2007 Pittsburgh Steelers season
Encyclopedia
The 2007
Pittsburgh Steelers
season was the 75th season of the Steelers franchise. The season saw the team improve upon their 8–8 record from 2006
, finish with a record of 10–6, and win the AFC North
Division. The Steelers qualified for the playoffs for the first season since their Super Bowl victory
in 2005, but were defeated in the Wild Card round.
took place at Radio City Music Hall
in New York City
on April 28 and April 29, 2007. The Steelers selected eight players in six rounds.
was in his first year with the Steelers. The offensive coordinator
was Bruce Arians
and the defensive coordinator
was Dick LeBeau
. The quarterbacks coach was Ken Anderson. Keith Butler
was the linebackers coach. The tight ends coach was James Daniel. Randy Fichtner
was the wide receivers coach. The defensive backs coach was Ray Horton
. Amos Jones
and Bob Ligashesky
were the special teams coaches. John Mitchell was the defensive line and assistant head coach. Kirby Wilson
was the running backs coach. The offensive line coach was Larry Zierlein
. The quality control coaches were Harold Goodwin for the offense and Lou Spanos
for the defense. Garrett Giemont
was the conditioning coordinator.
December 9 for the first time in the regular season since 2005
, when they lost at home on a last-second Adam Vinatieri
field goal 23–20. The 34–13 loss was also the Steelers' first visit to Foxboro, Massachusetts since 2002
. The Steelers defeated the Seattle Seahawks
21–0 in week 5 on October 7, the teams' first meeting since the Steelers' 21–10 victory in Super Bowl XL
20 months earlier. The week 5 match was the Steelers' and Seahawks' first meeting in Pittsburgh
since 1999
as well as the Seahawks' first-ever visit to Heinz Field
. Another notable game occurred December 20 when the Steelers defeated the St. Louis Rams
, 41–24, for their first-ever road win over the Cleveland/Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams (1–9–1). It was the two teams' first-ever meeting in St. Louis
, a city the Steelers last visited in 1979
(a 24–21 win over the then-St. Louis Cardinals
at Busch Memorial Stadium
).
. Two started (bold), two were selected to the reserve squad, and two did not play due to injury.
Week 1 (Sunday September 9, 2007): at Cleveland Browns
The Steelers began their anniversary season on the road against their AFC North foe, the Cleveland Browns
, for Round 1 of the 2007 Rust Belt series. Also, with both teams at 55 wins a piece, the Steelers would take the lead in the rivalry for the first time in the 57 year history of the rivalry.
Pittsburgh got off to a fast start in the first quarter as QB Ben Roethlisberger
completed a 5-yard TD pass to WR Hines Ward
. Later, kicker Jeff Reed made a 26-yard field goal, while Roethlisberger completed a 40-yard TD pass to WR Santonio Holmes
. After a scoreless second quarter, the Steelers went right back to work in the third quarter, as Roethlisberger completed a 5-yard TD pass to rookie TE Matt Spaeth
. Afterwards, the Browns got their only score of the game as QB Derek Anderson
completed a 1-yard TD pass to FB Lawrence Vickers
. Pittsburgh put the game well out of reach as Roethlisberger threw his career-best 4th touchdown pass of the game, a 22-yard strike to TE Heath Miller
. In the fourth quarter, Pittsburgh wrapped up the win with Reed's 31-yard field goal.
With the win, the Steelers began the year at 1–0, gave Mike Tomlin
his first win as a head coach, and took the lead in the Rust Belt series with win #56.
Scoring Drives:
Q1 – PIT – 11:49 – 5-yard TD pass from Ben Roethlisberger to Hines Ward (Jeff Reed kick) (7–0 PIT)
Q1 – PIT – 8:53 – Jeff Reed 26-yard FG (14–0 PIT)
Q1 – PIT – 0:58 – 40-yard TD pass from Ben Roethlisberger to Santonio Holmes (Reed kick) (17–0 PIT)
Q3 – PIT – 10:33 – 5-yard TD pass from Ben Roethlisberger to Matt Spaeth (Reed kick) (24–0 PIT)
Q3 – CLE – 6:52 – 1-yard TD pass from Derek Anderson to Lawrence Vickers (Phil Dawson
kick) (24–7 PIT)
Q3 – PIT – 2:23 – 22-yard TD pass from Ben Roethlisberger to Heath Miller (Reed kick) (31–7 PIT)
Q4 – PIT – 7:12 – Jeff Reed 31-yard FG (34–7 PIT)
Week 2 (Sunday September 16, 2007): vs. Buffalo Bills
Coming off their easy road win over the Browns, the Steelers debuted their special throwback uniform
s and clashed with the Buffalo Bills
in a Week 2 home opener. In the first half, despite the early struggles on offense, the defense kept the Bills back. Meanwhile, kicker Jeff Reed scored a 34-yard field goal in the first quarter, and added 28-yard and 39-yard field goals in the second quarter. In the third quarter, Buffalo would get their only score against Pittsburgh, as kicker Rian Lindell
got a 24-yard field goal. Afterwards, the Steelers took over for the rest of the game as QB Ben Roethlisberger
completed a 1-yard TD pass to rookie TE Matt Spaeth
. In the fourth quarter, Pittsburgh closed out the game with RB Willie Parker
getting an 11-yard TD run.
With the win, the Steelers improved to 2–0.
Week 3 (Sunday September 23, 2007): vs. San Francisco 49ers
In Week 3 against the San Francisco 49ers
, the Steelers found themselves trailing for the first time on the young season as the 49ers drove deep into Pittsburgh territory before being forced to settle for a 32-yard field goal by Joe Nedney
. The San Francisco lead lasted exactly 12 seconds, as Allen Rossum
returned to ensuing kickoff for a touchdown to give Pittsburgh a 7–3 advantage. The Niners went 3-and-out on their next drive, but they sacked Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger
and forced him to fumble on the Steelers' second offensive play from scrimmage. San Francisco recovered the fumble at the Pittsburgh 22 and drove to the 4, but was held to another Nedney field goal, this one from 22 yards out, to cut the Steelers' lead to 1. The teams exchanged punts until late in the second quarter, when Pittsburgh drove 80 yards on 12 plays which culminated in a Roethlisberger touchdown pass to Jerame Tuman
to give the Steelers a 14–6 lead into the half.
Pittsburgh took the ball to begin the second half, and drove to the San Francisco 18 before being stopped (a catch by Heath Miller
at the 49ers 2 yard line was overturned after a successful challenge by San Francisco head coach Mike Nolan
showed that Miller was out of bounds). The Steelers were forced to settle for a 36-yard field goal by Jeff Reed to increase their lead to 17–6. On the 49ers' ensuing drive, Alex Smith
hit leaping tight end Vernon Davis
at the Pittsburgh 5 yard line when he was hit by strong safety Troy Polamalu
and flipped into the air. Davis hit the ground, and the ball popped up and was caught by free safety Ryan Clark
, who returned it into San Francisco territory. Nolan challenged the play, arguing that Davis was down by contact at the Pittsburgh 5. Referee Gerry Austin
ruled instead that the ball had hit the ground, and that the pass was therefore incomplete (the Niners still won the challenge, as the original call of an interception was overturned). The 49ers could not drive any further, and Nedney kicked a 49-yard field goal to make it 17–9, Pittsburgh. The Steelers got the ball back after the field goal and drove deep into 49ers territory before Reed kicked a 49-yard field goal on the first play of the fourth quarter to give the Steelers a 20–9 lead. The 49ers' next drive resulted in a punt, and the Steelers drove into field goal range again. Reed's 35-yard kick was good, and the Steelers led 23–9. On the ensuing possession by San Francisco was facing a crucial 3rd and 5 from their own 42. Smith forced a throw into coverage, and it was intercepted by Steeler cornerback Bryant McFadden
and returned for a touchdown to give Pittsburgh a commanding 30–9 lead. Smith drove the 49ers down the field on their next possession, and he threw a 21 yard touchdown pass to Taylor Jacobs
to give San Francisco its first and only touchdown of the day. The 49ers tried to execute an onside kick, but Nedney's kick was recovered by Steeler punter Daniel Sepulveda
. The Steelers then attempted to run out the clock by handing the ball off to backup running back Najeh Davenport
, but Davenport broke a 39-yard touchdown run with under 2 minutes to go to give the Steelers a 37–16 lead, which would be the final score. The Niners attempted one last drive, but could not even gain a first down.
With the win Pittsburgh became one of five NFL teams to increase its record to 3–0, while San Francisco dropped to 2–1. Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger
was 13 of 20 for 160 yards with a touchdown and a lost fumble, while Alex Smith
was 17 of 35 for 209 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Both were sacked twice. Willie Parker
ran for 133 yards on 24 carries, while Frank Gore
was held to 39 yards on 14 carries.
Week 4 (Sunday September 30, 2007): at Arizona Cardinals
Coming off their interconference home win over the 49ers, the Steelers flew to University of Phoenix Stadium
for an interconference duel with the Arizona Cardinals
. Near the end of the first quarter, Pittsburgh delivered the first punch as QB Ben Roethlisberger
completed a 43-yard TD pass to WR Santonio Holmes
for the only score of the period. However, after a scoreless second quarter, the Cardinals responded with back-up QB Kurt Warner
completing a 6-yard TD pass to WR Jerheme Urban
for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, things went wrong for the Steelers as Arizona took the lead with WR Steve Breaston
returning a punt 73 yards for a touchdown, while RB Edgerrin James
got a 2-yard TD run. Pittsburgh tried to mount a comeback as Roethlisberger and Holmes hooked up with each other again on a 7-yard TD pass. However, the Steelers' final drive ended with an interception.
With the loss, Pittsburgh fell to 3–1.
Week 5 (Sunday October 7, 2007): vs. Seattle Seahawks
Trying to rebound from their road loss to the Cardinals, the Steelers went home for a Week 5 interconference duel with the Seattle Seahawks
, in the rematch of Super Bowl XL
. Going into the game, Pittsburgh was without Hines Ward
, Santonio Holmes
, Troy Polomalu, and Casey Hampton
, due to injuries.
After a scoreless first quarter, the Steelers drew first blood with QB Ben Roethlisberger
completing a 13-yard TD pass to TE Heath Miller
to lead 7–0 at halftime. In the second half, Pittsburgh completed the shutout with RB Najeh Davenport
running 1 yard for a TD in the third quarter and 5 yards for a TD in the fourth.
With the win, Pittsburgh entered its bye week at 4–1. During the game, the Steelers had over 40 minutes of possession, including 25 minutes of the second half. In their first five games Pittsburgh had outscored its opponents 57–6 in the first half. The Steelers also improved to 4–0 on the year when RB Willie Parker
has a 100-yard rushing game, as he ran 28 times for 102 yards.
, Santonio Holmes
, Troy Polamalu
, and Casey Hampton
were all sidelined due to injuries.
Week 7 (Sunday October 21, 2007): at Denver Broncos
Coming off of a bye week, the Steelers flew to INVESCO Field at Mile High
for a Sunday night intraconference clash with the Denver Broncos
. In the first quarter, Pittsburgh struck first with QB Ben Roethlisberger
completing a 1-yard TD pass to TE Heath Miller
. Afterwards, the Broncos responded with QB Jay Cutler
completing a 15-yard TD pass to WR Brandon Stokley
. In the second quarter, the Steelers struggled as Cutler completed a 1-yard TD pass to FB Cecil Sapp
, along with DE Tim Crowder returning a fumble 50 yards for a touchdown.
In the third quarter, Pittsburgh tried to recover with Roethlisberger completing a 13-yard TD pass to WR Santonio Holmes
, but the Broncos answered with Cutler completing a 1-yard TD pass to TE Tony Scheffler
. In the fourth quarter, Pittsburgh managed to tie the game with Roethlisberger completing a 13-yard TD pass to rookie TE Matt Spaeth
, along with a 12-yard TD pass to Miller. Unfortunately, Denver managed to get kicker Jason Elam
to nail a last-second 49-yard field goal.
With the loss, the Steelers fell to 4–2.
Pittsburgh's defense, which had given up only 5 touchdowns in their first 5 games, gave up 3 on the night.
Week 8 (Sunday October 28, 2007): at Cincinnati Bengals
Trying to rebound from their last-second road loss to the Broncos, the Steelers flew to Paul Brown Stadium
for a Week 8 AFC North brawl with the Cincinnati Bengals
. In the first quarter, Pittsburgh trailed early as Bengals kicker Shayne Graham
managed to get a 31-yard field goal. Fortunately, the Steelers took the lead with QB Ben Roethlisberger
completing a 21-yard TD pass to WR Hines Ward
. In the second quarter, Pittsburgh increased its lead with Roethlisberger and Ward hooking up with each other again on a 6-yard TD pass to lead 14–3. With 2:16 left in the second quarter on 4th-and-1 at the Steelers 2, Cincinnati chose to kick a 20-yard field goal and received loud boos from the hometown crowd upon successfully doing so. In a similar situation two minutes later, Steelers RB Willie Parker
ran 1 yard into the end zone to put the Steelers up 21–6 at the end of the first half.
After a scoreless third quarter, the Bengals tried to make a fourth quarter comeback as QB Carson Palmer
completed a 9-yard TD pass to WR T. J. Houshmandzadeh
. Pittsburgh wrapped up the victory with kicker Jeff Reed nailing a 40-yard field goal.
With the win, the Steelers improved to 5–2.
Week 9 (Monday November 5, 2007): vs. Baltimore Ravens
Coming off their divisional road win over the Bengals, the Steelers went home, donned their throwback uniforms again, and played a Week 9 Monday Night divisional duel with the Baltimore Ravens
. In the first quarter, Pittsburgh came out strong as QB Ben Roethlisberger
completed a 17-yard TD pass to TE Heath Miller
and a 15-yard TD pass to WR Santonio Holmes
. In the second quarter, the Steelers increased their lead with Roethlisberger completing a 30-yard TD pass to WR Nate Washington
, a 35-yard TD pass to Holmes, and a 7-yard TD pass to Washington. Afterwards, the Ravens managed to avoid a shutout as RB Willis McGahee
got a 33-yard TD run. In the third quarter, Pittsburgh increased its lead with kicker Jeff Reed nailing a 22-yard field goal, while the defense continued to shut down Baltimore's offense.
