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2011 Pittsburgh Steelers season

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

2011 Pittsburgh Steelers season
OwnerThe Rooney Family
General managerKevin Colbert
Head coachMike Tomlin
Home fieldHeinz Field
Results
Record12–4
Division place2nd AFC North
Playoff finishLost Wild Card Playoffs
(at Broncos) 23–29 (OT)
Pro Bowlers
7
AP All-ProsS Troy Polamalu (1st team)
C Maurkice Pouncey (1st team)
Team MVPAntonio Brown
Team ROYMarcus Gilbert

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

As of 2024, the only remaining member of the 2011 squad playing as a Steeler is Cameron Heyward.

Staff

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2011 Pittsburgh Steelers staff

Front office

  • Chairman emeritus – Daniel M. Rooney
  • President – Arthur J. Rooney II
  • Vice president – Arthur J. Rooney, Jr.
  • Administration advisor – Chuck Noll
  • Administrative assistant – Diane Lowe
  • Business Office
  • Director of business – Mark Hart
  • Controller – Bob Tyler
  • Director of business & administration – Omar Khan
  • Business administration – Dan Ferens
  • Human relations/office coordinator – Geraldine Glenn
  • Assistant controller – Jodie Spagnolli
  • Administrative assistant – Kelly Serafin
  • Administrative assistant – Rebecca Mihalcik
  • Administrative assistant – Colleen Kimmel
  • Media Relations
  • Communications coordinator – Burt Lauten
  • Public relations/media manager – Nathan LoCascio
  • Administrative assistant – Emily Scerba
  • Intern – Ryan Scarpino
  • Community Relations
  • Community relations manager – Michele Rosenthal
  • Administrative assistant – Stacie Lawrence
  • Information Technology
  • Technology manager – Scott Phelps
  • IT/Network Support Technician – Jon Pugliano
  • Steelers.com/Steelers Digest
  • Editor – Bob Labriola
  • Assistant editor/website – Teresa Varley
  • Photography
  • Team photographer – Mike Fabus
  • Football Operations
  • General manager – Kevin Colbert
  • College scouting coordinator – Ron Hughes
  • Pro personnel coordinator – Brandon Hunt
  • Special assistant/pro and college personnel – Joe Greene
  • Pro/college scout – Phil Kreidler
  • College scout – Kelvin Fisher
  • College scout – Mark Gorscak
  • College scout – Bruce McNorton
  • College scout – Dan Rooney
  • College/pro scout – David Petett
  • BLESTO Scout – Mark Bruener
  • College personnel – Bill Nunn
  • Administrative assistant – Maureen Mannion
  • Administrative assistant – Karen Mercalde

Head coaches

Offensive coaches

Defensive coaches

Special teams coaches

  • Special Teams Coordinator– Al Everest
  • Assistant special teams – Amos Jones

Strength and conditioning

  • Conditioning coach – Garrett Giemont
  • Conditioning assistant – Marcel Pastoor
  • Player development – Raymond Jackson
  • Administrative assistant – Chrissy Bulger
  • Administrative assistant – Mia Daudet
  • Medical Staff
  • Physician, internal medicine – Dr. Mark Duca
  • Physician, internal medicine – Dr. Tony Yates
  • Physician, neurosurgery – Dr. Joseph Maroon
  • Physician, orthopedic surgery – Dr. James P. Bradley
  • Athletic Training Staff
  • Head athletic trainer – John Norwig
  • Assistant athletic trainer – Ryan Grove
  • Assistant athletic trainer – Sonia Gysland
  • Football Equipment Staff
  • Equipment manager - Rodgers Freyvogel
  • Field manager/assistant equipment manager – Patrick Noone
  • Video
  • Video coordinator – Bob McCartney
  • Video assistant – Andy Lizanich
  • Video assistant – Jason McMann

[1]


