2011 Pittsburgh Steelers season

{{Infobox NFL season
| team = Pittsburgh Steelers
| year = 2011
| record = 10–3 <!--Do not add zero ties-->
| division_place = 1st [[AFC North]]
| playoffs = TBD
| coach = [[Mike Tomlin]]
| general manager = [[Kevin Colbert]]
| owner = [[Rooney family|The Rooney Family]]
| stadium = [[Heinz Field]]
| pro bowlers = TBD
| AP All-pros =
| MVP =
| ROY =
| uniform = 
| previous = [[2010 Pittsburgh Steelers season|2010]]
| next = ''2012''
}}

The '''[[2011 NFL season|2011]] [[Pittsburgh Steelers]] [[List of Pittsburgh Steelers seasons|season]]''' will be the team's 79th season as a professional sports franchise and as a member of the [[National Football League]] (NFL).  It is expected to be the twelfth season under the leadership of general manager [[Kevin Colbert]] and the fifth under head coach [[Mike Tomlin]].  The Steelers will attempt to return to the [[Super Bowl]] and defend their AFC championship from [[2010 Pittsburgh Steelers season|2010]], when they finished 12–4 and won the [[AFC North]] division. The Steelers will play all of their home games at [[Heinz Field]] in [[Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania]].

{{TOClimit|3}}

==Offseason==
===2011 NFL Draft===
{{main|2011 NFL Draft}}
{| class="wikitable" style="font-size: 95%;"
|+ Pittsburgh Steelers 2011 NFL Draft selections
|-
! colspan="3" | Draft order
! rowspan="2" | Player name
! rowspan="2" | Position
! rowspan="2" | Height
! rowspan="2" | Weight
! rowspan="2" | College
! rowspan="2" | Contract
! rowspan="2" | Notes
|-
! Round
! Choice
! Overall
|- style="text-align:center;"
! '''1'''
! '''31'''
! '''31'''
| [[Cameron Heyward]]
| [[Defensive end|DE]]
| 6'4"
| 294 lbs.
| [[Ohio State]]
|
|
|- style="text-align:center;"
! '''2'''
! '''31'''
! '''63'''
| [[Marcus Gilbert]]
| [[Offensive tackle|OT]]
| 6'6"
| 330 lbs.
| [[Florida]]
|
| Is currently starting at Right Tackle.
|- style="text-align:center;"
! '''3'''
! '''31'''
! '''95'''
| [[Curtis Brown (cornerback)| Curtis Brown]]
| [[Cornerback|CB]]
| 6'0"
| 184 lbs.
| [[Texas]]
|
| 
|- style="text-align:center;"
! '''4'''
! '''31'''
! '''128'''
| [[Cortez Allen]]
| [[Cornerback|CB]]
| 6'1"
| 197 lbs.
| [[The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina|The Citadel]]
|
| 
|- style="text-align:center;"
! '''5'''
! '''31'''
! '''162'''
| [[Chris Carter (linebacker)|Chris Carter]]
| [[Linebacker|LB]]
| 6'1"
| 248 lbs.
| [[Fresno State University]]
|
| 
|- style="text-align:center;"
! '''6'''
! '''31'''
! '''196'''
| [[Keith Williams (offensive lineman)|Keith Williams]]
| [[Offensive Guard|OG]]
| 6'5"
| 310 lbs.
| [[University of Nebraska]]
|
| Was released by the Steelers on September 2, 2011.
|- style="text-align:center;"
! '''7'''
! '''29'''
! '''232'''
| [[Baron Batch]]
| [[Running Back|RB]]
| 5'11"
| 205 lbs.
| [[Texas Tech University]]
|
| Was placed on Injured Reserve (Foot).
|}

====Draft notes====
{{reflist|group="dr"}}

==Preseason==
===Schedule===
The Steelers' preseason schedule was announced on April 12, 2011.
{| class="wikitable" style="font-size: 92%;" "align=center"
|-
! rowspan="2" | Week !! rowspan="2" | Date !! rowspan="2" | Kickoff ([[North American Eastern Time Zone|EDT]])!! rowspan="2" | Opponent !! colspan="2" | Results !! rowspan="2" | Game site !! rowspan="2" | TV !! rowspan="2" | NFL.com<br>recap
|-
! Final score !! Team record
|- style="background:#fcc"
! 1
|style="text-align:center;"| August 12
|style="text-align:center;"| 7:30 p.m.
|style="text-align:center;"| at [[2011 Washington Redskins season|Washington Redskins]]
|style="text-align:center;"| '''L''' 7–16
|style="text-align:center;"| 0–1
|style="text-align:center;"| [[FedEx Field]]
|style="text-align:center;"| [[KDKA-TV|KDKA]]
|style="text-align:center;"| [http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2011081253/2011/PRE1/steelers@redskins Recap]
|- style="background:#cfc"
! 2
|style="text-align:center;"|  August 18
|style="text-align:center;"| 8:00 p.m.
|style="text-align:center;"| [[2011 Philadelphia Eagles season|Philadelphia Eagles]]
|style="text-align:center;"| '''W''' 24–14
|style="text-align:center;"| 1–1
|style="text-align:center;"| [[Heinz Field]]
|style="text-align:center;"| [[NFL on Fox|Fox]]
|style="text-align:center;"| [http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2011081852/2011/PRE2/eagles@steelers Recap]
|- style="background:#cfc"
! 3
|style="text-align:center;"| August 27
|style="text-align:center;"| 7:30 p.m.
|style="text-align:center;"| [[2011 Atlanta Falcons season|Atlanta Falcons]]
|style="text-align:center;"| '''W''' 34–16
|style="text-align:center;"| 2–1
|style="text-align:center;"| Heinz Field
|style="text-align:center;"| KDKA
|style="text-align:center;"| [http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2011082753/2011/PRE3/falcons@steelers Recap]
|- style="background:#cfc"
! 4
|style="text-align:center;"| September 1
|style="text-align:center;"| 8:00 p.m.
|style="text-align:center;"| at [[2011 Carolina Panthers season|Carolina Panthers]]
|style="text-align:center;"| '''W''' 33–17
|style="text-align:center;"| 3–1
|style="text-align:center;"| [[Bank of America Stadium]]
|style="text-align:center;"| KDKA
|style="text-align:center;"| [http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2011090163/2011/PRE4/steelers@panthers Recap]
|}