With the win, their 12th straight in Monday Night Football home games, the Steelers improved to 6–2.
Ben Roethlisberger had a career game as he completed 13 of 16 passes for 209 yards and a career-high 5 touchdowns for his second career "perfect game." LB James Harrison had a career day with two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, an interception, and 3½ sacks.
During halftime, the Steelers honored their All-Time team. Members included Joe Greene
, Terry Bradshaw
, Franco Harris
, Jerome Bettis
, Rod Woodson
, John Stallworth
, Lynn Swann
, and Mel Blount.
Week 10 (Sunday November 11, 2007): vs. Cleveland Browns
Coming off their dominating Monday Night performance against the Ravens, the Steelers stayed at home for Round 2 of the 2007 Rust Belt series against the Cleveland Browns
. In the first quarter, Pittsburgh trailed early as Browns QB Derek Anderson
completed a 4-yard TD pass to TE Kellen Winslow
. The Steelers managed to get a 28-yard field goal from kicker Jeff Reed. In the second quarter, Cleveland increased its lead with Anderson completing a 2-yard TD pass to FB Lawrence Vickers
, while Pittsburgh only managed to have Reed kick a 35-yard field goal. Afterwards, the Browns continued their fast start with Anderson completing a 16-yard TD pass to WR Braylon Edwards
. The Steelers drove into the red zone once again but settled for a 30-yard field goal from Reed. Both teams scored thrice in the first half; Cleveland led 21–9.
In the third quarter, Pittsburgh began to come back as QB Ben Roethlisberger
completed a 12-yard TD pass to WR Hines Ward
for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, the Steelers took the lead with Roethlisberger getting a career-best 30-yard TD run. Cleveland WR/KR Joshua Cribbs
returned the ensuing kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown. Pittsburgh on their next drive retook the lead with Roethlisberger completing a 2-yard TD pass to TE Heath Miller
. The Browns tried to force overtime with a late field goal, but kicker Phil Dawson
's 53-yard attempt came up short with 6 seconds left.
With their ninth straight win over Cleveland, the Steelers improved to 7–2.
Week 11 (Sunday November 18, 2007): at New York Jets
Coming off their season-sweep over the Browns, the Steelers flew to The Meadowlands
for a Week 11 intraconference duel with the New York Jets
. In the first quarter, Pittsburgh surprisingly fell behind early as Jets QB Kellen Clemens
completed a 1-yard TD pass to TE Chris Baker, along with kicker Mike Nugent
getting a 25-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Steelers got on the board with QB Ben Roethlisberger
completing a 7-yard TD pass to WR Santonio Holmes
. New York would end the half with Nugent kicking a 19-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, Pittsburgh tied the game with kicker Jeff Reed getting a 37-yard and a 33-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Steelers took the lead with Reed getting a 48-yard field goal. However, the Jets managed to tie the game with Nugent kicking a 28-yard field goal. In overtime, New York managed to pull off the upset as Nugent nailed the game-winning 38-yard field goal.
With the surprising loss, Pittsburgh fell to 7–3.
Even worse, the Steelers highly-ranked rushing defense allowed its first 100-yard rusher since 2005 (Edgerrin James
of the Colts) as RB Thomas Jones got 30 carries for 117 yards.
Week 12 (Monday November 26, 2007): vs. Miami Dolphins
Coming off their embarrassing loss to the Jets, the Steelers went home for a Week 12 Monday Night intraconference duel with the winless Miami Dolphins
.
Playing in heavy rain with a delay due to lightning, the game remained scoreless through 59 minutes and 43 seconds, becoming the longest scoreless tie since November 7, 1943. In the end, Pittsburgh came through with kicker Jeff Reed nailing the game-winning 24-yard field goal with 17 seconds left for the game's lone points.
With the win, the Steelers improved to 8–3. Also, not only did they improve their home record to 6–0, but this also marked their 13th-straight home win on Monday Night Football. This game would also be crowned as the lowest-scoring game in Monday Night Football history. It was the lowest scoring NFL game since December 11, 1993, when the New York Jets
defeated Washington
by the same score.
Week 13 (Sunday December 2, 2007): vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Coming off their Monday Night slushfest victory over the Dolphins, the Steelers stayed at home for a Week 13 Sunday night divisional rematch with the Cincinnati Bengals
. In the first quarter, Pittsburgh trailed early as Bengals RB Rudi Johnson
got a 1-yard TD run for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, the Steelers took the lead with QB Ben Roethlisberger
getting a 6-yard TD run, kicker Jeff Reed getting a 21-yard field goal, and Roethlisberger completing a 2-yard TD pass to WR Hines Ward
. In the third quarter, Cincinnati tried to fight back as kicker Shayne Graham
nailed a 24-yard field goal. However, Pittsburgh responded with Roethlisberger and Ward hooking up with each other again on an 8-yard TD pass.
With the win, the Steelers improved to 9–3, along with improving this year's home record to 7–0. It also marked the first time since 2004 that Pittsburgh managed to sweep the Bengals.
With his two touchdown receptions, Hines Ward surpassed John Stallworth
for the most career touchdown receptions in franchise history with 64.
Week 14 (Sunday December 9, 2007): at New England Patriots
Coming off their Sunday Night divisional home win over the Bengals, the Steelers flew to Gillette Stadium
for a Week 14 intraconference duel with the undefeated New England Patriots
. In the first quarter, Pittsburgh struck first with kicker Jeff Reed getting a 23-yard field goal. Afterwards, the Patriots took the lead with QB Tom Brady
completing a 4-yard TD pass to WR Randy Moss
. In the second quarter, New England increased their lead with Brady and Moss hooking up with each other again on a 63-yard TD pass. Afterwards, the Steelers responded with QB Ben Roethlisberger
completing a 32-yard TD pass to RB Najeh Davenport
, along with Reed kicking a 44-yard field goal. New England would end the half with kicker Stephen Gostkowski
getting a 42-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Patriots took control as Brady lateraled to Moss, who lateraled back to Brady, and then threw a 56-yard TD pass to WR Jabar Gaffney
. Afterwards, New England increased its lead with Brady completing a 2-yard TD pass to WR Wes Welker
. In the fourth quarter, the Patriots sealed the win with Gostkowski nailing a 28-yard field goal.
With the loss, Pittsburgh fell to 9–4.
The loss also made the Steelers' road record fall to 2–4.
Week 15 (Sunday December 16, 2007): vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Hoping to rebound from their road loss to the Patriots, the Steelers went home for a Week 15 duel with the Jacksonville Jaguars
. In the first quarter, Pittsburgh trailed early as Jaguars kicker Josh Scobee
nailed a 36-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Steelers took the lead as QB Ben Roethlisberger
completed an 18-yard TD pass to TE Heath Miller
. Jacksonville regained the lead as QB David Garrard
completed a 12-yard TD pass to WR Ernest Wilford
.
In the third quarter, Pittsburgh fell further behind as Garrard completed a 3-yard TD pass to WR Reggie Williams
and a 55-yard TD pass to WR Dennis Northcutt
. The extra point attempts on both of these touchdowns failed. In the fourth quarter, the Steelers rallied to tie the game with Roethlisberger completing an 11-yard TD pass to WR Hines Ward
and a 30-yard TD pass to WR Nate Washington
, with the later being followed by WR Cedric Wilson
completing a 2-point conversion pass to WR Santonio Holmes
on a trick play. On the Jaguars' ensuing offensive drive RB Fred Taylor scored on a 12-yard TD run. The Steelers' next drive ended just a half-yard short on a fourth-down conversion attempt with 41 seconds remaining.
With their first home loss of the year, the Steelers fell to 9–5. This was also the second game this year that Pittsburgh's defense had given up a 100-yard rusher: Fred Taylor ran 25 times for 147 yards and a touchdown.
Week 16 (Thursday December 20, 2007): at St. Louis Rams
Trying to snap a two-game losing skid, the Steelers flew to the Edward Jones Dome
for a Week 16 Thursday night interconference duel with the St. Louis Rams
. In the first quarter, Pittsburgh smashed first as QB Ben Roethlisberger
completed a 17-yard TD pass to WR Nate Washington
. The Rams would respond with QB Marc Bulger
completing a 12-yard TD pass to RB Steven Jackson
. In the second quarter, the Steelers regained the lead with kicker Jeff Reed getting a 21-yard field goal. However, St. Louis took the lead with Bulger completing a 12-yard TD pass to WR Isaac Bruce
. Afterwards, Pittsburgh got the lead again as Roethlisberger completed a 33-yard TD pass to Washington and a 12-yard TD pass to RB Najeh Davenport
. The Rams end the half with kicker Jeff Wilkins
getting a 52-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Steelers increased their lead with Davenport getting a 1-yard TD run. St. Louis would respond with Bulger completing a 23-yard TD pass to WR Drew Bennett
. In the fourth quarter, Pittsburgh ended the game with Reed nailing a 29-yard field goal and CB Ike Taylor
returning an interception 51 yards for a touchdown.
With the win, the Steelers improved to 10–5. The Cleveland Browns
' loss three days later automatically clinched the Steelers' first AFC North
title since 2004
.
WR Hines Ward
(6 receptions for 59 yards) surpassed John Stallworth
as the all-time franchise leader in career reception yards with 8,726 yards. Also, Santonio Holmes got a career high with his game-best 133 receiving yards on 4 catches. Finally, Ben Roethlisberger got his third career "perfect" game (16/20 for 261 yards and 3 touchdowns).
RB Willie Parker
(1 carry for −1 yard) got injured on Pittsburgh's second offensive play of the game after getting tackled by LB Will Witherspoon
. He would suffer a fractured right fibula, effectively ending his season.
Week 17 (Sunday December 30, 2007): at Baltimore Ravens
Following their road win over the Rams, the Steelers closed out the regular season with a Week 17 AFC North rematch with the Baltimore Ravens
. Because Pittsburgh already cliched a playoff berth (via winning the division), most of their key players sat out the game.
In the first quarter, the Steelers trailed early as Ravens RB Musa Smith
got a 2-yard TD run, along with kicker Matt Stover
managed to get a 28-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Pittsburgh continued to trail as RB Cory Ross
got a 32-yard TD run. The Steelers would respond with RB Najeh Davenport
getting a 1-yard TD run. Baltimore would end the half with Stover nailing a 31-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, Baltimore increased its lead with QB Troy Smith
completing a 15-TD pass to WR Devard Darling
for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, Pittsburgh tried to rally as QB Charlie Batch
completed a 59-yard TD pass to WR Santonio Holmes
and a 7-yard TD pass to WR Cedric Wilson
. However, the Ravens managed to hold on for the win.
With the loss, the Steelers ended the regular season at 10–6 and with the AFC's No. 4 seed.
AFC Wild Card Playoff (Saturday January 5, 2008): vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
in a rematch of Week 15 where Pittsburgh nearly came back to win.
In the first quarter, the Steelers got the first punch by capping the game's opening drive with RB Najeh Davenport
getting a 1-yard TD run. The Jaguars would immediately respond as RB Fred Taylor got a 1-yard TD run following a 96-yard kick-off return by RB Maurice Jones-Drew
. In the second quarter, Pittsburgh trailed as CB Rashean Mathis
returned an interception 63 yards for a touchdown and QB David Garrard
completed a 43-yard TD pass to Jones-Drew.
In the third quarter, Pittsburgh responded with kicker Jeff Reed getting a 28-yard field goal, but Jacksonville responded with Maurice Jones-Drew getting a 10-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, the Steelers began to come back as QB Ben Roethlisberger
completed a 37-yard TD pass to WR Santonio Holmes
and a 14-yard TD pass to TE Heath Miller
(with the latter having a failed two-point conversion), while Davenport got another 1-yard TD run (with another failed two-point conversion) to take a one-point lead. However, the Jaguars regained the lead with kicker Josh Scobee
nailing a 25-yard field goal. Pittsburgh regained the ball afterwards, but Jacksonville immediately forced and recovered the fumble, effectively ending any possibility of a comeback.
With the loss, the Steelers ended their season with an overall record of 10–7. It was guard Alan Faneca's last game as a Steeler.
2007 NFL season
The 2007 NFL season was the 88th regular season of the National Football League.Regular-season play was held from September 6 to December 30....
Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers are a professional football team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The team currently belongs to the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Founded in , the Steelers are the oldest franchise in the AFC...
season was the 75th season of the Steelers franchise. The season saw the team improve upon their 8–8 record from 2006
2006 Pittsburgh Steelers season
The 2006 Pittsburgh Steelers season began with the team trying to improve on their 11–5 record from 2005 and trying to defend their Super Bowl XL championship.-Offseason:...
, finish with a record of 10–6, and win the AFC North
AFC North
The American Football Conference North Division, or AFC North, is a division of the National Football League's American Football Conference. It was created prior to the 1967 season as the NFL Century Division when the NFL split into four divisions...
Division. The Steelers qualified for the playoffs for the first season since their Super Bowl victory
Super Bowl XL
Super Bowl XL was an American football game pitting the American Football Conference champion Pittsburgh Steelers against the National Football Conference champion Seattle Seahawks to decide the National Football League champion for the 2005 season...
in 2005, but were defeated in the Wild Card round.