Offseason

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2011 NFL Draft

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

Draft notes

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Preseason

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Schedule

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

Regular season

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Schedule

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

Standings

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

Game summaries

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Week 1: at Baltimore Ravens

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Week One: Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Steelers 0 7 007
Ravens 14 7 11335

at M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, Maryland

Game information

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

Week 2: vs. Seattle Seahawks

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Week Two: Seattle Seahawks at Pittsburgh Steelers – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Seahawks 0 0 000
Steelers 7 10 7024

at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Game information

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

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

Week 3: at Indianapolis Colts

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Week Three: Pittsburgh Steelers at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Steelers 10 0 01323
Colts 0 13 0720

at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana

Game information

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

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

Week 4: at Houston Texans

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Week Four: Pittsburgh Steelers at Houston Texans – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Steelers 0 0 7310
Texans 7 3 0717

at Reliant Stadium, Houston, Texas

Game information

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

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

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

Week 5: vs. Tennessee Titans

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Week Five: Tennessee Titans at Pittsburgh Steelers – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Titans 3 0 7717
Steelers 7 14 71038

at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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

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

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

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

Week 6: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

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Week Six: Jacksonville Jaguars at Pittsburgh Steelers – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Jaguars 0 3 7313
Steelers 7 10 0017

at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Game information

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

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

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

Week 7: at Arizona Cardinals

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Week Seven: Pittsburgh Steelers at Arizona Cardinals – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Steelers 7 10 9632
Cardinals 0 7 7620

at University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona

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

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

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

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

Week 8: vs. New England Patriots

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Week Eight: New England Patriots at Pittsburgh Steelers – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Patriots 0 10 0717
Steelers 7 10 3525

at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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

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

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

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

Week 9: vs. Baltimore Ravens

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Week Nine: Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Ravens 3 6 7723
Steelers 0 6 01420

at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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

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

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

Week 10: at Cincinnati Bengals

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Week Ten: Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Steelers 14 3 7024
Bengals 7 3 7017

at Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio

  • Date: November 13
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: 62 °F (17 °C), (Cloudy and Windy)
  • Game attendance: 63,262
  • Referee: Bill Leavy
  • TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle and Dan Fouts
Game information

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

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

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

Week 12: at Kansas City Chiefs

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Week Twelve: Pittsburgh Steelers at Kansas City Chiefs – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Steelers 0 13 0013
Chiefs 3 3 039

at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

  • Date: November 27
  • Game time: 8:20 p.m. EST/7:20 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: 29 °F (−2 °C), (Clear)
  • Game attendance: 72,173
  • Referee: Ed Hochuli
  • TV announcers (NBC): Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth and Michele Tafoya
Game information

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

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

Week 13: vs. Cincinnati Bengals

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Week Thirteen: Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Bengals 0 7 007
Steelers 0 28 7035

at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

  • Date: December 4
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: 62 °F (17 °C), (Cloudy)
  • Game attendance: 63,697
  • Referee: Carl Cheffers
  • TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz and Phil Simms
Game information

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

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

Week 14: vs. Cleveland Browns

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Week Fourteen: Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Browns 3 0 003
Steelers 7 0 0714

at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Game information

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

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

Week 15: at San Francisco 49ers

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Week Fifteen: Pittsburgh Steelers at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Steelers 0 0 303
49ers 3 3 7720

at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

  • Date: December 19
  • Game time: 8:30 p.m. EST/5:30 p.m. PST (Game delayed until 9:00 p.m. EST/6:00 p.m. PST due to a power outage)
  • Game weather: 51 °F (11 °C), (Clear)
  • Game attendance: 69,732
  • Referee: Walt Coleman
  • TV announcers (ESPN): Mike Tirico, Ron Jaworski, and Jon Gruden
Game information

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

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

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

Week 16: vs. St. Louis Rams

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Week Sixteen: St. Louis Rams at Pittsburgh Steelers – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Rams 0 0 000
Steelers 3 7 31427

at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Game information

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

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

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

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

Week 17: at Cleveland Browns

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Week Seventeen: Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Steelers 0 3 10013
Browns 0 6 309

at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio

Game information

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

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

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

Postseason

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Main article: 2011–12 NFL playoffs

Schedule

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

Postseason game summaries

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AFC Wild Card: at #4 Denver Broncos

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Wild Card : Pittsburgh Steelers at Denver Broncos – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34OTTotal
Steelers 6 0 710023
Broncos 0 20 03629

at Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado

Game information

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

Final roster

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2011 Pittsburgh Steelers roster
Quarterbacks (QB)

Running backs (RB)

Wide receivers (WR)

Tight ends (TE)

Offensive linemen (OL)

Defensive linemen (DL)

Linebackers (LB)

Defensive backs (DB)