==Regular season==
===Schedule===

{| class="wikitable" style="font-size: 92%;" "align=center"
|-
! rowspan="2" | Week !! rowspan="2" | Date !! rowspan="2" | Kickoff ([[North American Eastern Time Zone|ET]])!! rowspan="2" | Opponent !! colspan="2" | Results !! rowspan="2" | Game site !! rowspan="2" | TV !! rowspan="2" | NFL.com<br>recap
|-
! Final score !! Team record
|- style="background:#fcc"
! 1
|style="text-align:center;"| September 11
|style="text-align:center;"| 1:00 p.m.
|style="text-align:center;"| at '''[[2011 Baltimore Ravens season|Baltimore Ravens]]'''
|style="text-align:center;"| '''L''' 7–35
|style="text-align:center;"| 0–1
|style="text-align:center;"| [[M&T Bank Stadium]]
|style="text-align:center;"| [[NFL on CBS|CBS]]
|style="text-align:center;"| [http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2011091100/2011/REG1/steelers@ravens Recap]
|- style="background:#cfc"
! 2
|style="text-align:center;"| September 18 
|style="text-align:center;"| 1:00 p.m.
|style="text-align:center;"| [[2011 Seattle Seahawks season|Seattle Seahawks]]
|style="text-align:center;"| '''W''' 24–0
|style="text-align:center;"| 1–1
|style="text-align:center;"| [[Heinz Field]]
|style="text-align:center;"| [[NFL on Fox|Fox]]
|style="text-align:center;"| [http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2011091809/2011/REG2/seahawks@steelers Recap]
|- style="background:#cfc"
! 3
|style="text-align:center;"| September 25
|style="text-align:center;"| 8:20 p.m.
|style="text-align:center;"| at [[2011 Indianapolis Colts season|Indianapolis Colts]]
|style="text-align:center;"| '''W''' 23–20
|style="text-align:center;"| 2–1
|style="text-align:center;"| [[Lucas Oil Stadium]]
|style="text-align:center;"| [[NBC Sunday Night Football|NBC]]
|style="text-align:center;"| [http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2011092514/2011/REG3/steelers@colts Recap]
|- style="background:#fcc"
! 4
|style="text-align:center;"| October 2
|style="text-align:center;"| 1:00 p.m.
|style="text-align:center;"| at [[2011 Houston Texans season|Houston Texans]]
|style="text-align:center;"| '''L''' 10–17
|style="text-align:center;"| 2–2
|style="text-align:center;"| [[Reliant Stadium]]
|style="text-align:center;"| CBS
|style="text-align:center;"| [http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2011100202/2011/REG4/steelers@texans Recap]
|- style="background:#cfc"
! 5
|style="text-align:center;"| October 9
|style="text-align:center;"| 1:00 p.m.
|style="text-align:center;"| [[2011 Tennessee Titans season|Tennessee Titans]]
|style="text-align:center;"| '''W''' 38–17
|style="text-align:center;"| 3–2
|style="text-align:center;"| Heinz Field
|style="text-align:center;"| CBS
|style="text-align:center;"| [http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2011100900/2011/REG5/titans@steelers Recap]
|- style="background:#cfc"
! 6
|style="text-align:center;"| October 16
|style="text-align:center;"| 1:00 p.m.
|style="text-align:center;"| [[2011 Jacksonville Jaguars season|Jacksonville Jaguars]]
|style="text-align:center;"| '''W''' 17–13
|style="text-align:center;"| 4–2
|style="text-align:center;"| Heinz Field
|style="text-align:center;"| CBS
|style="text-align:center;"| [http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2011101602/2011/REG6/jaguars@steelers Recap]
|- style="background:#cfc"
! 7
|style="text-align:center;"| October 23
|style="text-align:center;"| 4:05 p.m.
|style="text-align:center;"| at [[2011 Arizona Cardinals season|Arizona Cardinals]]
|style="text-align:center;"| '''W''' 32–20
|style="text-align:center;"| 5–2
|style="text-align:center;"| [[University of Phoenix Stadium]]
|style="text-align:center;"| CBS
|style="text-align:center;"| [http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2011102307/2011/REG7/steelers@cardinals Recap]
|- style="background:#cfc"
! 8
|style="text-align:center;"| October 30
|style="text-align:center;"| 4:15 p.m.
|style="text-align:center;"| [[2011 New England Patriots season|New England Patriots]]
|style="text-align:center;"| '''W''' 25–17
|style="text-align:center;"| 6–2
|style="text-align:center;"| Heinz Field
|style="text-align:center;"| CBS
|style="text-align:center;"| [http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2011103008/2011/REG8/patriots@steelers Recap]
|- style="background:#fcc"
! 9
|style="text-align:center;"| November 6
|style="text-align:center;"| 8:20 p.m.
|style="text-align:center;"| '''Baltimore Ravens'''
|style="text-align:center;"| '''L''' 20–23
|style="text-align:center;"| 6–3
|style="text-align:center;"| Heinz Field
|style="text-align:center;"| NBC
|style="text-align:center;"| [http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2011110612/2011/REG9/ravens@steelers Recap]
|- style="background:#cfc"
! 10
|style="text-align:center;"| November 13
|style="text-align:center;"| 1:00 p.m.
|style="text-align:center;"| at '''[[2011 Cincinnati Bengals season|Cincinnati Bengals]]'''
|style="text-align:center;"| '''W''' 24–17
|style="text-align:center;"| 7–3
|style="text-align:center;"| [[Paul Brown Stadium]]
|style="text-align:center;"| CBS
|style="text-align:center;"| [http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2011111303/2011/REG10/steelers@bengals Recap]
|-
! 11
|colspan="8" style="text-align:center;"| ''[[Bye (sports)|Bye]]''
|- style="background:#cfc"
! 12
|style="text-align:center;"| November 27
|style="text-align:center;"| 8:20 p.m.
|style="text-align:center;"| at [[2011 Kansas City Chiefs season|Kansas City Chiefs]]
|style="text-align:center;"| '''W''' 13–9
|style="text-align:center;"| 8–3
|style="text-align:center;"| [[Arrowhead Stadium]]
|style="text-align:center;"| NBC
|style="text-align:center;"| [http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2011112711/2011/REG12/steelers@chiefs Recap]
|- style="background:#cfc"
! 13
|style="text-align:center;"| December 4
|style="text-align:center;"| 1:00 p.m.
|style="text-align:center;"| '''Cincinnati Bengals'''
|style="text-align:center;"| '''W''' 35–7
|style="text-align:center;"| 9–3
|style="text-align:center;"| Heinz Field
|style="text-align:center;"| CBS
|style="text-align:center;"| [http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2011120405/2011/REG13/bengals@steelers Recap]
|- style="background:#cfc"
! 14
|style="text-align:center;"| December 8
|style="text-align:center;"| 8:20 p.m.
|style="text-align:center;"| '''[[2011 Cleveland Browns season|Cleveland Browns]]'''
|style="text-align:center;"| '''W''' 14–3
|style="text-align:center;"| 10–3
|style="text-align:center;"| Heinz Field
|style="text-align:center;"| [[NFL Network|NFLN]]
|style="text-align:center;"| [http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2011120800/2011/REG14/browns@steelers Recap]
|- style="background:#"
! 15
|style="text-align:center;"| December 19
|style="text-align:center;"| 8:30 p.m.
|style="text-align:center;"| at [[2011 San Francisco 49ers season|San Francisco 49ers]]
|style="text-align:center;"| <!--FINAL–SCORE-->
|style="text-align:center;"| <!--TEAM–RECORD-->
|style="text-align:center;"| [[Candlestick Park]]
|style="text-align:center;"| [[Monday Night Football|ESPN]]
|style="text-align:center;"| <!--[Recap]-->
|- style="background:#"
! 16
|style="text-align:center;"| December 24
|style="text-align:center;"| 1:00 p.m.
|style="text-align:center;"| [[2011 St. Louis Rams season|St. Louis Rams]]
|style="text-align:center;"| <!--FINAL–SCORE-->
|style="text-align:center;"| <!--TEAM–RECORD-->
|style="text-align:center;"| Heinz Field
|style="text-align:center;"| Fox
|style="text-align:center;"| <!--[Recap]-->
|- style="background:#"
! 17
|style="text-align:center;"| January 1
|style="text-align:center; background:#ff9;"| 1:00 p.m. *
|style="text-align:center;"| at '''Cleveland Browns'''
|style="text-align:center;"| <!--FINAL–SCORE-->
|style="text-align:center;"| <!--TEAM–RECORD-->
|style="text-align:center;"| [[Cleveland Browns Stadium]]
|style="text-align:center;"| CBS
|style="text-align:center;"| <!--[Recap]-->
|}
'''COLOR KEY & NOTES:'''
:'''Bold''' indicates division games.
:{{colorbox|#ffff99|<nowiki>*</nowiki>}} Yellow indicates that the game time is subject to change as a result of [[flexible scheduling]].