Draft picks
The 2007 NFL Draft2007 NFL Draft
The 2007 National Football League Draft took place at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on April 28 and April 29, 2007. The draft was televised for the 28th consecutive year on ESPN and ESPN2. The NFL Network also broadcast coverage of the event, its second year doing so...
took place at Radio City Music Hall
Radio City Music Hall
Radio City Music Hall is an entertainment venue located in New York City's Rockefeller Center. Its nickname is the Showplace of the Nation, and it was for a time the leading tourist destination in the city...
in New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
on April 28 and April 29, 2007. The Steelers selected eight players in six rounds.
| Round | Pick | Player | Position | College |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 15 | Lawrence Timmons Lawrence Timmons Lawrence Olajuwon Timmons is an American football linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was drafted by the Steelers 15th overall in the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Florida State University.-Early years:... |
Linebacker Linebacker A linebacker is a position in American football that was invented by football coach Fielding H. Yost of the University of Michigan. Linebackers are members of the defensive team, and line up approximately three to five yards behind the line of scrimmage, behind the defensive linemen... |
Florida State Florida State Seminoles football The Florida State Seminoles football team represents Florida State University in college football. The Florida State Seminoles compete in NCAA Division I-FBS and are members of the Atlantic Division of the Atlantic Coast Conference... |
| 2 | 46 | LaMarr Woodley | Linebacker Linebacker A linebacker is a position in American football that was invented by football coach Fielding H. Yost of the University of Michigan. Linebackers are members of the defensive team, and line up approximately three to five yards behind the line of scrimmage, behind the defensive linemen... |
Michigan Michigan Wolverines football The Michigan Wolverines football program represents the University of Michigan in college football at the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision level. Michigan has the most all-time wins and the highest winning percentage in college football history... |
| 3 | 77 | Matt Spaeth Matt Spaeth Matt Spaeth is an American football tight end for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft... |
Tight end Tight end The tight end is a position in American football on the offense. The tight end is often seen as a hybrid position with the characteristics and roles of both an offensive lineman and a wide receiver. Like offensive linemen, they are usually lined up on the offensive line and are large enough to be... |
Minnesota Minnesota Golden Gophers football The University of Minnesota Golden Gophers are one of the oldest programs in college football history. They compete in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision and the Big Ten Conference. The Golden Gophers have claimed six national championships and have an all time record of 646–481–44 as... |
| 4 | 112 | Daniel Sepulveda Daniel Sepulveda Daniel Wade Sepulveda is an American football punter for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Baylor. He is the only two-time Ray Guy Award winner.-College career:He was an All-American at Baylor... |
Punter | Baylor Baylor Bears Baylor Bears refers to the sports teams of Baylor University. Baylor's men's sports teams are nicknamed the Bears, and some women's teams are nicknamed the Lady Bears. Student athletes participate in the NCAA's Division I, and Baylor is the only private school in the Big 12 Conference... |
| 4 | 132 | Ryan McBean Ryan McBean Ryan McBean is an American football defensive tackle for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Oklahoma State. He is widely considered as one of the NFL's happiest players... |
Defensive tackle | Oklahoma State Oklahoma State Cowboys Oklahoma State Cowboys are the athletic teams that represent Oklahoma State University. Their mascot is a cowboy named Pistol Pete. Oklahoma State participates in the NCAA's Division I-A and in the Big 12 Conference's South Division. The university's current athletic director is Mike Holder... |
| 5 | 156 | Cameron Stephenson Cameron Stephenson Cameron John-Ngaue Stephenson is an American football guard who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fifth round of the 2007 NFL Draft... |
Guard Guard (American football) In American and Canadian football, a guard is a player that lines up between the center and the tackles on the offensive line of a football team.... |
Rutgers Rutgers Scarlet Knights football The Rutgers Scarlet Knights football team represents Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Football Bowl Subdivision play... |
| 5 | 170 | William Gay William Gay (cornerback) William Gay is an American football cornerback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, formerly of the University of Louisville football team. He was chosen by the Steelers with the 170th pick of the 2007 NFL Draft.-College career:... |
Cornerback Cornerback A cornerback is a member of the defensive backfield or secondary in American and Canadian football. Cornerbacks cover receivers, to defend against pass offenses and make tackles. Other members of the defensive backfield include the safeties and occasionally linebackers. The cornerback position... |
Louisville Louisville Cardinals football The Louisville Cardinals football team represents the University of Louisville in college football as a member of the Big East Conference. Howard Schnellenberger started the program's rise to relevancy after winning the Miami Hurricanes' first national championship... |
| 7 | 227 | Dallas Baker Dallas Baker Dallas Leon Baker is an American professional football player who is a wide receiver with the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League... |
Wide receiver Wide receiver A wide receiver is an offensive position in American and Canadian football, and is the key player in most of the passing plays. Only players in the backfield or the ends on the line are eligible to catch a forward pass. The two players who begin play at the ends of the offensive line are eligible... |
Florida Florida Gators football The Florida Gators football team represents the University of Florida in the sport of American football. The Florida Gators compete in the Football Bowl Subdivision of the National Collegiate Athletics Association and the Eastern Division of the Southeastern Conference... |
Coaching staff
Head coach Mike TomlinMike Tomlin
Michael Tomlin is the current head coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. Tomlin is the third youngest head coach in any of the four major North American professional sports. He is the tenth African-American head coach in NFL history, and first in Steelers history...
was in his first year with the Steelers. The offensive coordinator
Offensive coordinator
An offensive coordinator is a member of the coaching staff of a gridiron football team who is in charge of the offense. Generally, along with his defensive counterpart, he represents the second level of command structure after the head coach...
was Bruce Arians
Bruce Arians
Bruce Arians is the offensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Prior to holding this position, Arians served as the wide receivers coach for the Steelers, a position that he held with the team since the 2004 season...
and the defensive coordinator
Defensive coordinator
A defensive coordinator typically refers to a coach on a gridiron football team who is in charge of the defense. Generally, along with his offensive counterpart, he represents the second level of command structure after the head coach...
was Dick LeBeau
Dick LeBeau
Charles Richard “Dick” LeBeau is a National Football League Hall of Fame defensive back. He is currently the Pittsburgh Steelers defensive coordinator and is considered to be one of the greatest defensive coordinators of all time. He spent 14 years in the NFL as a player with the Detroit Lions and...
. The quarterbacks coach was Ken Anderson. Keith Butler
Keith Butler (American football)
Keith Butler is an American football linebackers coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He played with the NFL's Seattle Seahawks for 10 years and retired after the 1987 NFL season.-College career:...
was the linebackers coach. The tight ends coach was James Daniel. Randy Fichtner
Randy Fichtner
Randy Fichtner is a quarterbacks coach for the National Football League's Pittsburgh Steelers.-Early years:Fichtner, a native of Cleveland, Ohio, was a standout football player at Meadville Area Senior High School...
was the wide receivers coach. The defensive backs coach was Ray Horton
Ray Horton
Raymond Anthony Horton is a former American football cornerback in the National Football League for the Cincinnati Bengals and the Dallas Cowboys. During that time, he recorded 19 interceptions and returned them for 264 yards and 4 touchdowns. He also recovered 8 fumbles, which he returned for...
. Amos Jones
Amos Jones
Amos Jones is an assistant special teams coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers.-College Playing Career:Jones played safety and running back at the University of Alabama, under Paul "Bear" Bryant...
and Bob Ligashesky
Bob Ligashesky
Bob Ligashesky is an American football coach. He is currently the special teams assistant for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League.-Coaching career:...
were the special teams coaches. John Mitchell was the defensive line and assistant head coach. Kirby Wilson
Kirby Wilson
Kirby Wilson is a running backs coach for the National Football League Pittsburgh Steelers.-Coaching career:...
was the running backs coach. The offensive line coach was Larry Zierlein
Larry Zierlein
Larry Zierlein is a long-time American football coach at the high school, college and professional levels.-Biography:...
. The quality control coaches were Harold Goodwin for the offense and Lou Spanos
Lou Spanos
Louis G. "Lou" Spanos is a football coach, currently serving as linebackers coach for the Washington Redskins. He was previously a defensive quality control and assistant linebackers coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers.-Football career:...
for the defense. Garrett Giemont
Garrett Giemont
Garrett Matthew Giemont is a strength and conditioning coach who has worked for 30 years at the professional level with several teams in the National Football League as well as in Major League Baseball.-Early life:...
was the conditioning coordinator.
Schedule
The Steelers' 2007 schedule included two notable playoff rematches. The Steelers played the New England PatriotsNew England Patriots
The New England Patriots, commonly called the "Pats", are a professional football team based in the Greater Boston area, playing their home games in the town of Foxborough, Massachusetts at Gillette Stadium. The team is part of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National...
December 9 for the first time in the regular season since 2005
2005 NFL season
The 2005 NFL season was the 86th regular season of the National Football League.With the New England Patriots as the defending league champions, regular season play was held from September 8, 2005 to January 1, 2006...
, when they lost at home on a last-second Adam Vinatieri
Adam Vinatieri
Adam Matthew Vinatieri is an American football placekicker currently playing for the Indianapolis Colts. He has played in six Super Bowls, four with the New England Patriots and two with the Colts, winning four. Vinatieri won a Super Bowl in 2006 with Indianapolis and won Super Bowls in 2001,...
field goal 23–20. The 34–13 loss was also the Steelers' first visit to Foxboro, Massachusetts since 2002
2002 NFL season
The 2002 NFL season was the 83rd regular season of the National Football League.The league went back to an even number of teams, expanding to 32 teams with the addition of the Houston Texans. The clubs were then realigned into eight divisions, four teams in each...
. The Steelers defeated the Seattle Seahawks
Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks are a professional American football team based in Seattle, Washington. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team joined the NFL in 1976 as an expansion team...
21–0 in week 5 on October 7, the teams' first meeting since the Steelers' 21–10 victory in Super Bowl XL
Super Bowl XL
Super Bowl XL was an American football game pitting the American Football Conference champion Pittsburgh Steelers against the National Football Conference champion Seattle Seahawks to decide the National Football League champion for the 2005 season...
20 months earlier. The week 5 match was the Steelers' and Seahawks' first meeting in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh is the second-largest city in the US Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the county seat of Allegheny County. Regionally, it anchors the largest urban area of Appalachia and the Ohio River Valley, and nationally, it is the 22nd-largest urban area in the United States...
since 1999
1999 NFL season
The 1999 NFL season was the 80th regular season of the National Football League. The Cleveland Browns returned to the field for the first time since the 1995 season...
as well as the Seahawks' first-ever visit to Heinz Field
Heinz Field
Heinz Field is a stadium located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It primarily serves as the home to the Pittsburgh Steelers and University of Pittsburgh Panthers American football teams, members of the National Football League and National Collegiate Athletic Association respectively...
. Another notable game occurred December 20 when the Steelers defeated the St. Louis Rams
St. Louis Rams
The St. Louis Rams are a professional American football team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are currently members of the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Rams have won three NFL Championships .The Rams began playing in 1936 in Cleveland,...
, 41–24, for their first-ever road win over the Cleveland/Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams (1–9–1). It was the two teams' first-ever meeting in St. Louis
St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis is an independent city on the eastern border of Missouri, United States. With a population of 319,294, it was the 58th-largest U.S. city at the 2010 U.S. Census. The Greater St...
, a city the Steelers last visited in 1979
1979 NFL season
The 1979 NFL season was the 60th regular season of the National Football League. The season ended with Super Bowl XIV when the Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Los Angeles Rams...
(a 24–21 win over the then-St. Louis Cardinals
Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals are a professional American football team based in Glendale, Arizona, a suburb of Phoenix. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
at Busch Memorial Stadium
Busch Memorial Stadium
Busch Memorial Stadium, also known as Busch Stadium, was a multi-purpose sports facility in St. Louis, Missouri that operated from 1966 to 2005....
).
