no scoring. Led by James Harrison, who finished the game with 3 sacks, they held Cincinnati to only 232 net yards.

With the win, the Steelers improved to 9–3.[22]

Week 14: vs. Cleveland Browns

Week Fourteen: Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Browns	3	0	0	0	3
Steelers	7	0	0	7	14

at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

• Date: December 8
• Game time: 8:20 p.m. EST
• Game weather: 30°F, (Cloudy)
• Game attendance: 60,754
• Referee: Ed Hochuli
• TV announcers (NFLN): Brad Nessler, Mike Mayock, and Alex Flanagan

Game information

First quarter Browns 3–0 – Phil Dawson 20 Yard Field Goal (9:22) Steelers 7–3 – Jerricho Cotchery 11 Yard Pass from Ben Roethlisberger (Shaun Suisham Kick) (6:12) Second quarter No scoring plays Third quarter No scoring plays Fourth quarter Steelers 14–3 – Antonio Brown 79 Yard Pass from Ben Roethlisberger (Shaun Suisham Kick) (2:52) Top passers CLE – Colt McCoy – 18/35, 309 yards, 2 INT PIT – Ben Roethlisberger – 16/21, 280 yards, 2 TD, INT Top rushers CLE – Chris Ogbonnaya – 2 Rushes, 31 Yards PIT – Rashard Mendenhall – 18 Rushes, 76 Yards Top receivers CLE – Evan Moore – 4 Receptions, 55 Yards PIT – Antonio Brown – 5 Receptions, 151 Yards, TD Top tacklers CLE – D'Qwell Jackson – 7 tackles, 6 assists PIT – Ryan Clark – 9 tackles, 1 assist

Coming off their season-sweeping win over the Bengals, the Steelers stayed at home, donned their throwback uniforms again, and played a Week 14 AFC North duel with the Cleveland Browns on Thursday night. Pittsburgh trailed early in the first quarter as Browns kicker Phil Dawson got a 20-yard field goal. The Steelers would answer with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger finding wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery on an 11-yard touchdown pass. After a scoreless second and third quarter (which saw Roethlisberger suffer a left high-ankle sprain near the end of the first half and yet returned for the start of the second), Pittsburgh pulled away in the fourth quarter with Roethlisberger hooking up with wide receiver Antonio Brown on a 79-yard touchdown pass.

With the win, the Steelers improved to 10–3.[22]

Week 15: at San Francisco 49ers

Week Fifteen: Pittsburgh Steelers at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Steelers	0	0	3	0	3
49ers	3	3	7	7	20

at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

• Date: December 19
• Game time: 8:30 p.m. EST/5:30 p.m. PST (Game delayed until 9:00 p.m. EST/6:00 p.m. PST due to a power outage)
• Game weather: 51°F, (Clear)
• Game attendance: 69,732
• Referee: Walt Coleman
• TV announcers (ESPN): Mike Tirico, Ron Jaworski, and Jon Gruden

Game information

First quarter 49ers 3–0 – David Akers 22 Yard Field Goal (3:25) Second quarter 49ers 6–0 – David Akers 38 Yard Field Goal (12:13) Third quarter 49ers 6–3 – Shaun Suisham 51 Yard Field Goal (6:08) 49ers 13–3 – Vernon Davis 1 Yard Pass from Alex Smith (David Akers Kick) (3:44) Fourth quarter 49ers 20–3 – Frank Gore 5 Yard Run (David Akers Kick) (9:06) Top passers PIT – Ben Roethlisberger – 25/44, 330 Yards, 3 INT SF – Alex Smith – 18/31, 187 Yards, TD Top rushers PIT – Rashard Mendenhall – 15 Rushes, 64 Yards SF – Frank Gore – 18 Rushes, 65 Yards, TD Top receivers PIT – Jerricho Cotchery – 5 Receptions, 93 Yards SF – Vernon Davis – 6 Receptions, 72 Yards, TD Top tacklers PIT – Troy Polamalu – 7 tackles SF – NaVorro Bowman – 7 tackles, 1 assist

Coming off their divisional home win over the Browns, the Steelers flew to Candlestick Park for a Week 15 interconference duel with the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night. The start of the game was delayed 30 minutes due to a transformer blew out power to the stadium. When the game started Pittsburgh trailed in the first half with 49ers kicker David Akers getting a 22-yard field goal in the first quarter, followed by a 38-yard field goal in the second quarter.