Special teams

Practice squad

Reserve

Rookies in italics
53 active, 10 reserve, 8 practice squad

[24]

References

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  1. ^ 2011 Pittsburgh Steelers Media Guide.
  2. ^ "NFL Game Center: Pittsburgh Steelers at Washington Redskins - 2011 Preseason Week 1". Archived from the original on September 26, 2011. Retrieved August 21, 2011. Recap
  3. ^ "NFL Game Center: Philadelphia Eagles at Pittsburgh Steelers - 2011 Preseason Week 2". Archived from the original on September 26, 2011. Retrieved August 27, 2011. Recap
  4. ^ "NFL Game Center: Atlanta Falcons at Pittsburgh Steelers - 2011 Preseason Week 3". Archived from the original on September 26, 2011. Retrieved August 27, 2011. Recap
  5. ^ "NFL Game Center: Pittsburgh Steelers at Carolina Panthers - 2011 Preseason Week 4". Archived from the original on September 26, 2011. Retrieved September 2, 2011. Recap
  6. ^ "Watch Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens [09/11/2011] - NFL.com". Archived from the original on September 7, 2014. Retrieved August 27, 2014. Recap
  7. ^ "NFL Game Center: Seattle Seahawks at Pittsburgh Steelers - 2011 Week 2". Archived from the original on December 24, 2011. Retrieved December 29, 2011. Recap
  8. ^ "NFL Game Center: Pittsburgh Steelers at Indianapolis Colts - 2011 Week 3". Archived from the original on September 23, 2011. Retrieved September 21, 2011. Recap
  9. ^ "Watch Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Houston Texans [10/02/2011] - NFL.com". Archived from the original on June 3, 2013. Retrieved March 23, 2013. Recap
  10. ^ "NFL Game Center: Tennessee Titans at Pittsburgh Steelers - 2011 Week 5". Archived from the original on October 5, 2011. Retrieved October 4, 2011. Recap
  11. ^ "Watch Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Pittsburgh Steelers [10/16/2011] - NFL.com". Archived from the original on September 21, 2014. Retrieved September 17, 2014. Recap
  12. ^ "NFL Game Center: Pittsburgh Steelers at Arizona Cardinals - 2011 Week 7". Archived from the original on October 21, 2011. Retrieved October 19, 2011. Recap
  13. ^ "NFL Game Center: New England Patriots at Pittsburgh Steelers - 2011 Week 8". Archived from the original on October 26, 2011. Retrieved October 25, 2011. Recap
  14. ^ "Watch Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers [11/06/2011] - NFL.com". Archived from the original on August 18, 2013. Retrieved August 20, 2013. Recap
  15. ^ "NFL Game Center: Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals - 2011 Week 10". Archived from the original on November 10, 2011. Retrieved November 8, 2011. Recap
  16. ^ "NFL Game Center: Pittsburgh Steelers at Kansas City Chiefs - 2011 Week 12". Archived from the original on November 26, 2011. Retrieved November 27, 2011. Recap
  17. ^ "NFL Game Center: Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers - 2011 Week 13". Archived from the original on December 1, 2011. Retrieved December 3, 2011. Recap
  18. ^ "NFL Game Center: Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers - 2011 Week 14". Archived from the original on December 1, 2011. Retrieved December 9, 2011. Recap
  19. ^ "Watch Pittsburgh Steelers vs. San Francisco 49ers [12/19/2011] - NFL.com". Archived from the original on August 11, 2014. Retrieved August 8, 2014. Recap
  20. ^ "NFL Game Center: St. Louis Rams at Pittsburgh Steelers - 2011 Week 16". Archived from the original on December 8, 2011. Retrieved December 18, 2011. Recap
  21. ^ "NFL Game Center: Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns - 2011 Week 17". Archived from the original on January 5, 2012. Retrieved January 1, 2012. Recap
  22. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p "2018 Season Schedule - Pittsburgh Steelers". steelers.com. Archived from the original on January 25, 2018. Retrieved April 26, 2018.
  23. ^ a b "Watch Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Denver Broncos [01/08/2012] - NFL.com". Archived from the original on November 13, 2017. Retrieved December 15, 2017. Recap
  24. ^ "Roster - Pittsburgh Steelers". steelers.com. Archived from the original on March 19, 2018. Retrieved April 26, 2018.
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