| Week | Date | Kickoff (ET) | TV | Opponent | Result | Game site | NFL Recap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sunday September 9 | 1:00 PM | CBS NFL on CBS The NFL on CBS is the brand name of the CBS television network's coverage of the National Football League's American Football Conference games, produced by CBS Sports.-Market coverage and television policies:... |
Cleveland Browns Cleveland Browns The Cleveland Browns are a professional football team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are currently members of the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
W 34–7 | Cleveland Browns Stadium Cleveland Browns Stadium -See also:* List of current National Football League stadiums* Chronology of home stadiums for current National Football League teams* List of American football stadiums by capacity* List of U.S. stadiums by capacity* List of North American stadiums by capacity... |
Recap |
| 2 | Sunday September 16 | 1:00 PM | CBS | Buffalo Bills Buffalo Bills The Buffalo Bills are a professional football team based in Buffalo, New York. They are currently members of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
W 26–3 | Heinz Field Heinz Field Heinz Field is a stadium located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It primarily serves as the home to the Pittsburgh Steelers and University of Pittsburgh Panthers American football teams, members of the National Football League and National Collegiate Athletic Association respectively... |
Recap |
| 3 | Sunday September 23 | 1:00 PM | FOX NFL on FOX NFL on Fox is the brand name of the Fox Broadcasting Company's coverage of the National Football League's National Football Conference games, produced by Fox Sports... |
San Francisco 49ers San Francisco 49ers The San Francisco 49ers are a professional American football team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team was founded in 1946 as a charter member of the All-America Football Conference and... |
W 37–16 | Heinz Field Heinz Field Heinz Field is a stadium located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It primarily serves as the home to the Pittsburgh Steelers and University of Pittsburgh Panthers American football teams, members of the National Football League and National Collegiate Athletic Association respectively... |
Recap |
| 4 | Sunday September 30 | 4:15 PM | CBS | Arizona Cardinals Arizona Cardinals The Arizona Cardinals are a professional American football team based in Glendale, Arizona, a suburb of Phoenix. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League... |
L 21–14 | University of Phoenix Stadium University of Phoenix Stadium University of Phoenix Stadium, opened August 1, 2006, is a multipurpose football stadium located in Glendale, Arizona. It is the home of the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League and the annual Fiesta Bowl... |
Recap |
| 5 | Sunday October 7 | 1:00 PM | FOX | Seattle Seahawks Seattle Seahawks The Seattle Seahawks are a professional American football team based in Seattle, Washington. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team joined the NFL in 1976 as an expansion team... |
W 21–0 | Heinz Field Heinz Field Heinz Field is a stadium located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It primarily serves as the home to the Pittsburgh Steelers and University of Pittsburgh Panthers American football teams, members of the National Football League and National Collegiate Athletic Association respectively... |
Recap |
| 6 | Bye Week Bye (sports) A bye, in sports and other competitive activities, most commonly refers to the practice of allowing a player or team to advance to the next round of a playoff tournament without playing... |
||||||
| 7 | Sunday October 21 | 8:15 PM | NBC NBC Sunday Night Football NBC Sunday Night Football is a weekly television broadcast of Sunday evening National Football League games on NBC that began airing on Sunday, August 6, 2006 with the pre-season opening Hall of Fame Game. Al Michaels serves as the play-by-play announcer, with Cris Collinsworth as the color... |
Denver Broncos Denver Broncos The Denver Broncos are a professional American football team based in Denver, Colorado. They are currently members of the West Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
L 31–28 | Invesco Field at Mile High INVESCO Field at Mile High Sports Authority Field at Mile High, previously known as Invesco Field at Mile High, and commonly known as Mile High, is a multi-purpose stadium, in Denver, Colorado. It replaced the identically sized, but commercially obsolete Mile High Stadium in 2001... |
Recap |
| 8 | Sunday October 28 | 1:00 PM | CBS | Cincinnati Bengals Cincinnati Bengals The Cincinnati Bengals are a professional football team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the AFC's North Division in the National Football League . The Bengals began play in 1968 as an expansion team in the American Football League , and joined the NFL in 1970 in the AFL-NFL... |
W 24–13 | Paul Brown Stadium Paul Brown Stadium Paul Brown Stadium is an American sports stadium located in Cincinnati, Ohio. It is the home venue of the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. It opened on August 19, 2000. The stadium was named after Bengals' founder Paul Brown. The stadium is located on approximately of land and... |
Recap |
| 9 | Monday November 5 | 8:30 PM | ESPN Monday Night Football Monday Night Football is a live broadcast of the National Football League on ESPN. From to it aired on ABC. Monday Night Football was, along with Hallmark Hall of Fame, and the Walt Disney anthology television series, one of the longest running prime time commercial network television series... |
Baltimore Ravens Baltimore Ravens The Baltimore Ravens are a professional football franchise based in Baltimore, Maryland.The Baltimore Ravens are officially a quasi-expansion franchise, having originated in 1995 with the Cleveland Browns relocation controversy after Art Modell, then owner of the Cleveland Browns, announced his... |
W 38–7 | Heinz Field Heinz Field Heinz Field is a stadium located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It primarily serves as the home to the Pittsburgh Steelers and University of Pittsburgh Panthers American football teams, members of the National Football League and National Collegiate Athletic Association respectively... |
Recap |
| 10 | Sunday November 11 | 1:00 PM | CBS | Cleveland Browns Cleveland Browns The Cleveland Browns are a professional football team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are currently members of the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
W 31–28 | Heinz Field Heinz Field Heinz Field is a stadium located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It primarily serves as the home to the Pittsburgh Steelers and University of Pittsburgh Panthers American football teams, members of the National Football League and National Collegiate Athletic Association respectively... |
Recap |
| 11 | Sunday November 18 | 4:05 PM | CBS | New York Jets New York Jets The New York Jets are a professional football team headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, representing the New York metropolitan area. The team is a member of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
L 19–16 (OT) | Giants Stadium Giants Stadium Giants Stadium was a multi-purpose stadium, located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA, in the Meadowlands Sports Complex. Maximum seating capacity was 80,242. The building itself was 230.5 m long, 180.5 m wide and 44 m high from service level to the top of the seating bowl and 54 m high to... |
Recap |
| 12 | Monday November 26 | 8:30 PM | ESPN | Miami Dolphins Miami Dolphins The Miami Dolphins are a Professional football team based in the Miami metropolitan area in Florida. The team is part of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
W 3–0 | Heinz Field Heinz Field Heinz Field is a stadium located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It primarily serves as the home to the Pittsburgh Steelers and University of Pittsburgh Panthers American football teams, members of the National Football League and National Collegiate Athletic Association respectively... |
Recap |
| 13 | Sunday December 2 | 8:15 PM | NBC | Cincinnati Bengals Cincinnati Bengals The Cincinnati Bengals are a professional football team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the AFC's North Division in the National Football League . The Bengals began play in 1968 as an expansion team in the American Football League , and joined the NFL in 1970 in the AFL-NFL... |
W 24–10 | Heinz Field Heinz Field Heinz Field is a stadium located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It primarily serves as the home to the Pittsburgh Steelers and University of Pittsburgh Panthers American football teams, members of the National Football League and National Collegiate Athletic Association respectively... |
Recap |
| 14 | Sunday December 9 | 4:15 PM | CBS | New England Patriots New England Patriots The New England Patriots, commonly called the "Pats", are a professional football team based in the Greater Boston area, playing their home games in the town of Foxborough, Massachusetts at Gillette Stadium. The team is part of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National... |
L 34–13 | Gillette Stadium Gillette Stadium Gillette Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium located in Foxborough, Massachusetts, 21 miles southwest of downtown Boston and from downtown Providence, Rhode Island. It serves as the home stadium and administrative offices for the New England Patriots football team and the New England Revolution... |
Recap |
| 15 | Sunday December 16 | 1:00 PM | CBS | Jacksonville Jaguars Jacksonville Jaguars The Jacksonville Jaguars are a professional American football team based in Jacksonville, Florida, U.S. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
L 29–22 | Heinz Field Heinz Field Heinz Field is a stadium located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It primarily serves as the home to the Pittsburgh Steelers and University of Pittsburgh Panthers American football teams, members of the National Football League and National Collegiate Athletic Association respectively... |
Recap |
| 16 | Thursday December 20 | 8:15 PM | NFLN NFL Network NFL Network is an American television specialty channel owned and operated by the National Football League . It was launched November 4, 2003, only eight months after the league's 32 team owners voted unanimously to approve its formation... |
St. Louis Rams St. Louis Rams The St. Louis Rams are a professional American football team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are currently members of the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Rams have won three NFL Championships .The Rams began playing in 1936 in Cleveland,... |
W 41–24 | Edward Jones Dome Edward Jones Dome The Edward Jones Dome The Edward Jones Dome The Edward Jones Dome (more formally known as the Edward Jones Dome at America's Center, and previously known as The Trans World Dome (from 1995–2001) is a multi-purpose stadium in St. Louis, Missouri, and home of the St. Louis Rams of the NFL. It was... |
Recap |
| 17 | Sunday December 30 | 4:15 PM | CBS | Baltimore Ravens Baltimore Ravens The Baltimore Ravens are a professional football franchise based in Baltimore, Maryland.The Baltimore Ravens are officially a quasi-expansion franchise, having originated in 1995 with the Cleveland Browns relocation controversy after Art Modell, then owner of the Cleveland Browns, announced his... |
L 27–21 | M&T Bank Stadium M&T Bank Stadium M&T Bank Stadium is a multi-purpose football stadium located in Baltimore, Maryland. It is the home of the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League. The stadium is immediately adjacent to Oriole Park at Camden Yards, the home of the Baltimore Orioles. Served by the Hamburg Street station of... |
Recap |
Roster
| Pittsburgh Steelers 2007 final roster | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Quarterbacks
Running Backs
Wide Receivers
Tight Ends
|
Offensive Linemen
Jason Capizzi Jason Capizzi is an American football offensive tackle for the Las Vegas Locomotives of the United Football League. He was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2007... T Trai Essex Trai J. Essex is an offensive lineman for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the National Football League who has won two Super Bowl rings with the Steelers in Super Bowl XL and Super Bowl XLIII.-High school years:... T Alan Faneca Alan Joseph Faneca, Jr. is a former American football guard in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers 26th overall in the 1998 NFL Draft and played college football for Louisiana State.... G Chris Kemoeatu Uikelotu Christopher "Chris" Kemoeatu is a Tongan professional American football player who is currently a guard for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League . He played college football for the University of Utah Utes, and was drafted by the Steelers in the sixth round of the 2005... G Sean Mahan Sean Christopher Mahan is an American football center who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fifth round of the 2003 NFL Draft... C/G Jeremy Parquet Jeremy Michael Parquet is a gridiron football offensive tackle for the Edmonton Eskimos of the Canadian Football League. He was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the seventh round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Southern Mississippi.Parquet has also been a member of the St... T Kendall Simmons Henry Alexander Kendall Simmons is an American football guard who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the 2002 NFL Draft. He played college football at Auburn.... G Marvel Smith Marvel Amos Smith is a former professional American football offensive tackle. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second round of the 2000 NFL Draft. He played college football at Arizona State.... T Darnell Stapleton Darnell Robert Stapleton is an American football offensive lineman who is currently retired due to knee injuries. He was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2007... C Defensive Linemen
|
Linebackers
Marquis Cooper Marquis Victor Cooper was an American football linebacker in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third round of the 2004 NFL Draft... OLB James Farrior James Alfred Farrior is an American football player who currently plays as an inside linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He played college football at the University of Virginia, and played with the New York Jets from 1997 to 2001.-Early years:Farrior was born... ILB Larry Foote Lawrence Edward Foote, Jr. is an American football linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers in the fourth round of the 2002 NFL Draft. He played college football at Michigan.... ILB Andre Frazier Andre Frazier is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2005. He played college football at Cincinnati.... OLB Clark Haggans Clark Cromwell Haggans is an American football linebacker for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fifth round of the 2000 NFL Draft... OLB Arnold Harrison Arnold Harrison is an American football linebacker for the Virginia Destroyers of the United Football League. He was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2005... OLB Lawrence Timmons Lawrence Olajuwon Timmons is an American football linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was drafted by the Steelers 15th overall in the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Florida State University.-Early years:... ILB Defensive Backs
Special Teams
|
Reserve Lists
Ryan Clark (American football) Ryan Terry Clark is an American football safety for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was signed by the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent in 2002... FS (IR)  Dan Kreider Dan Kreider is an American football fullback who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2000. He played college football at New Hampshire.... FB (IR) Clint Kriewaldt Clint Kriewaldt is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He was originally drafted by the Detroit Lions in the sixth round of the 1999 NFL Draft... ILB (IR) Willie Parker "Fast" Willie Everette Parker Jr. is an American football running back for the Virginia Destroyers of the United Football League. He was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2004. He played college football at North Carolina... RB (IR) Aaron Smith (American football) Aaron Douglas Smith is a professional American football player with the Pittsburgh Steelers in the National Football League. He plays left defensive end in a 3-4 defensive alignment.-Pittsburgh Steelers:... DE (IR) Max Starks Maximillian Weisner "Max" Starks, IV is an American football offensive tackle for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League . He played college football for the University of Florida... OT (IR) Jerame Tuman Jerame Dean Tuman is an American football tight end who is a free agent. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fifth round of the 1999 NFL Draft. He played college football at Michigan.... TE (IR) Practice Squad
Rookies in italics |
|||||
Staff
| Pittsburgh Steelers 2007 staff | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Front Office
Head Coaches
Offensive Coaches
|
Defensive Coaches
Special Teams Coaches
Strength and Conditioning
|
|||||||
Pro Bowl selections
Six players from the Steelers were selected to play in the 2008 Pro Bowl2008 Pro Bowl
The 2008 AFC-NFC Pro Bowl was the NFL's all-star game for the 2007 season. It was played at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii on February 10, 2008. The game was televised in the United States by Fox and began shortly after 11:40am local time . The NFC won, 42–30, despite a 17-point first half AFC...
. Two started (bold), two were selected to the reserve squad, and two did not play due to injury.
- No. 7 Ben RoethlisbergerBen RoethlisbergerBenjamin Todd "Ben" Roethlisberger , nicknamed Big Ben, is an American football quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers in the first round in the 2004 NFL Draft...
– Quarterback (reserve) - No. 39 Willie ParkerWillie Parker"Fast" Willie Everette Parker Jr. is an American football running back for the Virginia Destroyers of the United Football League. He was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2004. He played college football at North Carolina...
– Running Back (injured, did not play) - No. 43 Troy PolamaluTroy PolamaluTroy Aumua Polamalu is an American football strong safety for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted in the first round of the 2003 NFL Draft by the Steelers. He played college football at the University of Southern California.-High school:Troy Polamalu graduated...
– Strong Safety (injured, did not play) - No. 66 Alan FanecaAlan FanecaAlan Joseph Faneca, Jr. is a former American football guard in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers 26th overall in the 1998 NFL Draft and played college football for Louisiana State....
– Offensive Guard - No. 92 James Harrison – Outside Linebacker
- No. 98 Casey HamptonCasey HamptonCasey "Big Snack" Hampton, Jr. is an American football nose tackle who currently plays for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League.-Early years:...
– Defensive Tackle (reserve)
Week 1 (Sunday September 9, 2007): at Cleveland BrownsCleveland BrownsThe Cleveland Browns are a professional football team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are currently members of the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
The Steelers began their anniversary season on the road against their AFC North foe, the Cleveland BrownsCleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns are a professional football team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are currently members of the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
, for Round 1 of the 2007 Rust Belt series. Also, with both teams at 55 wins a piece, the Steelers would take the lead in the rivalry for the first time in the 57 year history of the rivalry.
Pittsburgh got off to a fast start in the first quarter as QB Ben Roethlisberger
Ben Roethlisberger
Benjamin Todd "Ben" Roethlisberger , nicknamed Big Ben, is an American football quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers in the first round in the 2004 NFL Draft...
completed a 5-yard TD pass to WR Hines Ward
Hines Ward
Hines E. Ward, Jr. is an American football player who currently plays the wide receiver position for the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers, where he is the longest-tenured current player on the team. He was voted MVP of Super Bowl XL. He played college football at the University of Georgia...
. Later, kicker Jeff Reed made a 26-yard field goal, while Roethlisberger completed a 40-yard TD pass to WR Santonio Holmes
Santonio Holmes
Santonio Holmes Jr. is an American football wide receiver for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft after playing college football at Ohio State...
. After a scoreless second quarter, the Steelers went right back to work in the third quarter, as Roethlisberger completed a 5-yard TD pass to rookie TE Matt Spaeth
Matt Spaeth
Matt Spaeth is an American football tight end for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
. Afterwards, the Browns got their only score of the game as QB Derek Anderson
Derek Anderson (American football)
Derek Matthew Anderson is an American football quarterback for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
completed a 1-yard TD pass to FB Lawrence Vickers
Lawrence Vickers
Lawrence Blanchard Vickers, Jr. is an American football fullback for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the sixth round of the 2006 NFL Draft...
. Pittsburgh put the game well out of reach as Roethlisberger threw his career-best 4th touchdown pass of the game, a 22-yard strike to TE Heath Miller
Heath Miller
Earl Heath Miller, Jr. is an American football tight end for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the NFL. He was selected as the 30th overall pick of the 2005 NFL Draft out of the University of Virginia.-Early years:...
. In the fourth quarter, Pittsburgh wrapped up the win with Reed's 31-yard field goal.
With the win, the Steelers began the year at 1–0, gave Mike Tomlin
Mike Tomlin
Michael Tomlin is the current head coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. Tomlin is the third youngest head coach in any of the four major North American professional sports. He is the tenth African-American head coach in NFL history, and first in Steelers history...
his first win as a head coach, and took the lead in the Rust Belt series with win #56.