The Steelers would answer in the third quarter with a 51-yard field goal from kicker Shaun Suisham, but San Francisco came right back with quarterback Alex Smith completing a 1-yard touchdown pass to tight end Vernon Davis. The 49ers would pull away in the fourth quarter with running back Frank Gore getting a 5-yard touchdown run.

With the loss, Pittsburgh fell to 10–4.[22]

Week 16: vs. St. Louis Rams

Week Sixteen: St. Louis Rams at Pittsburgh Steelers – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Rams	0	0	0	0	0
Steelers	3	7	3	14	27

at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

• Date: December 24
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
• Game weather: 37°F, (Cloudy)
• Game attendance: 60,081
• Referee: Clete Blakeman
• TV announcers (Fox): Dick Stockton and John Lynch

Game information

First quarter Steelers 3–0 – Shaun Suisham 21 Yard Field Goal (4:43) Second quarter Steelers 10–0 – John Clay 10 Yard Run (Shaun Suisham Kick) (6:50) Third quarter Steelers 13–0 – Shaun Suisham 49 Yard Field Goal (9:19) Fourth quarter Steelers 20–0 – Rashard Mendenhall 1 Yard Run (Shaun Suisham Kick) (8:58) Steelers 27–0 – Isaac Redman 2 Yard Run (Shaun Suisham Kick) (3:14) Top passers STL – Kellen Clemens – 9/24, 91 Yards PIT – Charlie Batch – 15/22, 208 Yards, INT Top rushers STL – Steven Jackson – 24 Rushes, 103 Yards PIT – Rashard Mendenhall – 18 Rushes, 116 Yards, TD Top receivers STL – Brandon Lloyd – 3 Receptions, 29 Yards PIT – Mike Wallace – 4 Receptions, 82 Yards Top tacklers STL – James Laurinaitis – 7 tackles, 6 assists PIT – Lawrence Timmons – 7 tackles, 3 assists

Hoping to rebound from their road loss to the 49ers, the Steelers went home for a Week 16 interconference duel with the St. Louis Rams. With Ben Roethlisberger recovering from his left high ankle sprain, backup quarterback Charlie Batch got the start.

Pittsburgh delivered the game's opening punch in the first quarter with a 21-yard field goal from kicker Shaun Suisham. The Steelers added onto their lead in the second quarter with a 10-yard touchdown run from rookie running back John Clay, which was his first career carry.

Pittsburgh continued to increase their lead in the third quarter with a 49-yard field goal from Suisham. Afterwards, the Steelers pulled away in the fourth quarter with a 1-yard touchdown run from running back Rashard Mendenhall, followed by a 2-yard touchdown run from running back Isaac Redman.

With the shutout win, Pittsburgh improved to 11–4.[22]

Week 17: at Cleveland Browns

Week Seventeen: Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Steelers	0	3	10	0	13
Browns	0	6	3	0	9

at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio

• Date: January 1
• Game time: 4:15 p.m. EST
• Game weather: 40°F, (Cloudy with Snow)
• Game attendance: 68,266
• Referee: Alberto Riveron
• TV announcers (CBS): Kevin Harlan and Solomon Wilcots

Game information

First quarter No Scoring Second quarter Browns 3–0 – Phil Dawson 26 Yard Field Goal (6:03) Browns 6–0 – Phil Dawson 45 Yard Field Goal (1:06) Browns 6–3 – Shaun Suisham 19 Yard Field Goal (0:00) Third quarter Tied 6–6 – Shaun Suisham 29 Yard Field Goal (9:43) Steelers 13–6 – Isaac Redman 7 Yard Run (Shaun Suisham Kick) (5:27) Steelers 13–9 – Phil Dawson 49 Yard Field Goal (1:59) Fourth quarter No Scoring Top passers PIT – Ben Roethlisberger – 23/40, 221 yards CLE – Seneca Wallace – 16/41, 177 yards, INT Top rushers PIT – Isaac Redman – 19 Rushes, 92 Yards, TD CLE – Seneca Wallace – 3 Rushes, 41 Yards Top receivers PIT – Antonio Brown – 6 Receptions, 90 Yards CLE – Josh Cribbs – 7 Receptions, 91 Yards Top tacklers PIT – Lawrence Timmons – 5 tackles CLE – D'Qwell Jackson – 9 tackles, 4 assists

Coming off their shutout home win over the Rams, the Steelers closed out the regular season at Cleveland Browns Stadium with a Week 17 AFC North rematch against the Cleveland Browns. After a scoreless first quarter, Pittsburgh trailed in the second quarter with Browns kicker Phil Dawson getting a 26-yard and a 45-yard field goal. The Steelers would close out the half with a 19-yard field goal from kicker Shaun Suisham.