===Game summaries===
====Week 1: at Baltimore Ravens====
{{Americanfootballbox
 |titlestyle= {{NFLPrimaryColor|Pittsburgh Steelers}}; {{NFLSecondaryColor|Pittsburgh Steelers}};text-align:center;
 |state=autocollapse
 |title= Week One: Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens&nbsp;– Game summary
 |date=September 11
 |time=1:00 p.m. [[North American Eastern Time Zone|EDT]]
 |road=Steelers
 |R1=0|R2=7|R3=0|R4=0
 |home='''Ravens'''
 |H1=14|H2=7|H3=11|H4=3
 |stadium=[[M&T Bank Stadium]], [[Baltimore, Maryland]]
 |attendance=71,434
 |weather=75° [[Fahrenheit|F]], (Partly Cloudy)
 |referee=[[Tony Corrente]]
 |TV=[[NFL on CBS|CBS]]
 |TVAnnouncers=[[Jim Nantz]] and [[Phil Simms]]
 |reference=
 |scoring=
;First quarter
Ravens 7-0    -  [[Anquan Boldin]] 27 Yard Pass from [[Joe Flacco]]   ([[Billy Cundiff]] Kick)   (13:28)

Ravens 14-0   -  [[Ray Rice]] 1 Yard Run   (Billy Cundiff Kick)   (1:49)
;Second quarter
Ravens 14-7   -  [[Emmanuel Sanders]] 11 Yard Pass from [[Ben Roethlisberger]]    ([[Shaun Suisham]] Kick)   (10:23)

Ravens 21-7   -  Ray Rice 11 Yard Pass from Joe Flacco    (Billy Cundiff Kick)   (1:48)
;Third quarter
Ravens 29-7   -  [[Ed Dickson]] 18 Yard Pass from Joe Flacco    ([[Sam Koch]] Run for Two-Point Conversion)    (14:39)

Ravens 32-7   -  Billy Cundiff 29 Yard Field Goal    (2:50)
;Fourth quarter
Ravens 35-7   -  Billy Cundiff 30 Yard Field Goal    (1:56)
 |stats=
;Top passers
* PIT – [[Ben Roethlisberger]] - 22/41, 280&nbsp;yards, 1 TD, 3 INTs
* BAL – [[Joe Flacco]] - 17/29, 224&nbsp;yards, 3 TDs
;Top rushers
* PIT – [[Rashard Mendenhall]] – 12 rushes, 45&nbsp;yards
* BAL – [[Ray Rice]] – 19 rushes, 107&nbsp;yards, 1 TD
;Top receivers
* PIT – [[Mike Wallace (American football)|Mike Wallace]] – 8 receptions, 107&nbsp;yards
* BAL – [[Anquan Boldin]] – 4 receptions, 74&nbsp;yards, 1 TD
;Top tacklers
* PIT – [[Lawrence Timmons]] – 10 tackles, 2 assists
* BAL – [[Lardarius Webb]] – 9 tackles, 2 assists, 0.5 sack
}}
The Steelers opened up their regular season on the road against their old AFC North division rivals, the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens scored quickly on their first drive, when only three plays into the game, Baltimore wide receiver Anquan Boldin caught a 27 yard touchdown pass from quarterback Joe Flacco. The Ravens scored again on the ensuing drive when running back Ray Rice ran in a 1 yard touchdown, putting Baltimore on top 14-0 early in the first quarter. The Steelers battled back on the next drive, driving down to the Ravens 11 yard line. Pittsburgh scored on a third-and-goal play when wide receiver [[Emmanuel Sanders]] caught a touchdown in the back of the end zone from quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. The Ravens responded by scoring again, this time on an 11 yard pass from Flacco to Rice. At halftime the Ravens led 21-7, just like in the 2010 playoffs. But unlike that game, the Ravens did not let up their dominance in the second half. On Pittsburgh's first play from scrimmage in the second quarter, Ravens defensive lineman [[Haloti Ngata]] stripped  Roethlisberger of the football and recovered it at the Steelers 18 yard line. The Ravens scored yet again when tight end [[Ed Dickson]] caught an 18 yard touchdown pass from Joe Flacco. A two point conversion by punter/holder [[Sam Koch]] put the Ravens on top 29-7. The Ravens never looked back, and put up two more [[Billy Cundiff]] field goals to close out the game 35-7. The Steelers finished with 7 turnovers in the game. The loss marked the Steelers first opening day loss in 8 years, and left Pittsburgh at the bottom of the division with an 0-1 record.

====Week 2: vs. Seattle Seahawks====
{{Americanfootballbox
 |titlestyle= {{NFLPrimaryColor|Pittsburgh Steelers}}; {{NFLSecondaryColor|Pittsburgh Steelers}};text-align:center;
 |state=autocollapse
 |title= Week Two: Seattle Seahawks at Pittsburgh Steelers&nbsp;– Game summary
 |date=September 18
 |time=1:00 p.m. EDT
 |road=Seahawks
 |R1=0|R2=0|R3=0|R4=0
 |home='''Steelers'''
 |H1=7|H2=10|H3=7|H4=0
 |stadium=[[Heinz Field]], [[Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania]]
 |attendance=63,663
 |weather=63° F, (Partly Cloudy)   
 |referee=[[Bill Leavy]]
 |TV=[[NFL on Fox|Fox]]
 |TVAnnouncers=[[Kenny Albert]], [[Daryl Johnston]] and [[Tony Siragusa]]
 |reference=
 |scoring=
;First quarter
Steelers 7-0   -   [[Rashard Mendenhall]] 1 Yard Run  ([[Shaun Suisham]] Kick)   (3:28)

;Second quarter
Steelers 14-0   -   [[Isaac Redman]] 20 Yard Run   (Shaun Suisham Kick)    (12:41)

Steelers 17-0   -   Shaun Suisham 20 Yard Field Goal    (1:52)

;Third quarter
Steelers 24-0    -   [[Mike Wallace (American football)|Mike Wallace]] 2 Yard Pass from [[Ben Roethlisberger]]    (Shaun Suisham Kick)    (3:30)

;Fourth quarter
No Scoring
 |stats=
;Top passers
* SEA – [[Tarvaris Jackson]] -  20/29, 159&nbsp;yards
* PIT – [[Ben Roethlisberger]] - 22/30, 298&nbsp;yards, 1 TD
;Top rushers
* SEA – [[Tarvaris Jackson]] – 3 rushes, 12&nbsp;yards
* PIT – [[Rashard Mendenhall]] – 19 rushes, 66&nbsp;yards, 1 TD
;Top receivers
* SEA – [[Ben Obomanu]] – 4 receptions, 35&nbsp;yards
* PIT – [[Mike Wallace (American football)|Mike Wallace]] – 8 receptions, 126&nbsp;yards, 1 TD
;Top tacklers
* SEA – [[Brandon Browner]] – 6 tackles, 1 assist
* PIT – [[Troy Polamalu]] – 6 tackles, 2 assists, 1 sack
}}

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

====Week 3: at Indianapolis Colts====
{{Americanfootballbox
 |titlestyle= {{NFLPrimaryColor|Pittsburgh Steelers}}; {{NFLSecondaryColor|Pittsburgh Steelers}};text-align:center;
 |state=autocollapse
 |title= Week Three: Pittsburgh Steelers at Indianapolis Colts&nbsp;– Game summary
 |date=September 25
 |time=8:20 p.m. EDT
 |road='''Steelers'''
 |R1=10|R2=0|R3=0|R4=13
 |home=Colts
 |H1=0|H2=13|H3=0|H4=7
 |stadium=[[Lucas Oil Stadium]], [[Indianapolis, Indiana]]
 |attendance=66,309
 |weather= Dome, (Retractable Roof Closed)
 |referee=[[Terry McAulay]]
 |TV=[[NBC Sunday Night Football|NBC]]
 |TVAnnouncers=[[Al Michaels]], [[Cris Collinsworth]] and [[Michele Tafoya]]
 |reference=
 |scoring=
;First quarter
*Steelers 3-0 - [[Shaun Suisham]] 48 Yard Field Goal    (12:43)