Scoring Drives:
Q1 – PIT – 11:49 – 5-yard TD pass from Ben Roethlisberger to Hines Ward (Jeff Reed kick) (7–0 PIT)
Q1 – PIT – 8:53 – Jeff Reed 26-yard FG (14–0 PIT)
Q1 – PIT – 0:58 – 40-yard TD pass from Ben Roethlisberger to Santonio Holmes (Reed kick) (17–0 PIT)
Q3 – PIT – 10:33 – 5-yard TD pass from Ben Roethlisberger to Matt Spaeth (Reed kick) (24–0 PIT)
Q3 – CLE – 6:52 – 1-yard TD pass from Derek Anderson to Lawrence Vickers (Phil Dawson
Phil Dawson
Philip Drury Dawson is an American football placekicker for the Cleveland Browns in the National Football League. He holds the franchise record for most field goals made, passing Hall of Famer Lou Groza in 2010...
kick) (24–7 PIT)
Q3 – PIT – 2:23 – 22-yard TD pass from Ben Roethlisberger to Heath Miller (Reed kick) (31–7 PIT)
Q4 – PIT – 7:12 – Jeff Reed 31-yard FG (34–7 PIT)
Week 2 (Sunday September 16, 2007): vs. Buffalo BillsBuffalo BillsThe Buffalo Bills are a professional football team based in Buffalo, New York. They are currently members of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
Coming off their easy road win over the Browns, the Steelers debuted their special throwback uniformThrowback uniform
Throwback uniforms and jerseys are one-time or limited-time variations on a sports team's uniforms styled to resemble uniforms from that team's past. They have proven popular in all major pro and college sports in the USA, not only with fans, but with the teams' marketing and merchandising...
s and clashed with the Buffalo Bills
Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills are a professional football team based in Buffalo, New York. They are currently members of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
in a Week 2 home opener. In the first half, despite the early struggles on offense, the defense kept the Bills back. Meanwhile, kicker Jeff Reed scored a 34-yard field goal in the first quarter, and added 28-yard and 39-yard field goals in the second quarter. In the third quarter, Buffalo would get their only score against Pittsburgh, as kicker Rian Lindell
Rian Lindell
Rian Lindell is an American football placekicker for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He was signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2000...
got a 24-yard field goal. Afterwards, the Steelers took over for the rest of the game as QB Ben Roethlisberger
Ben Roethlisberger
Benjamin Todd "Ben" Roethlisberger , nicknamed Big Ben, is an American football quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers in the first round in the 2004 NFL Draft...
completed a 1-yard TD pass to rookie TE Matt Spaeth
Matt Spaeth
Matt Spaeth is an American football tight end for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
. In the fourth quarter, Pittsburgh closed out the game with RB Willie Parker
Willie Parker
"Fast" Willie Everette Parker Jr. is an American football running back for the Virginia Destroyers of the United Football League. He was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2004. He played college football at North Carolina...
getting an 11-yard TD run.
With the win, the Steelers improved to 2–0.
Week 3 (Sunday September 23, 2007): vs. San Francisco 49ersSan Francisco 49ersThe San Francisco 49ers are a professional American football team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team was founded in 1946 as a charter member of the All-America Football Conference and...
In Week 3 against the San Francisco 49ersSan Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers are a professional American football team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team was founded in 1946 as a charter member of the All-America Football Conference and...
, the Steelers found themselves trailing for the first time on the young season as the 49ers drove deep into Pittsburgh territory before being forced to settle for a 32-yard field goal by Joe Nedney
Joe Nedney
Joseph Thomas Nedney is an American football placekicker who is currently a free agent. Born and raised in San Jose, California, Nedney played college football at San Jose State and signed as an undrafted player with the Miami Dolphins in 1996...
. The San Francisco lead lasted exactly 12 seconds, as Allen Rossum
Allen Rossum
Allen Bonshaca Lamont Rossum is an American football cornerback and return specialist who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of the 1998 NFL Draft...
returned to ensuing kickoff for a touchdown to give Pittsburgh a 7–3 advantage. The Niners went 3-and-out on their next drive, but they sacked Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger
Ben Roethlisberger
Benjamin Todd "Ben" Roethlisberger , nicknamed Big Ben, is an American football quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers in the first round in the 2004 NFL Draft...
and forced him to fumble on the Steelers' second offensive play from scrimmage. San Francisco recovered the fumble at the Pittsburgh 22 and drove to the 4, but was held to another Nedney field goal, this one from 22 yards out, to cut the Steelers' lead to 1. The teams exchanged punts until late in the second quarter, when Pittsburgh drove 80 yards on 12 plays which culminated in a Roethlisberger touchdown pass to Jerame Tuman
Jerame Tuman
Jerame Dean Tuman is an American football tight end who is a free agent. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fifth round of the 1999 NFL Draft. He played college football at Michigan....
to give the Steelers a 14–6 lead into the half.
Pittsburgh took the ball to begin the second half, and drove to the San Francisco 18 before being stopped (a catch by Heath Miller
Heath Miller
Earl Heath Miller, Jr. is an American football tight end for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the NFL. He was selected as the 30th overall pick of the 2005 NFL Draft out of the University of Virginia.-Early years:...
at the 49ers 2 yard line was overturned after a successful challenge by San Francisco head coach Mike Nolan
Mike Nolan
Mike Nolan is an American football coach and the current defensive coordinator of the Miami Dolphins...
showed that Miller was out of bounds). The Steelers were forced to settle for a 36-yard field goal by Jeff Reed to increase their lead to 17–6. On the 49ers' ensuing drive, Alex Smith
Alex Smith
Alexander Douglas Smith is a professional American football player and starting quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. Smith was drafted with the 1st-overall pick in the 1st round of the 2005 NFL Draft by San Francisco from the University of Utah...
hit leaping tight end Vernon Davis
Vernon Davis
-2006 rookie season:Vernon's first reception in the NFL was a 31-yard touchdown catch, against the Arizona Cardinals on September 10, 2006. He added a career-long 52-yard touchdown against the Green Bay Packers on December 10 with a short catch followed by a long run. Davis played in ten games in...
at the Pittsburgh 5 yard line when he was hit by strong safety Troy Polamalu
Troy Polamalu
Troy Aumua Polamalu is an American football strong safety for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted in the first round of the 2003 NFL Draft by the Steelers. He played college football at the University of Southern California.-High school:Troy Polamalu graduated...
and flipped into the air. Davis hit the ground, and the ball popped up and was caught by free safety Ryan Clark
Ryan Clark (American football)
Ryan Terry Clark is an American football safety for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was signed by the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent in 2002...
, who returned it into San Francisco territory. Nolan challenged the play, arguing that Davis was down by contact at the Pittsburgh 5. Referee Gerry Austin
Gerald Austin
Dr. Gerald "Gerry" Austin is a retired American football official, who worked in the National Football League from the 1982 season through the 2007 season. He wore uniform number 34, which is now worn by Clete Blakeman. Austin has officiated in three Super Bowls, one as a side judge and two as a...
ruled instead that the ball had hit the ground, and that the pass was therefore incomplete (the Niners still won the challenge, as the original call of an interception was overturned). The 49ers could not drive any further, and Nedney kicked a 49-yard field goal to make it 17–9, Pittsburgh. The Steelers got the ball back after the field goal and drove deep into 49ers territory before Reed kicked a 49-yard field goal on the first play of the fourth quarter to give the Steelers a 20–9 lead. The 49ers' next drive resulted in a punt, and the Steelers drove into field goal range again. Reed's 35-yard kick was good, and the Steelers led 23–9. On the ensuing possession by San Francisco was facing a crucial 3rd and 5 from their own 42. Smith forced a throw into coverage, and it was intercepted by Steeler cornerback Bryant McFadden
Bryant McFadden
Bryant McFadden is an American football cornerback for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers in the second round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Florida State.McFadden has also played for the Arizona Cardinals...
and returned for a touchdown to give Pittsburgh a commanding 30–9 lead. Smith drove the 49ers down the field on their next possession, and he threw a 21 yard touchdown pass to Taylor Jacobs
Taylor Jacobs
Taylor Houser Jacobs is a former American college and professional football player who was a wide receiver in the National Football League for five seasons in the early 2000s...
to give San Francisco its first and only touchdown of the day. The 49ers tried to execute an onside kick, but Nedney's kick was recovered by Steeler punter Daniel Sepulveda
Daniel Sepulveda
Daniel Wade Sepulveda is an American football punter for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Baylor. He is the only two-time Ray Guy Award winner.-College career:He was an All-American at Baylor...
. The Steelers then attempted to run out the clock by handing the ball off to backup running back Najeh Davenport
Najeh Davenport
Najeh Trenadious Monté Davenport is a former American football running back. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the fourth round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
, but Davenport broke a 39-yard touchdown run with under 2 minutes to go to give the Steelers a 37–16 lead, which would be the final score. The Niners attempted one last drive, but could not even gain a first down.
With the win Pittsburgh became one of five NFL teams to increase its record to 3–0, while San Francisco dropped to 2–1. Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger
Ben Roethlisberger
Benjamin Todd "Ben" Roethlisberger , nicknamed Big Ben, is an American football quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers in the first round in the 2004 NFL Draft...
was 13 of 20 for 160 yards with a touchdown and a lost fumble, while Alex Smith
Alex Smith
Alexander Douglas Smith is a professional American football player and starting quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. Smith was drafted with the 1st-overall pick in the 1st round of the 2005 NFL Draft by San Francisco from the University of Utah...
was 17 of 35 for 209 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Both were sacked twice. Willie Parker
Willie Parker
"Fast" Willie Everette Parker Jr. is an American football running back for the Virginia Destroyers of the United Football League. He was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2004. He played college football at North Carolina...
ran for 133 yards on 24 carries, while Frank Gore
Frank Gore
Franklin Gore is an American football running back who plays for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. He played college football at the University of Miami. NFL Network analysts have nicknamed Gore "The Inconvenient Truth".-High school career:Gore attended Coral Gables High...
was held to 39 yards on 14 carries.
Week 4 (Sunday September 30, 2007): at Arizona CardinalsArizona CardinalsThe Arizona Cardinals are a professional American football team based in Glendale, Arizona, a suburb of Phoenix. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
Coming off their interconference home win over the 49ers, the Steelers flew to University of Phoenix StadiumUniversity of Phoenix Stadium
University of Phoenix Stadium, opened August 1, 2006, is a multipurpose football stadium located in Glendale, Arizona. It is the home of the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League and the annual Fiesta Bowl...
for an interconference duel with the Arizona Cardinals
Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals are a professional American football team based in Glendale, Arizona, a suburb of Phoenix. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
. Near the end of the first quarter, Pittsburgh delivered the first punch as QB Ben Roethlisberger
Ben Roethlisberger
Benjamin Todd "Ben" Roethlisberger , nicknamed Big Ben, is an American football quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers in the first round in the 2004 NFL Draft...
completed a 43-yard TD pass to WR Santonio Holmes
Santonio Holmes
Santonio Holmes Jr. is an American football wide receiver for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft after playing college football at Ohio State...
for the only score of the period. However, after a scoreless second quarter, the Cardinals responded with back-up QB Kurt Warner
Kurt Warner
Kurtis Eugene "Kurt" Warner is a retired American football player. He played quarterback for three National Football League teams: the St. Louis Rams, the New York Giants, and the Arizona Cardinals. He was originally signed by the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent in 1994 after playing...
completing a 6-yard TD pass to WR Jerheme Urban
Jerheme Urban
Jerheme Wayne Urban is an American football wide receiver for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League. He was originally signed as an undrafted free agent from Trinity University by the Seattle Seahawks and served as a reserve wide receiver during his years there...
for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, things went wrong for the Steelers as Arizona took the lead with WR Steve Breaston
Steve Breaston
Steven William Breaston is an American football wide receiver and punt returner for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cardinals in the fifth round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
returning a punt 73 yards for a touchdown, while RB Edgerrin James
Edgerrin James
Edgerrin Tyree James is a former American football running back. He was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts fourth overall in the 1999 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Miami....
got a 2-yard TD run. Pittsburgh tried to mount a comeback as Roethlisberger and Holmes hooked up with each other again on a 7-yard TD pass. However, the Steelers' final drive ended with an interception.
With the loss, Pittsburgh fell to 3–1.
Week 5 (Sunday October 7, 2007): vs. Seattle SeahawksSeattle SeahawksThe Seattle Seahawks are a professional American football team based in Seattle, Washington. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team joined the NFL in 1976 as an expansion team...
Trying to rebound from their road loss to the Cardinals, the Steelers went home for a Week 5 interconference duel with the Seattle SeahawksSeattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks are a professional American football team based in Seattle, Washington. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team joined the NFL in 1976 as an expansion team...
, in the rematch of Super Bowl XL
Super Bowl XL
Super Bowl XL was an American football game pitting the American Football Conference champion Pittsburgh Steelers against the National Football Conference champion Seattle Seahawks to decide the National Football League champion for the 2005 season...
. Going into the game, Pittsburgh was without Hines Ward
Hines Ward
Hines E. Ward, Jr. is an American football player who currently plays the wide receiver position for the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers, where he is the longest-tenured current player on the team. He was voted MVP of Super Bowl XL. He played college football at the University of Georgia...
, Santonio Holmes
Santonio Holmes
Santonio Holmes Jr. is an American football wide receiver for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft after playing college football at Ohio State...
, Troy Polomalu, and Casey Hampton
Casey Hampton
Casey "Big Snack" Hampton, Jr. is an American football nose tackle who currently plays for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League.-Early years:...
, due to injuries.
After a scoreless first quarter, the Steelers drew first blood with QB Ben Roethlisberger
Ben Roethlisberger
Benjamin Todd "Ben" Roethlisberger , nicknamed Big Ben, is an American football quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers in the first round in the 2004 NFL Draft...
completing a 13-yard TD pass to TE Heath Miller
Heath Miller
Earl Heath Miller, Jr. is an American football tight end for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the NFL. He was selected as the 30th overall pick of the 2005 NFL Draft out of the University of Virginia.-Early years:...
to lead 7–0 at halftime. In the second half, Pittsburgh completed the shutout with RB Najeh Davenport
Najeh Davenport
Najeh Trenadious Monté Davenport is a former American football running back. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the fourth round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
running 1 yard for a TD in the third quarter and 5 yards for a TD in the fourth.