Pittsburgh took the lead in the third quarter with a 29-yard field goal from Suisham, followed by a 7-yard touchdown run from running back Isaac Redman. Cleveland responded with Dawson making a 49-yard field goal, yet the defense prevented the Browns from getting any other score.

With the win, the Steelers concluded their regular season with a 12–4 record and would acquire the AFC's #5 seed.[22]

Standings

AFC North
	W	L	T	PCT	DIV	CONF	PF	PA	STK
^(2) Baltimore Ravens	12	4	0	.750	6–0	9–3	378	266	W2
^(5) Pittsburgh Steelers	12	4	0	.750	4–2	9–3	325	227	W2
^(6) Cincinnati Bengals	9	7	0	.563	2–4	6–6	344	323	L1
Cleveland Browns	4	12	0	.250	0–6	3–9	218	307	L6

Postseason

Schedule

Week	Date	Kickoff (ET)	Opponent	Result	Game Site	TV	NFL Recap
Wild Card	Sun. Jan. 8	4:30 p.m.	at Denver Broncos (4)	L 23–29 (OT)	Sports Authority Field at Mile High	CBS	Recap[23]

AFC Wild Card: at #4 Denver Broncos

Wild Card : Pittsburgh Steelers at Denver Broncos – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	OT	Total
Steelers	6	0	7	10	0	23
Broncos	0	20	0	3	6	29

at Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado

• Date: January 8
• Game time: 4:30 p.m. EST/2:30 p.m. MST
• Game weather: 40°F, Sunny
• Game attendance: 75,970
• Referee: Ron Winter
• TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz and Phil Simms
• Game Book

Game information

First quarter Steelers 3–0 – Shaun Suisham 45 Yard Field Goal (11:14) Steelers 6–0 – Shaun Suisham 38 Yard Field Goal (0:23) Second quarter Broncos 7–6 – Eddie Royal 30 Yard Pass from Tim Tebow (Matt Prater Kick) (13:24) Broncos 14–6 – Tim Tebow 8 Yard Run (Matt Prater Kick) (10:36) Broncos 17–6 – Matt Prater 20 Yard Field Goal (7:30) Broncos 20–6 – Matt Prater 28 Yard Field Goal (1:05) Third quarter Broncos 20–13 – Mike Wallace 1 Yard Run (Shaun Suisham Kick) (4:29) Fourth quarter Broncos 23–13 – Matt Prater 35 Yard Field Goal (13:10) Broncos 23–16 – Shaun Suisham 37 Yard Field Goal (9:59) Tied 23–23 – Jerricho Cotchery 31 Yard Pass from Ben Roethlisberger (Shaun Suisham Kick) (3:48) Overtime Broncos 29–23 – Demaryius Thomas 80 Yard Pass from Tim Tebow (14:49) Top passers PIT – Ben Roethlisberger 22/40, 289 YDS, TD, INT DEN – Tim Tebow 10/21, 316 YDS, 2 TD Top rushers PIT – Isaac Redman 17 RUSH, 121 YDS DEN – Willis McGahee 19 RUSH, 61 YDS Top receivers PIT – Emmanuel Sanders 6 REC, 81 YDS DEN – Demaryius Thomas 4 REC, 204 YDS, TD Top tacklers PIT – Ike Taylor 6 TKL, AST DEN – David Bruton 8 TKL

The Steelers finished 12–4 and would be the AFC's number 5 seed, playing the number 4 seed 8–8 Denver Broncos. They led 6–0 after the first quarter, but the Broncos scored 20 unanswered points, and as a result they had a 20–6 lead at halftime. The Steelers then regrouped after the second quarter debacle and only allowed a Matt Prater field goal. They recovered a key fumble in the fourth quarter that set up the tying touchdown. The Steelers had one last possession at the end of regulation, but Ben Roethlisberger was sacked on the hail mary attempt which forced overtime with the game tied at 23. This game then became notable for being the first non-sudden death overtime game in NFL history, with the new playoff overtime rules. However, the new rules only applied if the team that got the ball first did not score a touchdown, because if a touchdown or safety was scored at any time, the game would end. This meant that only field goals could be kicked and not end the game. The Steelers lost the overtime coin toss, and the Broncos elected to receive. Shaun Suisham delivered a kick out of the back of the end zone for a touchback, but on the first play, the Steeler defense allowed Demaryius Thomas to go from the Denver 20 all the way to the end zone for a touchdown, ending the Steelers' season.[23]