*Steelers 10-0 - [[Mike Wallace (American football)|Mike Wallace]] 81 Yard Pass from [[Ben Roethlisberger]]    (Shaun Suisham Kick)    (3:29)
;Second quarter
*Steelers 10-3 - [[Adam Vinatieri]] 21 Yard Field Goal    (6:14)

*Tied 10-10 - [[Jamaal Anderson]] 47 Yard Fumble Return    (Adam Vinatieri Kick)    (1:46)

*Colts 13-10 - Adam Vinatieri 25 Yard Field Goal    (0:15)
;Third quarter
No Scoring
;Fourth quarter
*Tied 13-13 - Shaun Suisham 44 Yard Field Goal    (12:10)

*Steelers 20-13 - [[Troy Polamalu]] 16 Yard Fumble Return    (Shaun Suisham Kick)    (5:13)

*Tied 20-20   -   [[Joseph Addai]] 6 Yard Run  (Adam Vinatieri Kick)   (2:09)

*Steelers 23-20 - Shaun Suisham 38 Yard Field Goal    (0:04)
 |stats=
;Top passers
* PIT –  [[Ben Roethlisberger]] - 25/37, 364&nbsp;yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
* IND –  [[Kerry Collins]] - 13/29, 93&nbsp;yards
;Top rushers
* PIT – [[Rashard Mendenhall]] – 18 rushes, 37&nbsp;yards
* IND – [[Joseph Addai]] – 17 rushes, 86&nbsp;yards, 1 TD
;Top receivers
* PIT – [[Mike Wallace (American football)|Mike Wallace]] – 5 receptions, 144&nbsp;yards, 1 TD
* IND – [[Pierre Garçon]] – 6 receptions, 82&nbsp;yards
;Top tacklers
* PIT – [[James Harrison (American football)|James Harrison]] – 6 tackles, 1 assist, 1 sack
* IND – [[Pat Angerer]] – 11 tackles, 9 assists
}}

Coming off their shutout home win over the Seahawks, the Steelers flew to [[Lucas Oil Stadium]] for a primetime game against the [[Indianapolis Colts]] on Sunday night (Pittsburgh's first primetime game of the year).  Pittsburgh scored first in the first quarter with a 48-yard field goal by kicker [[Shaun Suisham]], followed by quarterback [[Ben Roethlisberger]] finding wide receiver [[Mike Wallace (American football)|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 (American football)|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.

====Week 4: at Houston Texans====
{{Americanfootballbox
 |titlestyle= {{NFLPrimaryColor|Pittsburgh Steelers}}; {{NFLSecondaryColor|Pittsburgh Steelers}};text-align:center;
 |state=autocollapse
 |title= Week Four: Pittsburgh Steelers at Houston Texans&nbsp;– Game summary
 |date=October 2
 |time=1:00 p.m. EDT/12:00 p.m. [[North American Central Time Zone|CDT]]
 |road=Steelers
 |R1=0|R2=0|R3=7|R4=3
 |home='''Texans'''
 |H1=7|H2=3|H3=0|H4=7
 |stadium=[[Reliant Stadium]], [[Houston, Texas]]
 |attendance=71,585
 |weather= Dome, (Retractable Roof Closed)
 |referee=[[Clete Blakeman]]
 |TV=CBS
 |TVAnnouncers=[[Greg Gumbel]] and [[Dan Dierdorf]]
 |reference=
 |scoring=
;First quarter
Texans 7-0   -  [[Owen Daniels]] 1 Yard Pass from [[Matt Schaub]]  ([[Neil Rackers]] Kick)  (4:05)
;Second quarter
Texans 10-0  -  Neil Rackers 25 Yard Field Goal  (2:33)
;Third quarter
Texans 10-7  -  [[Rashard Mendenhall]] 3 Yard Run ([[Shaun Suisham]] Kick)  (7:02)  
;Fourth quarter
Tied 10-10  -  Shaun Suisham 26 Yard Field Goal (14:57)

Texans 17-10  -  [[Arian Foster]] 42 Yard Run  (Neil Rackers Kick)  (12:02)
 |stats=
;Top passers
* PIT – [[Ben Roethlisberger]] - 16/30, 206 Yards, 1 INT
* HOU – [[Matt Schaub]] - 14/21, 138 Yards, 1 TD
;Top rushers
* PIT – [[Isaac Redman]] - 6 Rushes, 40 Yards
* HOU – [[Arian Foster]] - 30 Rushes, 155 Yards, 1 TD
;Top receivers
* PIT – [[Mike Wallace (American football)|Mike Wallace]] - 4 Receptions, 77 Yards
* HOU – [[Owen Daniels]] - 5 Receptions, 69 Yards, 1 TD 
;Top tacklers
* PIT – [[Troy Polamalu]] – 8 tackles, 1 assist
* HOU – [[Jason Allen (American football)|Jason Allen]] – 6 tackles, 1 INT
}}

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

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

With the loss, the Steelers fell to 2-2.

====Week 5: vs. Tennessee Titans====
{{Americanfootballbox
 |titlestyle= {{NFLPrimaryColor|Pittsburgh Steelers}}; {{NFLSecondaryColor|Pittsburgh Steelers}};text-align:center;
 |state=autocollapse
 |title= Week Five: Tennessee Titans at Pittsburgh Steelers&nbsp;– Game summary
 |date=October 9
 |time=1:00 p.m. EDT
 |road=Titans
 |R1=3|R2=0|R3=7|R4=7
 |home='''Steelers'''
 |H1=7|H2=14|H3=7|H4=10
 |stadium=Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
 |attendance=63,875
 |weather=70° F, (Sunny)
 |referee=[[Walt Anderson (American football)|Walt Anderson]]
 |TV=CBS
 |TVAnnouncers=Greg Gumbel and Dan Dierdorf
 |reference=
 |scoring=
;First quarter
Titans 3-0  -  [[Rob Bironas]] 29 Yard Field Goal  (8:21)

Steelers 7-3   -  [[Heath Miller]] 8 Yard Pass from [[Ben Rothelisberger]]  ([[Shaun Suisham]] Kick)  (3:00)
;Second quarter
Steelers 14-3   -  [[Hines Ward]] 8 Yard Pass from Ben Rothelisberger  (Shaun Suisham Kick)  (11:14)

Steelers 21-3   -  [[David Johnson (American football)|David Johnson]] 8 Yard Pass from Ben Rothelisberger  (Shaun Suisham Kick)  (6:11)
;Third quarter
Steelers 28-3   -  Hines Ward 5 Yard Pass from Ben Rothelisberger  (Shaun Suisham Kick)  (4:44)

Steelers 28-10  -  [[Chris Johnson (running back)|Chris Johnson]] 1 Yard Run (Rob Bironas Kick)  (2:02)
;Fourth quarter
Steelers 31-10  -  Shaun Suisham 19 Yard Field Goal  (10:45)

Steelers 31-17   -  Damian Williams 19 Yard Pass from [[Matt Hasselbeck]]  (Rob Bironas Kick)  (3:32)

Steelers 38-17   -  [[Mike Wallace (American football)|Mike Wallace]] 40 Yard Pass from Ben Rothelisberger  (Shaun Suisham Kick)  (2:39)
 |stats=
;Top passers
* TEN – [[Matt Hasselbeck]] - 29/49, 262 Yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
* PIT – [[Ben Roethlisberger]] - 24/34, 228 Yards, 5 TD, 1 INT  
;Top rushers
* TEN – [[Chris Johnson (running back)|Chris Johnson]] - 14 Rushes, 51 Yards, 1 TD
* PIT – [[Jonathan Dwyer]] - 11 Rushes, 107 Yards
;Top receivers
* TEN – [[Nate Washington]] - 5 Receptions, 69 Yards
* PIT – [[Mike Wallace (American football)|Mike Wallace]] - 6 Receptions, 82 Yards, 1 TD
;Top tacklers
* TEN – [[Jason McCourty]] – 8 tackles, 6 assists
* PIT – [[James Farrior]] – 9 tackles, 4 assists
}}

Hoping to rebound from their road loss to the Texans, the Steelers went home for a Week 5 intraconference duel with the [[Tennessee Titans]].  Pittsburgh trailed early in the first quarter as Titans kicker [[Rob Bironas]] got a 29-yard field goal, yet the Steelers answered with quarterback [[Ben Roethlisberger]] finding tight end [[Heath Miller]] on an 8-yard touchdown pass.  Pittsburgh would add onto their lead in the second quarter with Roethlisberger hooking up with wide receiver [[Hines Ward]] and fullback [[David Johnson (American football)|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 (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 (wide receiver)|Damian Williams, yet Pittsburgh closed out the game with Roethlisberger fiding wide receiver [[Mike Wallace (American football)|Mike Wallace]] on a 40-yard touchdown pass.