With the win, Pittsburgh entered its bye week at 4–1. During the game, the Steelers had over 40 minutes of possession, including 25 minutes of the second half. In their first five games Pittsburgh had outscored its opponents 57–6 in the first half. The Steelers also improved to 4–0 on the year when RB Willie Parker
Willie Parker
"Fast" Willie Everette Parker Jr. is an American football running back for the Virginia Destroyers of the United Football League. He was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2004. He played college football at North Carolina...
has a 100-yard rushing game, as he ran 28 times for 102 yards.
Week 6 (Sunday October 14, 2007): Bye Week
The Steelers did not take part in any trades or acquisitions during their bye week. They were able to give their injured players an extra week to heal as Hines WardHines Ward
Hines E. Ward, Jr. is an American football player who currently plays the wide receiver position for the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers, where he is the longest-tenured current player on the team. He was voted MVP of Super Bowl XL. He played college football at the University of Georgia...
, Santonio Holmes
Santonio Holmes
Santonio Holmes Jr. is an American football wide receiver for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft after playing college football at Ohio State...
, Troy Polamalu
Troy Polamalu
Troy Aumua Polamalu is an American football strong safety for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted in the first round of the 2003 NFL Draft by the Steelers. He played college football at the University of Southern California.-High school:Troy Polamalu graduated...
, and Casey Hampton
Casey Hampton
Casey "Big Snack" Hampton, Jr. is an American football nose tackle who currently plays for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League.-Early years:...
were all sidelined due to injuries.
Week 7 (Sunday October 21, 2007): at Denver BroncosDenver BroncosThe Denver Broncos are a professional American football team based in Denver, Colorado. They are currently members of the West Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
Coming off of a bye week, the Steelers flew to INVESCO Field at Mile HighINVESCO Field at Mile High
Sports Authority Field at Mile High, previously known as Invesco Field at Mile High, and commonly known as Mile High, is a multi-purpose stadium, in Denver, Colorado. It replaced the identically sized, but commercially obsolete Mile High Stadium in 2001...
for a Sunday night intraconference clash with the Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos are a professional American football team based in Denver, Colorado. They are currently members of the West Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. In the first quarter, Pittsburgh struck first with QB Ben Roethlisberger
Ben Roethlisberger
Benjamin Todd "Ben" Roethlisberger , nicknamed Big Ben, is an American football quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers in the first round in the 2004 NFL Draft...
completing a 1-yard TD pass to TE Heath Miller
Heath Miller
Earl Heath Miller, Jr. is an American football tight end for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the NFL. He was selected as the 30th overall pick of the 2005 NFL Draft out of the University of Virginia.-Early years:...
. Afterwards, the Broncos responded with QB Jay Cutler
Jay Cutler (American football)
Jay Christopher Cutler is a quarterback for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He played football at Vanderbilt University. Cutler began his professional football career with the Denver Broncos, who selected him as the 11th overall pick of the 2006 NFL Draft...
completing a 15-yard TD pass to WR Brandon Stokley
Brandon Stokley
Brandon Stokley is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth round of the 1999 NFL Draft...
. In the second quarter, the Steelers struggled as Cutler completed a 1-yard TD pass to FB Cecil Sapp
Cecil Sapp
Cecil Sapp is an American football fullback who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent in 2003. He played college football at Colorado State....
, along with DE Tim Crowder returning a fumble 50 yards for a touchdown.
In the third quarter, Pittsburgh tried to recover with Roethlisberger completing a 13-yard TD pass to WR Santonio Holmes
Santonio Holmes
Santonio Holmes Jr. is an American football wide receiver for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft after playing college football at Ohio State...
, but the Broncos answered with Cutler completing a 1-yard TD pass to TE Tony Scheffler
Tony Scheffler
-Denver Broncos:Scheffler was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft. After seeing limited playing time early in the season, Scheffler saw increased playing time and production after Jay Cutler was inserted as the Broncos starting quarterback on December 3, 2006,...
. In the fourth quarter, Pittsburgh managed to tie the game with Roethlisberger completing a 13-yard TD pass to rookie TE Matt Spaeth
Matt Spaeth
Matt Spaeth is an American football tight end for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
, along with a 12-yard TD pass to Miller. Unfortunately, Denver managed to get kicker Jason Elam
Jason Elam
Jason Elam is a retired American football placekicker. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 1993 NFL Draft. He played college football at Hawaii....
to nail a last-second 49-yard field goal.
With the loss, the Steelers fell to 4–2.
Pittsburgh's defense, which had given up only 5 touchdowns in their first 5 games, gave up 3 on the night.
Week 8 (Sunday October 28, 2007): at Cincinnati BengalsCincinnati BengalsThe Cincinnati Bengals are a professional football team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the AFC's North Division in the National Football League . The Bengals began play in 1968 as an expansion team in the American Football League , and joined the NFL in 1970 in the AFL-NFL...
Trying to rebound from their last-second road loss to the Broncos, the Steelers flew to Paul Brown StadiumPaul Brown Stadium
Paul Brown Stadium is an American sports stadium located in Cincinnati, Ohio. It is the home venue of the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. It opened on August 19, 2000. The stadium was named after Bengals' founder Paul Brown. The stadium is located on approximately of land and...
for a Week 8 AFC North brawl with the Cincinnati Bengals
Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals are a professional football team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the AFC's North Division in the National Football League . The Bengals began play in 1968 as an expansion team in the American Football League , and joined the NFL in 1970 in the AFL-NFL...
. In the first quarter, Pittsburgh trailed early as Bengals kicker Shayne Graham
Shayne Graham
Michael Shayne Graham is an American football placekicker. He was signed by the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent in 2000, and most recently played with the New England Patriots...
managed to get a 31-yard field goal. Fortunately, the Steelers took the lead with QB Ben Roethlisberger
Ben Roethlisberger
Benjamin Todd "Ben" Roethlisberger , nicknamed Big Ben, is an American football quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers in the first round in the 2004 NFL Draft...
completing a 21-yard TD pass to WR Hines Ward
Hines Ward
Hines E. Ward, Jr. is an American football player who currently plays the wide receiver position for the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers, where he is the longest-tenured current player on the team. He was voted MVP of Super Bowl XL. He played college football at the University of Georgia...
. In the second quarter, Pittsburgh increased its lead with Roethlisberger and Ward hooking up with each other again on a 6-yard TD pass to lead 14–3. With 2:16 left in the second quarter on 4th-and-1 at the Steelers 2, Cincinnati chose to kick a 20-yard field goal and received loud boos from the hometown crowd upon successfully doing so. In a similar situation two minutes later, Steelers RB Willie Parker
Willie Parker
"Fast" Willie Everette Parker Jr. is an American football running back for the Virginia Destroyers of the United Football League. He was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2004. He played college football at North Carolina...
ran 1 yard into the end zone to put the Steelers up 21–6 at the end of the first half.
After a scoreless third quarter, the Bengals tried to make a fourth quarter comeback as QB Carson Palmer
Carson Palmer
Carson Palmer is an American professional football quarterback for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals first overall in the 2003 NFL Draft. He played collegiately at the University of Southern California and won the Heisman Trophy in 2002...
completed a 9-yard TD pass to WR T. J. Houshmandzadeh
T. J. Houshmandzadeh
T. J. Houshmandzadeh, Jr. is an American football wide receiver who currently plays for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the seventh round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Oregon State. Houshmandzadeh is of mixed...
. Pittsburgh wrapped up the victory with kicker Jeff Reed nailing a 40-yard field goal.
With the win, the Steelers improved to 5–2.
Week 9 (Monday November 5, 2007): vs. Baltimore RavensBaltimore RavensThe Baltimore Ravens are a professional football franchise based in Baltimore, Maryland.The Baltimore Ravens are officially a quasi-expansion franchise, having originated in 1995 with the Cleveland Browns relocation controversy after Art Modell, then owner of the Cleveland Browns, announced his...
Coming off their divisional road win over the Bengals, the Steelers went home, donned their throwback uniforms again, and played a Week 9 Monday Night divisional duel with the Baltimore RavensBaltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens are a professional football franchise based in Baltimore, Maryland.The Baltimore Ravens are officially a quasi-expansion franchise, having originated in 1995 with the Cleveland Browns relocation controversy after Art Modell, then owner of the Cleveland Browns, announced his...
. In the first quarter, Pittsburgh came out strong as QB Ben Roethlisberger
Ben Roethlisberger
Benjamin Todd "Ben" Roethlisberger , nicknamed Big Ben, is an American football quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers in the first round in the 2004 NFL Draft...
completed a 17-yard TD pass to TE Heath Miller
Heath Miller
Earl Heath Miller, Jr. is an American football tight end for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the NFL. He was selected as the 30th overall pick of the 2005 NFL Draft out of the University of Virginia.-Early years:...
and a 15-yard TD pass to WR Santonio Holmes
Santonio Holmes
Santonio Holmes Jr. is an American football wide receiver for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft after playing college football at Ohio State...
. In the second quarter, the Steelers increased their lead with Roethlisberger completing a 30-yard TD pass to WR Nate Washington
Nate Washington
Nate Washington is an American football wide receiver for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League. He was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2005...
, a 35-yard TD pass to Holmes, and a 7-yard TD pass to Washington. Afterwards, the Ravens managed to avoid a shutout as RB Willis McGahee
Willis McGahee
Willis Andrew McGahee III is an American football running back for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
got a 33-yard TD run. In the third quarter, Pittsburgh increased its lead with kicker Jeff Reed nailing a 22-yard field goal, while the defense continued to shut down Baltimore's offense.
With the win, their 12th straight in Monday Night Football home games, the Steelers improved to 6–2.
Ben Roethlisberger had a career game as he completed 13 of 16 passes for 209 yards and a career-high 5 touchdowns for his second career "perfect game." LB James Harrison had a career day with two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, an interception, and 3½ sacks.
During halftime, the Steelers honored their All-Time team. Members included Joe Greene
Joe Greene (American football)
Charles Edward Greene, known as “Mean Joe” Greene, is a former all-pro American football defensive tackle who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the NFL. Throughout the early 1970s he was the one of most dominant defensive players in the National Football League...
, Terry Bradshaw
Terry Bradshaw
Terry Paxton Bradshaw is a former American football quarterback with the Pittsburgh Steelers in the National Football League . He played 14 seasons. He is a football analyst and co-host of Fox NFL Sunday...
, Franco Harris
Franco Harris
Franco Harris is a former American football player. He played his NFL career with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Seattle Seahawks.In the 1972 NFL Draft he was chosen by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round, the 13th selection overall...
, Jerome Bettis
Jerome Bettis
Jerome Abram "The Bus" Bettis is a retired American football halfback who played for the NFL's Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams and Pittsburgh Steelers. Bettis is considered one of the best big backs ever because his footwork and power, and is currently fifth on the National Football League's all-time...
, Rod Woodson
Rod Woodson
Roderick Kevin "Rod" Woodson is the current cornerbacks coach for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He is also a former defensive back best known for his 10-year stint with the Pittsburgh Steelers as well as being a key member of the Baltimore Ravens Super Bowl XXXV championship...
, John Stallworth
John Stallworth
Johnny Lee Stallworth is a former American football wide receiver who played fourteen seasons in the National Football League for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He played college football at Alabama A&M, and was the Steelers' fourth-round draft pick in 1974. Stallworth played in six AFC championships,...
, Lynn Swann
Lynn Swann
-Collegiate:Swann attended the University of Southern California, where he was an All-American on the Trojans football team. He played under legendary coach John McKay, including the 1972 undefeated and national championship season. McKay said of Swann, "He has speed, soft hands, and grace." He...
, and Mel Blount.
Week 10 (Sunday November 11, 2007): vs. Cleveland BrownsCleveland BrownsThe Cleveland Browns are a professional football team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are currently members of the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
Coming off their dominating Monday Night performance against the Ravens, the Steelers stayed at home for Round 2 of the 2007 Rust Belt series against the Cleveland BrownsCleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns are a professional football team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are currently members of the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. In the first quarter, Pittsburgh trailed early as Browns QB Derek Anderson
Derek Anderson (American football)
Derek Matthew Anderson is an American football quarterback for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
completed a 4-yard TD pass to TE Kellen Winslow
Kellen Winslow II
Kellen Boswell Winslow, II is an American football tight end for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns sixth overall in the 2004 NFL Draft...
. The Steelers managed to get a 28-yard field goal from kicker Jeff Reed. In the second quarter, Cleveland increased its lead with Anderson completing a 2-yard TD pass to FB Lawrence Vickers
Lawrence Vickers
Lawrence Blanchard Vickers, Jr. is an American football fullback for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the sixth round of the 2006 NFL Draft...
, while Pittsburgh only managed to have Reed kick a 35-yard field goal. Afterwards, the Browns continued their fast start with Anderson completing a 16-yard TD pass to WR Braylon Edwards
Braylon Edwards
-Cleveland Browns:-2005:Edwards began his rookie season as Cleveland's third wide receiver – he would have started higher, but a hold-out caused him to miss the beginning of training camp. Early in the season Edwards revealed that he had a staph infection, and missed a few weeks as a result of it....
. The Steelers drove into the red zone once again but settled for a 30-yard field goal from Reed. Both teams scored thrice in the first half; Cleveland led 21–9.
In the third quarter, Pittsburgh began to come back as QB Ben Roethlisberger
Ben Roethlisberger
Benjamin Todd "Ben" Roethlisberger , nicknamed Big Ben, is an American football quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers in the first round in the 2004 NFL Draft...
completed a 12-yard TD pass to WR Hines Ward
Hines Ward
Hines E. Ward, Jr. is an American football player who currently plays the wide receiver position for the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers, where he is the longest-tenured current player on the team. He was voted MVP of Super Bowl XL. He played college football at the University of Georgia...
for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, the Steelers took the lead with Roethlisberger getting a career-best 30-yard TD run. Cleveland WR/KR Joshua Cribbs
Joshua Cribbs
Joshua "Josh" Cribbs is an American football wide receiver and return specialist for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League. He played collegiately for Kent State University. He holds the NFL record with eight kickoff returns for touchdowns...
returned the ensuing kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown. Pittsburgh on their next drive retook the lead with Roethlisberger completing a 2-yard TD pass to TE Heath Miller
Heath Miller
Earl Heath Miller, Jr. is an American football tight end for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the NFL. He was selected as the 30th overall pick of the 2005 NFL Draft out of the University of Virginia.-Early years:...