Staff

Pittsburgh Steelers 2011 staff
	Front Office Chairman Emeritus – Dan Rooney President – Art Rooney II Vice President – Art Rooney, Jr. General Manager – Kevin Colbert College Scouting Coordinator – Ron Hughes Pro Personnel Coordinator – Brandon Hunt Head Coaches Head Coach – Mike Tomlin Assistant Head Coach/Defensive Line – John Mitchell Offensive Coaches Offensive Coordinator – Bruce Arians Quarterbacks – Randy Fichtner Running Backs – Kirby Wilson Wide Receivers – Scottie Montgomery Tight Ends – James Daniel Offensive Line – Sean Kugler Offensive Assistant – Harold Goodwin			Defensive Coaches Defensive Coordinator – Dick LeBeau Linebackers – Keith Butler Defensive Backs – Carnell Lake Defensive Assistant – Jerry Olsavsky Special Teams Coaches Special Teams Coordinator – Al Everest Assistant Special Teams – Amos Jones Strength and Conditioning Strength and Conditioning – Garrett Giemont Conditioning Assistant – Marcel Pastoor

[24]

Final roster

2011 Pittsburgh Steelers final roster

	Quarterbacks 16 Charlie Batch 10 Dennis Dixon  7 Ben Roethlisberger Running backs 38 John Clay 21 Mewelde Moore 33 Isaac Redman 30 Chad Spann Wide receivers 81 Arnaz Battle 84 Antonio Brown KR/PR 89 Jerricho Cotchery 88 Emmanuel Sanders 17 Mike Wallace 86 Hines Ward Tight ends 85 David Johnson 83 Heath Miller 82 Weslye Saunders		Offensive linemen 79 Trai Essex G 73 Ramon Foster G 77 Marcus Gilbert T 68 Chris Kemoeatu G 64 Doug Legursky C 69 Jamon Meredith T 53 Maurkice Pouncey C 72 Jonathan Scott T 78 Max Starks T Defensive linemen 98 Casey Hampton NT 97 Cameron Heyward DE 96 Ziggy Hood DE 99 Brett Keisel DE 90 Steve McLendon NT 65 Al Woods NT		Linebackers 51 James Farrior ILB 50 Larry Foote ILB 92 James Harrison OLB 57 Mortty Ivy OLB 55 Stevenson Sylvester ILB 94 Lawrence Timmons ILB 56 LaMarr Woodley OLB 93 Jason Worilds OLB Defensive backs 28 Cortez Allen CB 26 Will Allen FS 25 Ryan Clark FS 42 Da'Mon Cromartie-Smith SS 22 William Gay CB 23 Keenan Lewis CB 20 Bryant McFadden CB 37 Anthony Madison CB 29 Ryan Mundy FS 43 Troy Polamalu SS 24 Ike Taylor CB Special teams 13 Jeremy Kapinos P  6 Shaun Suisham K 60 Greg Warren LS		Reserve lists 35 Baron Batch RB (IR) -- Dorian Brooks G (Left Squad) 31 Curtis Brown CB (IR) 54 Chris Carter ILB (IR) -- Miguel Chavis TE (IR) -- Erik Clanton ILB (IR) 74 Willie Colon T (IR) 27 Jonathan Dwyer RB (IR) 76 Chris Hoke NT (IR)  4 Byron Leftwich QB (IR) 34 Rashard Mendenhall RB (IR)  9 Daniel Sepulveda P (IR) 91 Aaron Smith DE (IR) Practice squad 95 Corbin Bryant NT 19 Tyler Grisham WR 66 Elisha Joseph DE 45 Jamie McCoy TE 62 John Malecki G 71 Chris Scott T 67 Trevis Turner T 41 Albert Young RB Rookies in italics 53 active, 13 inactive, 8 practice squad

[25]

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21. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2012-01-05. Retrieved 2012-01-01.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) Recap
22. "2018 Season Schedule - Pittsburgh Steelers". steelers.com. Archived from the original on 25 January 2018. Retrieved 26 April 2018.
23. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2017-11-13. Retrieved 2017-12-15.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) Recap
24. "Front Office Staff - Pittsburgh Steelers". steelers.com. Archived from the original on 25 January 2018. Retrieved 26 April 2018.
25. "Roster - Pittsburgh Steelers". steelers.com. Archived from the original on 19 March 2018. Retrieved 26 April 2018.

External links

"2011 Steelers Media Guide" (PDF). Pittsburgh Steelers. Archived (PDF) from the original on January 25, 2012. Retrieved January 25, 2012.