With the win, the Steelers improved to 3-2.

====Week 6: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars====
{{Americanfootballbox
 |titlestyle= {{NFLPrimaryColor|Pittsburgh Steelers}}; {{NFLSecondaryColor|Pittsburgh Steelers}};text-align:center;
 |state=autocollapse
 |title= Week Six: Jacksonville Jaguars at Pittsburgh Steelers&nbsp;– Game summary
 |date=October 16
 |time=1:00 p.m. EDT
 |road=Jaguars
 |R1=0|R2=3|R3=7|R4=3
 |home='''Steelers'''
 |H1=7|H2=10|H3=0|H4=0
 |stadium=Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
 |attendance= 62,934
 |weather= 58° F, (Cloudy)
 |referee=[[Ron Winter]]
 |TV=CBS
 |TVAnnouncers=[[Ian Eagle]] and [[Dan Fouts]]
 |reference=
 |scoring=
;First quarter
Steelers 7-0 -  [[Rashard Mendenhall]] 8 Yard Run ([[Shaun Suisham]] Kick)  (4:23) 
;Second quarter
Steelers 14-0 -  [[Mike Wallace (American football)|Mike Wallace]] 28 Yard Pass from [[Ben Rothelisberger]]  (Shaun Suisham Kick)  (13:40)

Steelers 17-0 -  Shaun Suisham 21 Yard Field Goal  (10:58)

Steelers 17-3 -  [[Josh Scobee]] 46 Yard Field Goal  (8:44)
;Third quarter
Steelers 17-10 -  [[Jason Hill (American football)|Jason Hill]] 18 Yard Pass from [[Blaine Gabbert]]  (Josh Scobee Kick)  (1:46)
;Fourth quarter
Steelers 17-13 -  Josh Scobee 45 Yard Field Goal  (4:17)
 |stats=
;Top passers
* JAC – [[Blaine Gabbert]] - 12/26, 109 Yards, 1 TD
* PIT – [[Ben Roethlisberger]] - 12/23, 200 Yards, 1 TD
;Top rushers
* JAC – [[Maurice Jones-Drew]] - 22 Rushes, 96 Yards
* PIT – [[Rashard Mendenhall]] - 23 Rushes, 146 Yards, 1 TD
;Top receivers
* JAC – [[Mike Thomas (wide receiver)|Mike Thomas]] - 4 Receptions, 36 Yards
* PIT – [[Mike Wallace (American football)|Mike Wallace]] - 2 Receptions, 76 Yards, 1 TD
;Top tacklers
* JAC – [[Paul Posluszny]] – 9 tackles, 7 assists
* PIT – [[James Farrior]] – 6 tackles, 5 assists, 1 sack
}}

Coming off their home win over the Titans, the Steelers closed out their intraconference schedule at home in a Week 6 duel with the [[Jacksonville Jaguars]].  Pittsburgh delivered the game's opening punch in the first quarter with an 8-yard touchdown run from running back [[Rashard Mendenhall]].  The Steelers would add onto their lead in the second quarter with quarterback [[Ben Roethlisberger]] finding wide receiver [[Mike Wallace (American football)|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 (American football)|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.

====Week 7: at Arizona Cardinals====
{{Americanfootballbox
 |titlestyle= {{NFLPrimaryColor|Pittsburgh Steelers}}; {{NFLSecondaryColor|Pittsburgh Steelers}};text-align:center;
 |state=autocollapse
 |title= Week Seven: Pittsburgh Steelers at Arizona Cardinals&nbsp;– Game summary
 |date=October 23
 |time=4:05 p.m. EDT/1:05 p.m. [[Pacific Time Zone|Arizona Time]]
 |road='''Steelers'''
 |R1=7|R2=10|R3=9|R4=6
 |home=Cardinals
 |H1=0|H2=7|H3=7|H4=6
 |stadium=[[University of Phoenix Stadium]], [[Glendale, Arizona]]
 |attendance=62,475
 |weather= Dome, (Retractable Roof Closed)
 |referee=[[John Parry (American football official)|John Parry]]
 |TV=CBS
 |TVAnnouncers=Greg Gumbel and Dan Dierdorf
 |reference=
 |scoring=
;First quarter
Steelers 7-0 -  [[Heath Miller]] 12 Yard Pass from [[Ben Rothelisberger]]  ([[Shaun Suisham]] Kick)  (9:39)
;Second quarter
Steelers 14-0 -  [[Mike Wallace (American football)|Mike Wallace]] 95 Yard Pass from Ben Rothelisberger  (Shaun Suisham Kick)  (8:09)

Steelers 14-7 -  [[Alfonso Smith (running back)|Alfonso Smith]] 1 Yard Run ([[Jay Feely]] Kick)  (1:20)

Steelers 17-7 -  Shaun Suisham 41 Yard Field Goal  (0:00)
;Third quarter
Steelers 17-14 -  [[LaRod Stephens-Howling]] 73 Yard Pass from [[Kevin Kolb]]  (Jay Feely Kick)  (9:26)

Steelers 24-14 -  [[Emmanuel Sanders]] 4 Yard Pass from Ben Rothelisberger  (Shaun Suisham Kick)  (3:54)

Steelers 26-14 -  Intentional Grounding called on Kevin Kolb in the End Zone (3:42)
;Fourth quarter
Steelers 29-14 -  Shaun Suisham 42 Yard Field Goal  (11:30)

Steelers 32-14 -  Shaun Suisham 39 Yard Field Goal  (6:46)

Steelers 32-20 -  [[Early Doucet]] 2 Yard Pass from Kevin Kolb  (Kevin Kolb Pass Incomplete)  (3:53)
 |stats=
;Top passers
* PIT – [[Ben Roethlisberger]] - 26/39, 361 Yards, 3 TD
* ARI – [[Kevin Kolb]] - 18/34, 272 Yards, 2 TD, 1 INT 
;Top rushers
* PIT – [[Rashard Mendenhall]] - 13 Rushes, 32 Yards 
* ARI – [[Beanie Wells]] - 12 Rushes, 42 Yards 
;Top receivers
* PIT – [[Mike Wallace (American football)|Mike Wallace]] - 3 Receptions, 118 Yards, 1 TD
* ARI – [[Larry Fitzgerald]] - 4 Receptions, 78 Yards 
;Top tacklers
* PIT – [[LaMarr Woodley]] – 6 tackles, 1 assist, 2 sacks
* ARI – [[Richard Marshall (defensive back)|Richard Marshall]], [[Patrick Peterson]], & [[Daryl Washington]] – 7 tackles each
}}

Coming off their win over the Jagaurs, the Steelers flew to the [[University of Phoenix Stadium]] for a Week 7 interconference duel with the [[Arizona Cardinals]], in a rematch of [[Super Bowl XLIII]].  Pittsburgh delivered the game's opening punch in the first quarter as quarterback [[Ben Roethlisberger]] found tight end [[Heath Miller]] on a 12-yard touchdown pass.  The Steelers would add onto their lead in the second quarter with Roethlisberger hooking up with wide receiver [[Mike Wallace (American football)|Mike Wallace]] on a 95-yard touchdown pass.  The Cardinals would answer with running back [[Alfonso Smith (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 33-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.