. The Browns tried to force overtime with a late field goal, but kicker Phil Dawson
Phil Dawson
Philip Drury Dawson is an American football placekicker for the Cleveland Browns in the National Football League. He holds the franchise record for most field goals made, passing Hall of Famer Lou Groza in 2010...
's 53-yard attempt came up short with 6 seconds left.
With their ninth straight win over Cleveland, the Steelers improved to 7–2.
Week 11 (Sunday November 18, 2007): at New York JetsNew York JetsThe New York Jets are a professional football team headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, representing the New York metropolitan area. The team is a member of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
Coming off their season-sweep over the Browns, the Steelers flew to The MeadowlandsGiants Stadium
Giants Stadium was a multi-purpose stadium, located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA, in the Meadowlands Sports Complex. Maximum seating capacity was 80,242. The building itself was 230.5 m long, 180.5 m wide and 44 m high from service level to the top of the seating bowl and 54 m high to...
for a Week 11 intraconference duel with the New York Jets
New York Jets
The New York Jets are a professional football team headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, representing the New York metropolitan area. The team is a member of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. In the first quarter, Pittsburgh surprisingly fell behind early as Jets QB Kellen Clemens
Kellen Clemens
Kellen Clemens is an American football quarterback who is currently a member of the Houston Texans of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New York Jets in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft...
completed a 1-yard TD pass to TE Chris Baker, along with kicker Mike Nugent
Mike Nugent
Mike Nugent is an American football placekicker for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New York Jets in the second round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
getting a 25-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Steelers got on the board with QB Ben Roethlisberger
Ben Roethlisberger
Benjamin Todd "Ben" Roethlisberger , nicknamed Big Ben, is an American football quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers in the first round in the 2004 NFL Draft...
completing a 7-yard TD pass to WR Santonio Holmes
Santonio Holmes
Santonio Holmes Jr. is an American football wide receiver for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft after playing college football at Ohio State...
. New York would end the half with Nugent kicking a 19-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, Pittsburgh tied the game with kicker Jeff Reed getting a 37-yard and a 33-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Steelers took the lead with Reed getting a 48-yard field goal. However, the Jets managed to tie the game with Nugent kicking a 28-yard field goal. In overtime, New York managed to pull off the upset as Nugent nailed the game-winning 38-yard field goal.
With the surprising loss, Pittsburgh fell to 7–3.
Even worse, the Steelers highly-ranked rushing defense allowed its first 100-yard rusher since 2005 (Edgerrin James
Edgerrin James
Edgerrin Tyree James is a former American football running back. He was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts fourth overall in the 1999 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Miami....
of the Colts) as RB Thomas Jones got 30 carries for 117 yards.
Week 12 (Monday November 26, 2007): vs. Miami DolphinsMiami DolphinsThe Miami Dolphins are a Professional football team based in the Miami metropolitan area in Florida. The team is part of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
Coming off their embarrassing loss to the Jets, the Steelers went home for a Week 12 Monday Night intraconference duel with the winless Miami DolphinsMiami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins are a Professional football team based in the Miami metropolitan area in Florida. The team is part of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
.
Playing in heavy rain with a delay due to lightning, the game remained scoreless through 59 minutes and 43 seconds, becoming the longest scoreless tie since November 7, 1943. In the end, Pittsburgh came through with kicker Jeff Reed nailing the game-winning 24-yard field goal with 17 seconds left for the game's lone points.
With the win, the Steelers improved to 8–3. Also, not only did they improve their home record to 6–0, but this also marked their 13th-straight home win on Monday Night Football. This game would also be crowned as the lowest-scoring game in Monday Night Football history. It was the lowest scoring NFL game since December 11, 1993, when the New York Jets
New York Jets
The New York Jets are a professional football team headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, representing the New York metropolitan area. The team is a member of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
defeated Washington
Washington Redskins
The Washington Redskins are a professional American football team and members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team plays at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, while its headquarters and training facility are at Redskin Park in Ashburn,...
by the same score.
Week 13 (Sunday December 2, 2007): vs. Cincinnati BengalsCincinnati BengalsThe Cincinnati Bengals are a professional football team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the AFC's North Division in the National Football League . The Bengals began play in 1968 as an expansion team in the American Football League , and joined the NFL in 1970 in the AFL-NFL...
Coming off their Monday Night slushfest victory over the Dolphins, the Steelers stayed at home for a Week 13 Sunday night divisional rematch with the Cincinnati BengalsCincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals are a professional football team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the AFC's North Division in the National Football League . The Bengals began play in 1968 as an expansion team in the American Football League , and joined the NFL in 1970 in the AFL-NFL...
. In the first quarter, Pittsburgh trailed early as Bengals RB Rudi Johnson
Rudi Johnson
Burudi Ali "Rudi" Johnson is a former American football running back who played professionally from 2001 - 2008. Rudi was born in Petersburg, Virginia approximately 30 miles south of Richmond. His first name "Burudi" is Swahili and means "cool'" and his middle name "Ali" represented his family's...
got a 1-yard TD run for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, the Steelers took the lead with QB Ben Roethlisberger
Ben Roethlisberger
Benjamin Todd "Ben" Roethlisberger , nicknamed Big Ben, is an American football quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers in the first round in the 2004 NFL Draft...
getting a 6-yard TD run, kicker Jeff Reed getting a 21-yard field goal, and Roethlisberger completing a 2-yard TD pass to WR Hines Ward
Hines Ward
Hines E. Ward, Jr. is an American football player who currently plays the wide receiver position for the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers, where he is the longest-tenured current player on the team. He was voted MVP of Super Bowl XL. He played college football at the University of Georgia...
. In the third quarter, Cincinnati tried to fight back as kicker Shayne Graham
Shayne Graham
Michael Shayne Graham is an American football placekicker. He was signed by the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent in 2000, and most recently played with the New England Patriots...
nailed a 24-yard field goal. However, Pittsburgh responded with Roethlisberger and Ward hooking up with each other again on an 8-yard TD pass.
With the win, the Steelers improved to 9–3, along with improving this year's home record to 7–0. It also marked the first time since 2004 that Pittsburgh managed to sweep the Bengals.
With his two touchdown receptions, Hines Ward surpassed John Stallworth
John Stallworth
Johnny Lee Stallworth is a former American football wide receiver who played fourteen seasons in the National Football League for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He played college football at Alabama A&M, and was the Steelers' fourth-round draft pick in 1974. Stallworth played in six AFC championships,...
for the most career touchdown receptions in franchise history with 64.
Week 14 (Sunday December 9, 2007): at New England PatriotsNew England PatriotsThe New England Patriots, commonly called the "Pats", are a professional football team based in the Greater Boston area, playing their home games in the town of Foxborough, Massachusetts at Gillette Stadium. The team is part of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National...
Coming off their Sunday Night divisional home win over the Bengals, the Steelers flew to Gillette StadiumGillette Stadium
Gillette Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium located in Foxborough, Massachusetts, 21 miles southwest of downtown Boston and from downtown Providence, Rhode Island. It serves as the home stadium and administrative offices for the New England Patriots football team and the New England Revolution...
for a Week 14 intraconference duel with the undefeated New England Patriots
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots, commonly called the "Pats", are a professional football team based in the Greater Boston area, playing their home games in the town of Foxborough, Massachusetts at Gillette Stadium. The team is part of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National...
. In the first quarter, Pittsburgh struck first with kicker Jeff Reed getting a 23-yard field goal. Afterwards, the Patriots took the lead with QB Tom Brady
Tom Brady
Thomas Edward Patrick "Tom" Brady, Jr. is an American football quarterback for the New England Patriots of the National Football League . After playing college football at Michigan, Brady was drafted by the Patriots in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft.He has played in four Super Bowls,...
completing a 4-yard TD pass to WR Randy Moss
Randy Moss
Randy Gene Moss is a former American football wide receiver. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the first round of the 1998 NFL Draft...
. In the second quarter, New England increased their lead with Brady and Moss hooking up with each other again on a 63-yard TD pass. Afterwards, the Steelers responded with QB Ben Roethlisberger
Ben Roethlisberger
Benjamin Todd "Ben" Roethlisberger , nicknamed Big Ben, is an American football quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers in the first round in the 2004 NFL Draft...
completing a 32-yard TD pass to RB Najeh Davenport
Najeh Davenport
Najeh Trenadious Monté Davenport is a former American football running back. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the fourth round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
, along with Reed kicking a 44-yard field goal. New England would end the half with kicker Stephen Gostkowski
Stephen Gostkowski
Stephen Carroll Gostkowski is a placekicker for the New England Patriots of the National Football League...
getting a 42-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Patriots took control as Brady lateraled to Moss, who lateraled back to Brady, and then threw a 56-yard TD pass to WR Jabar Gaffney
Jabar Gaffney
Derrick Jabar Gaffney is an American football wide receiver for the Washington Redskins of the National Football League . He was drafted by the Houston Texans in the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
. Afterwards, New England increased its lead with Brady completing a 2-yard TD pass to WR Wes Welker
Wes Welker
-San Diego Chargers :Welker, who was not drafted during the 2004 NFL Draft, signed as an undrafted free agent with the San Diego Chargers. Welker made the Chargers out of training camp, but was released after the first game of the season.-2004 season:...
. In the fourth quarter, the Patriots sealed the win with Gostkowski nailing a 28-yard field goal.
With the loss, Pittsburgh fell to 9–4.
The loss also made the Steelers' road record fall to 2–4.
Week 15 (Sunday December 16, 2007): vs. Jacksonville JaguarsJacksonville JaguarsThe Jacksonville Jaguars are a professional American football team based in Jacksonville, Florida, U.S. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
Hoping to rebound from their road loss to the Patriots, the Steelers went home for a Week 15 duel with the Jacksonville JaguarsJacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars are a professional American football team based in Jacksonville, Florida, U.S. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. In the first quarter, Pittsburgh trailed early as Jaguars kicker Josh Scobee
Josh Scobee
Joshua Taylor Scobee is an American football placekicker, who currently plays for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League . He began his college football career as kicker for the Louisiana Tech University Bulldogs, setting several school records...
nailed a 36-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Steelers took the lead as QB Ben Roethlisberger
Ben Roethlisberger
Benjamin Todd "Ben" Roethlisberger , nicknamed Big Ben, is an American football quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers in the first round in the 2004 NFL Draft...
completed an 18-yard TD pass to TE Heath Miller
Heath Miller
Earl Heath Miller, Jr. is an American football tight end for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the NFL. He was selected as the 30th overall pick of the 2005 NFL Draft out of the University of Virginia.-Early years:...
. Jacksonville regained the lead as QB David Garrard
David Garrard
David Douglas Garrard is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent.Garrard played college football at East Carolina. He was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the fourth round of the 2002 NFL Draft, and served as the team's starting quarterback from 2007 to 2010...
completed a 12-yard TD pass to WR Ernest Wilford
Ernest Wilford
Ernest Lee Wilford, Jr. is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL Draft...
.
In the third quarter, Pittsburgh fell further behind as Garrard completed a 3-yard TD pass to WR Reggie Williams
Reggie Williams (wide receiver)
Reginald "Reggie" Williams, Jr. is an American football wide receiver who is currenly a free agent. He was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at Washington.-Early years:...
and a 55-yard TD pass to WR Dennis Northcutt
Dennis Northcutt
Dennis LaMont Northcutt is an American football wide receiver and punt returner who last played for the Detroit Lions...
. The extra point attempts on both of these touchdowns failed. In the fourth quarter, the Steelers rallied to tie the game with Roethlisberger completing an 11-yard TD pass to WR Hines Ward
Hines Ward
Hines E. Ward, Jr. is an American football player who currently plays the wide receiver position for the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers, where he is the longest-tenured current player on the team. He was voted MVP of Super Bowl XL. He played college football at the University of Georgia...
and a 30-yard TD pass to WR Nate Washington
Nate Washington
Nate Washington is an American football wide receiver for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League. He was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2005...
, with the later being followed by WR Cedric Wilson
Cedric Wilson
Cedric Wilson is a politician in Northern Ireland.Born in Belfast, Wilson became the director of a private nursing home. In 1981, he was elected to Castlereagh Borough Council for the Democratic Unionist Party, a post he held until 1989...
completing a 2-point conversion pass to WR Santonio Holmes
Santonio Holmes
Santonio Holmes Jr. is an American football wide receiver for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft after playing college football at Ohio State...
on a trick play. On the Jaguars' ensuing offensive drive RB Fred Taylor scored on a 12-yard TD run. The Steelers' next drive ended just a half-yard short on a fourth-down conversion attempt with 41 seconds remaining.
With their first home loss of the year, the Steelers fell to 9–5. This was also the second game this year that Pittsburgh's defense had given up a 100-yard rusher: Fred Taylor ran 25 times for 147 yards and a touchdown.
Week 16 (Thursday December 20, 2007): at St. Louis RamsSt. Louis RamsThe St. Louis Rams are a professional American football team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are currently members of the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Rams have won three NFL Championships .The Rams began playing in 1936 in Cleveland,...
Trying to snap a two-game losing skid, the Steelers flew to the Edward Jones DomeEdward Jones Dome
The Edward Jones Dome The Edward Jones Dome The Edward Jones Dome (more formally known as the Edward Jones Dome at America's Center, and previously known as The Trans World Dome (from 1995–2001) is a multi-purpose stadium in St. Louis, Missouri, and home of the St. Louis Rams of the NFL. It was...
for a Week 16 Thursday night interconference duel with the St. Louis Rams
St. Louis Rams
The St. Louis Rams are a professional American football team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are currently members of the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Rams have won three NFL Championships .The Rams began playing in 1936 in Cleveland,...
. In the first quarter, Pittsburgh smashed first as QB Ben Roethlisberger
Ben Roethlisberger
Benjamin Todd "Ben" Roethlisberger , nicknamed Big Ben, is an American football quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers in the first round in the 2004 NFL Draft...
completed a 17-yard TD pass to WR Nate Washington
Nate Washington
Nate Washington is an American football wide receiver for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League. He was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2005...