====Week 8: vs. New England Patriots====
{{Americanfootballbox
 |titlestyle= {{NFLPrimaryColor|Pittsburgh Steelers}}; {{NFLSecondaryColor|Pittsburgh Steelers}};text-align:center;
 |state=autocollapse
 |title= Week Eight: New England Patriots at Pittsburgh Steelers&nbsp;– Game summary
 |date=October 30
 |time=4:15 p.m. EDT
 |road=Patriots
 |R1=0|R2=10|R3=0|R4=7
 |home='''Steelers'''
 |H1=7|H2=10|H3=3|H4=5
 |stadium=Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
 |attendance= 64,424
 |weather= 40° F, (Cloudy)
 |referee=[[Mike Carey (American football)|Mike Carey]]
 |TV=CBS
 |TVAnnouncers= Jim Nantz and Phil Simms
 |reference=
 |scoring=
;First quarter
Steelers 7-0 -  [[Mewelde Moore]] 5 Yard Pass from [[Ben Rothelisberger]]  ([[Shaun Suisham]] Kick)  (9:08)
;Second quarter
Steelers 10-0 -  Shaun Suisham 33 Yard Field Goal  (14:57)

Steelers 10-7   -  [[Deion Branch]] 2 Yard Pass from [[Tom Brady]]  ([[Stephen Gostkowski]] Kick)  (8:20)

Steelers 17-7 -  [[Antonio Brown (wide receiver, born 1988)|Antonio Brown]] 7 Yard Pass from Ben Rothelisberger  (Shaun Suisham Kick)  (2:41)

Steelers 17-10 -  Stephen Gostkowski 46 Yard Field Goal  (0:29)
;Third quarter
Steelers 20-10 -  Shaun Suisham 21 Yard Field Goal  (6:11)
;Fourth quarter
Steelers 23-10 -  Shaun Suisham 23 Yard Field Goal  (11:26)

Steelers 23-17   -  [[Aaron Hernandez]] 1 Yard Pass from Tom Brady  (Stephen Gostkowski Kick)  (2:35)

Steelers 25-17 -  Fumble forced out of back of End Zone by [[Troy Polamalu]] (0:08)
 |stats=
;Top passers
* NE – [[Tom Brady]] - 24/35, 198 Yards, 2 TD 
* PIT – [[Ben Roethlisberger]] - 36/50, 365 Yards, 2 TD, 1 INT   
;Top rushers
* NE – [[Kevin Faulk]] - 6 Rushes, 32 Yards
* PIT – [[Rashard Mendenhall]] - 13 Rushes, 70 Yards
;Top receivers
* NE – [[Rob Gronkowski]] - 7 Receptions, 94 Yards
* PIT – [[Heath Miller]] - 7 Receptions, 85 Yards
;Top tacklers
* NE – [[Patrick Chung]] – 10 tackles, 3 assists
* PIT – [[Ike Taylor]] – 6 tackles
}}

Coming off their road win over the Cardinals, the Steelers went home for a Week 8 duel with the [[New England Patriots]].  Pittsburgh delivered the game's opening punch in the first quarter as quarterback [[Ben Roethlisberger]] found running back [[Mewelde Moore]] on a 5-yard touchdown pass.  The Steelers would add onto their lead in the second quarter with a 33-yard field goal from kicker [[Shaun Suisham]].  The Patriots answered with quarterback [[Tom Brady]] completing a 2-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver [[Deion Branch]], yet Pittsburgh struck back with Roethlisberger connecting with wide receiver [[Antonio Brown (wide receiver, born 1988)|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.

====Week 9: vs. Baltimore Ravens====
{{Americanfootballbox
 |titlestyle= {{NFLPrimaryColor|Pittsburgh Steelers}}; {{NFLSecondaryColor|Pittsburgh Steelers}};text-align:center;
 |state=autocollapse
 |title= Week Nine: Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers&nbsp;– Game summary
 |date=November 6
 |time=8:20 p.m. EST
 |road='''Ravens'''
 |R1=3|R2=6|R3=7|R4=7
 |home=Steelers
 |H1=0|H2=6|H3=0|H4=14
 |stadium=Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
 |attendance=64,851
 |weather=50° F, (Partly Cloudy)
 |referee=[[Walt Coleman]]
 |TV=NBC
 |TVAnnouncers= Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth, Michele Tafoya
 |reference=
 |scoring=
;First quarter
Ravens 3-0 - [[Billy Cundiff]] 18 Yard Field Goal   (8:10)
;Second quarter
Tied 3-3 - [[Shaun Suisham]] 36 Yard Field Goal   (14:05)

Ravens 6-3 - Billy Cundiff 43 Yard Field Goal   (9:28)

Tied 6-6 - Shaun Suisham 30 Yard Field Goal   (1:10)

Ravens 9-6 - Billy Cundiff 51 Yard Field Goal   (0:00)
;Third quarter
Ravens 16-6 - [[Ray Rice]] 4 Yard Run (Billy Cundiff Kick) (4:27)
;Fourth quarter
Ravens 16-13 - [[Rashard Mendenhall]] 1 Yard Run (Shaun Suisham Kick) (6:45)

Steelers 20-16 - [[Mike Wallace (American football)|Mike Wallace]] 25 Yard Pass from [[Ben Roethlisberger]] (Shaun Suisham Kick) (4:59)

Ravens 23-20 - [[Torrey Smith]] 26 Yard Pass from [[Joe Flacco]] (Billy Cundiff Kick) (0:08)
 |stats=
;Top passers
* BAL – [[Joe Flacco]] - 28/47, 300&nbsp;yards, 1 TD
* PIT – [[Ben Roethlisberger]] - 20/37, 330&nbsp;yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
;Top rushers
* BAL – [[Ray Rice]] – 18 rushes, 43&nbsp;yards, 1 TD
* PIT – [[Rashard Mendenhall]] – 13 rushes, 52&nbsp;yards, 1 TD
;Top receivers
* BAL – [[Anquan Boldin]] – 7 receptions, 88&nbsp;yards
* PIT – [[Antonio Brown (wide receiver, born 1988)|Antonio Brown]] - 5 Receptions, 109 Yards
;Top tacklers
* BAL – [[Lardarius Webb]] – 6 tackles
* PIT – [[James Harrison (American football)|James Harrison]] – 8 tackles
}}

Following their victory over the Patriots, the Steelers remained at home the next week for their second match-up of the season against division rivals the [[Baltimore Ravens]].  The Ravens scored first with an 18-yard field goal by kicker [[Billy Cundiff]], the only points scored in the first quarter by either team.  Steelers kicker [[Shaun Suisham]] answered with a 36-yard field goal early in the second quarter, and a 30-yard field goal near the end, but both of these were quickly matched by Baltimore's Cundiff with a 43-yard and 51-yard field goal, respectively, giving Baltimore a 9-6 lead at halftime.  The Ravens then increased their lead in the third quarter when [[Ray Rice]] scored the first touchdown of the game on a 4-yard run.  The Steelers rallied hard in the fourth quarter, with running back [[Rashard Mendenhall]] making a 1-yard run to score a touchdown, and then taking the lead for the first time in the game when quarterback [[Ben Roethlisberger]] made a successful 25-yard pass to wide receiver [[Mike Wallace (American football)|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.

====Week 10: at Cincinnati Bengals====
{{Americanfootballbox
 |titlestyle= {{NFLPrimaryColor|Pittsburgh Steelers}}; {{NFLSecondaryColor|Pittsburgh Steelers}};text-align:center;
 |state=autocollapse
 |title= Week Ten: Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals&nbsp;– Game summary
 |date=November 13
 |time=1:00 p.m. EST
 |road='''Steelers'''
 |R1=14|R2=3|R3=7|R4=0
 |home=Bengals
 |H1=7|H2=3|H3=7|H4=0
 |stadium=[[Paul Brown Stadium]], [[Cincinnati, Ohio]]
 |attendance=63,262
 |weather=62° F, (Cloudy and Windy)
 |referee=[[Bill Leavy]]
 |TV=CBS
 |TVAnnouncers=Ian Eagle and Dan Fouts
 |reference=
 |scoring=
;First quarter
Steelers 7-0 - [[Jerricho Cotchery]] 16 Yard Pass from [[Ben Roethlisberger]] ([[Shaun Suisham]] Kick) (9:15)

Steelers 14-0 - [[Rashard Mendenhall]] 2 Yard Run (Shaun Suisham Kick) (3:37)  

Steelers 14-7 - [[A. J. Green|A.J. Green]] 36 Yard Pass from [[Andy Dalton]] ([[Mike Nugent]] Kick) (0:14)
;Second quarter
Steelers 14-10 - Mike Nugent 43 Yard Field Goal (12:02)

Steelers 17-10 - Shaun Suisham 39 Yard Field Goal (0:58)
;Third quarter
Tied 17-17 - [[Jermaine Gresham]] 1 Yard Pass from Andy Dalton (Mike Nugent Kick) (8:38)

Steelers 24-17 - Rashard Mendenhall 9 Yard Run (Shaun Suisham Kick) (1:55)
;Fourth quarter
No Scoring
 |stats=
;Top passers
* PIT – [[Ben Roethlisberger]] - 21/33, 245&nbsp;yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
* CIN – [[Andy Dalton]] - 15/30, 170&nbsp;yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs
;Top rushers
* PIT – [[Rashard Mendenhall]] - 16 Rushes, 44 Yards, 2 TDs
* CIN – [[Cedric Benson]] - 15 Rushes, 57 Yards
;Top receivers
* PIT – [[Antonio Brown (wide receiver, born 1988)|Antonio Brown]] - 5 Receptions, 86 Yards
* CIN – [[Andrew Hawkins]] - 5 Receptions, 56 Yards
;Top tacklers
* PIT – [[Troy Polamalu]] – 5 tackles, 1 assist
* CIN – [[Chris Crocker (American football)|Chris Crocker]] – 5 tackles, 2 assists
}}

Hoping to rebound from their season-sweeping loss to the Ravens, the Steelers flew to [[Paul Brown Stadium]] for a Week 10 AFC North duel with the [[Cincinnati Bengals]].  Pittsburgh delivered the game's opening punch in the first quarter with quarterback [[Ben Roethlisberger]] finding wide receiver [[Jerricho Cotchery]] on a 16-yard touchdown pass, followed by a 2-yard touchdown run from running back [[Rashard Mendenhall]].  The Bengals would answer with quarterback [[Andy Dalton]] completing a 36-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver [[A. J. Green|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.

====Week 12: at Kansas City Chiefs====
{{Americanfootballbox
 |titlestyle= {{NFLPrimaryColor|Pittsburgh Steelers}}; {{NFLSecondaryColor|Pittsburgh Steelers}};text-align:center;
 |state=autocollapse
 |title= Week Twelve: Pittsburgh Steelers at Kansas City Chiefs&nbsp;– Game summary
 |date=November 27
 |time=8:20 p.m. EST/7:20 p.m. CST
 |road='''Steelers'''
 |R1=0|R2=13|R3=0|R4=0
 |home=Chiefs
 |H1=3|H2=3|H3=0|H4=3
 |stadium=[[Arrowhead Stadium]], [[Kansas City, Missouri]]
 |attendance= 72,173
 |weather= 32° F, (Clear)
 |referee=[[Ed Hochuli]]
 |TV=NBC
 |TVAnnouncers=Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth and Michele Tafoya
 |reference=
 |scoring=
;First quarter
Chiefs 3-0 - [[Ryan Succop]] 41 Yard Field Goal (10:40)

;Second quarter
Tied 3-3 - [[Shaun Suisham]] 21 Yard Field Goal (13:29)

Steelers 10-3 - [[Weslye Saunders]] 2 Yard Pass from [[Ben Roethlisberger]] (Shaun Suisham Kick) (10:53)

Steelers 10-6 - Ryan Succop 49 Yard Field Goal (4:30)

Steelers 13-6 - Shaun Suisham 49 Yard Field Goal (0:00)

;Third quarter
No Scoring

;Fourth quarter
Steelers 13-9 - Ryan Succop 40 Yard Field Goal (7:11)

 |stats=
;Top passers
* PIT – [[Ben Roethlisberger]] - 21/31, 193&nbsp;yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
* KC –  [[Tyler Palko]] - 18/28, 167&nbsp;yards, 3 INT
;Top rushers
* PIT – [[Rashard Mendenhall]] - 17 Rushes, 57 Yards
* KC – [[Thomas Jones (American football)|Thomas Jones]] - 13 Rushes, 37 Yards
;Top receivers
* PIT – [[Antonio Brown (wide receiver, born 1988)|Antonio Brown]] - 4 Receptions, 81 Yards
* KC – [[Dwayne Bowe]] - 7 Receptions, 69 Yards
;Top tacklers
* PIT – [[Ryan Mundy]] – 7 tackles, 3 assists
* KC – [[Derrick Johnson]] - 8 tackles, 1 assist
}}

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

With the win, the Steelers improved to 8-3.

====Week 13: vs. Cincinnati Bengals====
{{Americanfootballbox
 |titlestyle= {{NFLPrimaryColor|Pittsburgh Steelers}}; {{NFLSecondaryColor|Pittsburgh Steelers}};text-align:center;
 |state=autocollapse
 |title= Week Thirteen: Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers&nbsp;– Game summary
 |date=December 4
 |time=1:00 p.m. EST
 |road=Bengals
 |R1=0|R2=7|R3=0|R4=0
 |home='''Steelers'''
 |H1=0|H2=28|H3=7|H4=0
 |stadium=Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
 |attendance=63,697
 |weather=59° F, (Partly Cloudy)
 |referee=[[Carl Cheffers]]
 |TV=CBS
 |TVAnnouncers=Jim Nantz and Phil Simms
 |reference=
 |scoring=
;First quarter
No Scoring
;Second quarter
Steelers 7-0 - [[Rashard Mendenhall]] 3 Yard Run ([[Shaun Suisham]] Kick) (12:47)

Steelers 14-0 - Rashard Mendenhall 5 Yard Run (Shaun Suisham Kick) (10:12)

Steelers 21-0 - [[Mike Wallace (American football)|Mike Wallace]] 12 Yard Pass from [[Ben Roethlisberger]] (Shaun Suisham Kick) (8:33)

Steelers 21-7 - [[A.J. Green]] 11 Yard Pass from [[Andy Dalton]] ([[Mike Nugent]] Kick) (4:06)

Steelers 28-7 - [[Antonio Brown (wide receiver, born 1988)|Antonio Brown]] 60 Yard Punt Return (Shaun Suisham Kick) (1:16)
;Third quarter
Steelers 35-7 - Mike Wallace 19 Yard Pass from Ben Roethlisberger (Shaun Suisham Kick) (3:26)
;Fourth quarter
No Scoring
 |stats=
;Top passers
* CIN – [[Andy Dalton]] - 11/24, 135&nbsp;yards, 1 TD
* PIT – [[Ben Roethlisberger]] - 15/23, 176&nbsp;yards, 2 TDs 
;Top rushers
* CIN – [[Cedric Benson]] - 13 Rushes, 52 Yards
* PIT – [[Rashard Mendenhall]] - 16 Rushes, 60 Yards, 2 TDs
;Top receivers
* CIN – [[A. J. Green|A.J. Green]] - 6 Receptions, 87 Yards, 1 TD
* PIT – [[Antonio Brown (wide receiver, born 1988)|Antonio Brown]] - 2 Receptions, 67 Yards
;Top tacklers
* CIN – [[Rey Mauluga]] - 6 tackles
* PIT – [[Lawrence Timmons]] – 6 tackles, 2 assists
}}

Coming off their Sunday night win over the Chiefs, the Steelers went home for a Week 13 AFC North rematch with the [[Cincinnati Bengals]]. In the first quarter, Cincinatti threatened to score after Bengals wide receiver [[AJ Green]] caught a 43 yard pass from quarterback [[Andy Dalton (American football)|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 (American football)|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 Cincinatti with a 60 yard punt return by [[Antonio Brown (wide receiver, born 1988)|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 Cincinatti to no scoring. Led by James Harrison, who finished the game with 3 sacks, they held Cincinatti to only 232 net yards.