. The Rams would respond with QB Marc Bulger
Marc Bulger
Marc Robert Bulger [] is a former American football quarterback. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft. He played college football at West Virginia....
completing a 12-yard TD pass to RB Steven Jackson
Steven Jackson
Steven Rashad Jackson is an American football running back for the St. Louis Rams of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Rams 24th overall in the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at Oregon State University....
. In the second quarter, the Steelers regained the lead with kicker Jeff Reed getting a 21-yard field goal. However, St. Louis took the lead with Bulger completing a 12-yard TD pass to WR Isaac Bruce
Isaac Bruce
Isaac Isidore Bruce is a retired American football wide receiver. He was originally drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the second round of the 1994 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Memphis....
. Afterwards, Pittsburgh got the lead again as Roethlisberger completed a 33-yard TD pass to Washington and a 12-yard TD pass to RB Najeh Davenport
Najeh Davenport
Najeh Trenadious Monté Davenport is a former American football running back. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the fourth round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
. The Rams end the half with kicker Jeff Wilkins
Jeff Wilkins
For the American basketball player, see Jeff Wilkins .Jeffrey Allen Wilkins nicknamed "Money" is a former American football placekicker in the National Football League for the San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles and St Louis Rams. He played college football at Youngstown State University...
getting a 52-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Steelers increased their lead with Davenport getting a 1-yard TD run. St. Louis would respond with Bulger completing a 23-yard TD pass to WR Drew Bennett
Drew Bennett
Andrew Russell "Drew" Bennett is a former American football wide receiver of the National Football League. He was signed by the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent in 2001. He played college football at UCLA....
. In the fourth quarter, Pittsburgh ended the game with Reed nailing a 29-yard field goal and CB Ike Taylor
Ike Taylor
Ivan "Ike" Taylor is an American football defensive back for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the National Football League...
returning an interception 51 yards for a touchdown.
With the win, the Steelers improved to 10–5. The Cleveland Browns
Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns are a professional football team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are currently members of the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
' loss three days later automatically clinched the Steelers' first AFC North
AFC North
The American Football Conference North Division, or AFC North, is a division of the National Football League's American Football Conference. It was created prior to the 1967 season as the NFL Century Division when the NFL split into four divisions...
title since 2004
2004 NFL season
The 2004 NFL season was the 85th regular season of the National Football League.With the New England Patriots as the defending league champions, regular season play was held from September 9, 2004 to January 2, 2005...
.
WR Hines Ward
Hines Ward
Hines E. Ward, Jr. is an American football player who currently plays the wide receiver position for the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers, where he is the longest-tenured current player on the team. He was voted MVP of Super Bowl XL. He played college football at the University of Georgia...
(6 receptions for 59 yards) surpassed John Stallworth
John Stallworth
Johnny Lee Stallworth is a former American football wide receiver who played fourteen seasons in the National Football League for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He played college football at Alabama A&M, and was the Steelers' fourth-round draft pick in 1974. Stallworth played in six AFC championships,...
as the all-time franchise leader in career reception yards with 8,726 yards. Also, Santonio Holmes got a career high with his game-best 133 receiving yards on 4 catches. Finally, Ben Roethlisberger got his third career "perfect" game (16/20 for 261 yards and 3 touchdowns).
RB Willie Parker
Willie Parker
"Fast" Willie Everette Parker Jr. is an American football running back for the Virginia Destroyers of the United Football League. He was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2004. He played college football at North Carolina...
(1 carry for −1 yard) got injured on Pittsburgh's second offensive play of the game after getting tackled by LB Will Witherspoon
Will Witherspoon
-Carolina Panthers:Witherspoon was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the third round of the 2002 NFL Draft. Witherspoon was the latest addition to new coach John Fox's overhaul of the defense, and Witherspoon's versatility at linebacker helped the Panthers total the second-best defense in the...
. He would suffer a fractured right fibula, effectively ending his season.
Week 17 (Sunday December 30, 2007): at Baltimore RavensBaltimore RavensThe Baltimore Ravens are a professional football franchise based in Baltimore, Maryland.The Baltimore Ravens are officially a quasi-expansion franchise, having originated in 1995 with the Cleveland Browns relocation controversy after Art Modell, then owner of the Cleveland Browns, announced his...
Following their road win over the Rams, the Steelers closed out the regular season with a Week 17 AFC North rematch with the Baltimore RavensBaltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens are a professional football franchise based in Baltimore, Maryland.The Baltimore Ravens are officially a quasi-expansion franchise, having originated in 1995 with the Cleveland Browns relocation controversy after Art Modell, then owner of the Cleveland Browns, announced his...
. Because Pittsburgh already cliched a playoff berth (via winning the division), most of their key players sat out the game.
In the first quarter, the Steelers trailed early as Ravens RB Musa Smith
Musa Smith
-Baltimore Ravens:Smith was drafted with the 13th pick of the third round in the 2003 NFL Draft. He played sparingly for much of 2003 and 2004. However, during a Week 11 game with the Dallas Cowboys in 2004, Smith suffered a compound fracture of his right tibia while being horse-collar tackled...
got a 2-yard TD run, along with kicker Matt Stover
Matt Stover
John Matthew "Matt" Stover is a former American Football placekicker. As of the start of the 2009 NFL season, he was the third most accurate kicker in the history of the National Football League. He is of Greek origin. He has played for the New York Giants, the Cleveland Browns, and the Baltimore...
managed to get a 28-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Pittsburgh continued to trail as RB Cory Ross
Cory Ross
Cory Ross is an American football running back for the Sacramento Mountain Lions of the United Football League. He was signed by the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 2006. He played college football at Nebraska.-Early years:Ross attended Thomas Jefferson High School. While in high...
got a 32-yard TD run. The Steelers would respond with RB Najeh Davenport
Najeh Davenport
Najeh Trenadious Monté Davenport is a former American football running back. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the fourth round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
getting a 1-yard TD run. Baltimore would end the half with Stover nailing a 31-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, Baltimore increased its lead with QB Troy Smith
Troy Smith
Troy James Smith is an American football quarterback for the Omaha Nighthawks of the United Football League. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens of the NFL in the fifth round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Ohio State.Smith has also played for the San Francisco 49ers. He...
completing a 15-TD pass to WR Devard Darling
Devard Darling
Devard Loran Darling is a Bahamian-American wide receiver of American football who is currently a member of the Houston Texans. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the third round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at Florida State University and Washington State...
for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, Pittsburgh tried to rally as QB Charlie Batch
Charlie Batch
Charles "Charlie" Batch is an American football quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the second round of the 1998 NFL Draft...
completed a 59-yard TD pass to WR Santonio Holmes
Santonio Holmes
Santonio Holmes Jr. is an American football wide receiver for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft after playing college football at Ohio State...
and a 7-yard TD pass to WR Cedric Wilson
Cedric Wilson
Cedric Wilson is a politician in Northern Ireland.Born in Belfast, Wilson became the director of a private nursing home. In 1981, he was elected to Castlereagh Borough Council for the Democratic Unionist Party, a post he held until 1989...
. However, the Ravens managed to hold on for the win.
With the loss, the Steelers ended the regular season at 10–6 and with the AFC's No. 4 seed.
Schedule
| Week | Date | Kickoff (ET) | TV | Opponent (Seed) | Result | Game site | NFL Recap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wild Card | Saturday January 5 | 8:15 PM | NBC NBC The National Broadcasting Company is an American commercial broadcasting television network and former radio network headquartered in the GE Building in New York City's Rockefeller Center with additional major offices near Los Angeles and in Chicago... |
Jacksonville Jaguars (5) | L 31–29 | Heinz Field Heinz Field Heinz Field is a stadium located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It primarily serves as the home to the Pittsburgh Steelers and University of Pittsburgh Panthers American football teams, members of the National Football League and National Collegiate Athletic Association respectively... |
Recap |
AFC Wild Card Playoff (Saturday January 5, 2008): vs. Jacksonville JaguarsJacksonville JaguarsThe Jacksonville Jaguars are a professional American football team based in Jacksonville, Florida, U.S. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
Game summary
Entering the playoffs as the AFC's No. 4 seed, the Steelers began their playoff run at home in the AFC Wildcard Round against the fifth-seeded Jacksonville JaguarsJacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars are a professional American football team based in Jacksonville, Florida, U.S. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
in a rematch of Week 15 where Pittsburgh nearly came back to win.
In the first quarter, the Steelers got the first punch by capping the game's opening drive with RB Najeh Davenport
Najeh Davenport
Najeh Trenadious Monté Davenport is a former American football running back. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the fourth round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
getting a 1-yard TD run. The Jaguars would immediately respond as RB Fred Taylor got a 1-yard TD run following a 96-yard kick-off return by RB Maurice Jones-Drew
Maurice Jones-Drew
Maurice Christopher Jones-Drew is a professional American football player who currently plays running back for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League . He was drafted in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft...
. In the second quarter, Pittsburgh trailed as CB Rashean Mathis
Rashean Mathis
Rashean Jamil Mathis is an American football cornerback currently playing for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the NFL.-High school:Mathis attended Englewood High School in Jacksonville at the same time as Brett Myers of the Houston Astros, and was a student and a letterman in football. In football, he...
returned an interception 63 yards for a touchdown and QB David Garrard
David Garrard
David Douglas Garrard is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent.Garrard played college football at East Carolina. He was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the fourth round of the 2002 NFL Draft, and served as the team's starting quarterback from 2007 to 2010...
completed a 43-yard TD pass to Jones-Drew.
In the third quarter, Pittsburgh responded with kicker Jeff Reed getting a 28-yard field goal, but Jacksonville responded with Maurice Jones-Drew getting a 10-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, the Steelers began to come back as QB Ben Roethlisberger
Ben Roethlisberger
Benjamin Todd "Ben" Roethlisberger , nicknamed Big Ben, is an American football quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers in the first round in the 2004 NFL Draft...
completed a 37-yard TD pass to WR Santonio Holmes
Santonio Holmes
Santonio Holmes Jr. is an American football wide receiver for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft after playing college football at Ohio State...
and a 14-yard TD pass to TE Heath Miller
Heath Miller
Earl Heath Miller, Jr. is an American football tight end for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the NFL. He was selected as the 30th overall pick of the 2005 NFL Draft out of the University of Virginia.-Early years:...
(with the latter having a failed two-point conversion), while Davenport got another 1-yard TD run (with another failed two-point conversion) to take a one-point lead. However, the Jaguars regained the lead with kicker Josh Scobee
Josh Scobee
Joshua Taylor Scobee is an American football placekicker, who currently plays for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League . He began his college football career as kicker for the Louisiana Tech University Bulldogs, setting several school records...
nailing a 25-yard field goal. Pittsburgh regained the ball afterwards, but Jacksonville immediately forced and recovered the fumble, effectively ending any possibility of a comeback.
With the loss, the Steelers ended their season with an overall record of 10–7. It was guard Alan Faneca's last game as a Steeler.
Scoring drives
-
- 1st quarter
- PIT – Najeh DavenportNajeh DavenportNajeh Trenadious Monté Davenport is a former American football running back. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the fourth round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
1 yd TD run (Jeff Reed kick), 10:03. Steelers 7–0 Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 4:57 - JAC – Fred Taylor 1 yd TD run (Josh ScobeeJosh ScobeeJoshua Taylor Scobee is an American football placekicker, who currently plays for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League . He began his college football career as kicker for the Louisiana Tech University Bulldogs, setting several school records...
kick), 9:39. Tied 7–7 Drive: 1 play, 1 yard, 0:24
- PIT – Najeh Davenport
- 2nd quarter
- JAC – Rashean MathisRashean MathisRashean Jamil Mathis is an American football cornerback currently playing for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the NFL.-High school:Mathis attended Englewood High School in Jacksonville at the same time as Brett Myers of the Houston Astros, and was a student and a letterman in football. In football, he...
63 yd interception return TD (Josh Scobee kick), 10:19 Jaguars 14–7 - JAC – Maurice Jones-DrewMaurice Jones-DrewMaurice Christopher Jones-Drew is a professional American football player who currently plays running back for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League . He was drafted in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft...
43 yd TD pass from David GarrardDavid GarrardDavid Douglas Garrard is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent.Garrard played college football at East Carolina. He was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the fourth round of the 2002 NFL Draft, and served as the team's starting quarterback from 2007 to 2010...
(Josh Scobee kick), 8:34. Jaguars 21–7 Drive: 3 plays, 46 yards, 0:56
- JAC – Rashean Mathis
- 3rd quarter
- PIT – Jeff Reed 28 yd field goal , 9:24. Jaguars 21–10 Drive: 8 plays, 33 yards in 4:45
- JAC – Maurice Jones-DrewMaurice Jones-DrewMaurice Christopher Jones-Drew is a professional American football player who currently plays running back for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League . He was drafted in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft...
10 yd run (Josh Scobee kick), 4:39. Jaguars 28–10 Drive: 8 plays, 82 yards in 4:45
- 4th quarter
- PIT – Santonio HolmesSantonio HolmesSantonio Holmes Jr. is an American football wide receiver for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft after playing college football at Ohio State...
37 yd pass from Ben Roethlisberger (Jeff Reed kick), 14:53. Jaguars 28–17 Drive: 10 plays, 69 yards in 4:46 - PIT – Heath MillerHeath MillerEarl Heath Miller, Jr. is an American football tight end for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the NFL. He was selected as the 30th overall pick of the 2005 NFL Draft out of the University of Virginia.-Early years:...
14 yd pass from Ben Roethlisberger run failed, 10:25. Jaguars 28–23 Drive: 10 plays, 69 yards in 3:49 - PIT – Najeh DavenportNajeh DavenportNajeh Trenadious Monté Davenport is a former American football running back. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the fourth round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
1 yd run, 6:21. Steelers 29–28 Drive: 7 plays, 16 yards in 2:29 - JAC – Josh ScobeeJosh ScobeeJoshua Taylor Scobee is an American football placekicker, who currently plays for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League . He began his college football career as kicker for the Louisiana Tech University Bulldogs, setting several school records...
25 yd field goal , 0:37. Jaguars 31–29 Drive: 8 plays, 44 yards in 2:01
- PIT – Santonio Holmes
- 1st quarter