With the win, the Steelers improved to 9-3.

====Week 14: vs. Cleveland Browns====
{{Americanfootballbox
 |titlestyle= {{NFLPrimaryColor|Pittsburgh Steelers}}; {{NFLSecondaryColor|Pittsburgh Steelers}};text-align:center;
 |state=autocollapse
 |title= Week Fourteen: Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers&nbsp;– Game summary
 |date=December 8
 |time=8:20 p.m. EST
 |road=Browns
 |R1=3|R2=0|R3=0|R4=0
 |home='''Steelers'''
 |H1=7|H2=0|H3=0|H4=7
 |stadium=Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
 |attendance=60,754
 |weather=31° F, (Clear)
 |referee=[[Ed Hochuli]]
 |TV=[[NFL Network|NFLN]]
 |TVAnnouncers=[[Brad Nessler]], [[Mike Mayock]], and [[Alex Flanagan]]
 |reference=
 |scoring=
;First quarter
Browns 3-0 - [[Phil Dawson]] 20 Yard Field Goal (9:22)

Steelers 7-3 - [[Jerricho Cotchery]] 11 Yard Pass from [[Ben Roethlisberger]] ([[Shaun Suisham]] Kick) (6:12)
;Second quarter
No Scoring
;Third quarter
No Scoring
;Fourth quarter
Steelers 14-3 - [[Antonio Brown (wide receiver, born 1988)|Antonio Brown]] 79 Yard Pass from Ben Roethlisberger (Shaun Suisham Kick) (2:52)
 |stats=
;Top passers
* CLE – [[Colt McCoy]] - 18/35, 309&nbsp;yards, 2 INT
* PIT –  [[Ben Roethlisberger]] - 16/21, 280&nbsp;yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
;Top rushers
* CLE – [[Chris Ogbonnaya]] - 2 Rushes, 31 Yards
* PIT – [[Rashard Mendenhall]] - 18 Rushes, 76 Yards
;Top receivers
* CLE – [[Evan Moore]] - 4 Receptions, 55 Yards
* PIT – [[Antonio Brown (wide receiver, born 1988)|Antonio Brown]] - 5 Receptions, 151 Yards, 1 TD
;Top tacklers
* CLE – [[D'Qwell Jackson]] - 7 tackles, 6 assists
* PIT – [[Ryan Clark (American football)|Ryan Clark]] – 9 tackles, 1 assist
}}

Coming off their season-sweeping win over the Bengals, the Steelers stayed at home, donned their throwback uniforms again, and played a Week 14 AFC North duel with the [[Cleveland Browns]] on Thursday night.  Pittsburgh trailed early in the first quarter as Browns kicker [[Phil Dawson]] got a 20-yard field goal.  The Steelers would answer with quarterback [[Ben Roethlisberger]] finding wide receiver [[Jerricho Cotchery]] on an 11-yard touchdown pass.  After a scoreless second and third quarter (which saw Roethlisberger suffer a left high-ankle sprain near the end of the first half and yet returned for the start of the second), Pittsburgh pulled away in the fourth quarter with Roethlisberger hooking up with wide receiver [[Antonio Brown (wide receiver, born 1988)|Antonio Brown]] on a 79-yard touchdown pass.

With the win, the Steelers improved to 10-3.

====Week 15: at San Francisco 49ers====
{{Americanfootballbox
 |titlestyle= {{NFLPrimaryColor|Pittsburgh Steelers}}; {{NFLSecondaryColor|Pittsburgh Steelers}};text-align:center;
 |state=autocollapse
 |title= Week Fifteen: Pittsburgh Steelers at San Francisco 49ers&nbsp;– Game summary
 |date=December 19
 |time=8:30 p.m. EST/5:30 p.m. [[Pacific Time Zone|PST]]
 |road=Steelers
 |R1=|R2=|R3=|R4=
 |home=49ers
 |H1=|H2=|H3=|H4=
 |stadium=[[Candlestick Park]], [[San Francisco, California]]
 |attendance=
 |weather=
 |referee=
 |TV=[[Monday Night Football|ESPN]]
 |TVAnnouncers=[[Mike Tirico]], [[Ron Jaworski]], [[Jon Gruden]] <!--and [[sideline reporter(s)-->
 |reference=
 |scoring=
;First quarter
;Second quarter
;Third quarter
;Fourth quarter
 |stats=
;Top passers
* PIT – 
* SF –  
;Top rushers
* PIT – 
* SF – 
;Top receivers
* PIT – 
* SF – 
;Top tacklers
* PIT – 
* SF – 
}}

====Week 16: vs. St. Louis Rams====
{{Americanfootballbox
 |titlestyle= {{NFLPrimaryColor|Pittsburgh Steelers}}; {{NFLSecondaryColor|Pittsburgh Steelers}};text-align:center;
 |state=autocollapse
 |title= Week Sixteen: St. Louis Rams at Pittsburgh Steelers&nbsp;– Game summary
 |date=December 24
 |time=1:00 p.m. EST
 |road=Rams
 |R1=|R2=|R3=|R4=
 |home=Steelers
 |H1=|H2=|H3=|H4=
 |stadium=Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
 |attendance=
 |weather=
 |referee=
 |TV=Fox
 |TVAnnouncers=
 |reference=
 |scoring=
;First quarter
;Second quarter
;Third quarter
;Fourth quarter
 |stats=
;Top passers
* STL – 
* PIT –  
;Top rushers
* STL – 
* PIT – 
;Top receivers
* STL – 
* PIT – 
;Top tacklers
* STL – 
* PIT – 
}}

====Week 17: at Cleveland Browns====
{{Americanfootballbox
 |titlestyle= {{NFLPrimaryColor|Pittsburgh Steelers}}; {{NFLSecondaryColor|Pittsburgh Steelers}};text-align:center;
 |state=autocollapse
 |title= Week Seventeen: Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns&nbsp;– Game summary
 |date=January 1
 |time=1:00 p.m. EST
 |road=Steelers|
 |R1= |R2= |R3= |R4= 
 |home=Browns
 |H1= |H2= |H3= |H4=
 |stadium=[[Cleveland Browns Stadium]], [[Cleveland, Ohio]]
 |attendance=
 |weather=
 |referee=
 |TV=CBS
 |TVAnnouncers=
 |reference=
 |scoring=
;First quarter
;Second quarter
;Third quarter
;Fourth quarter
 |stats=
;Top passers
* PIT – 
* CLE –  
;Top rushers
* PIT – 
* CLE – 
;Top receivers
* PIT – 
* CLE – 
;Top tacklers
* PIT – 
* CLE – 
}}

===Standings===
{{2011 AFC North standings}}

==Staff==
{{Pittsburgh Steelers staff}}

==Roster==
{{Pittsburgh Steelers roster}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{Pittsburgh Steelers seasons}}
{{Pittsburgh Steelers }}
{{2011 NFL season by team}}