Steelers 26, Buffalo Bills 3September 16, 2007* *Heinz Field
The standard was set in Mike Tomlin's first game at Heinz Field when the Steelers easily defeated the Buffalo Bills, 26-3.
The offense moved the ball in the first half with 14 first downs and 239 yards, but the only scoring came on four Jeff Reed field goals. The defense stymied the Bills offense, holding them to one first down and a mere 58 yards.
"We kept putting 3s on the board, but at least we were doing that while we ran the clock off," said guard Alan Faneca. "We definitely would have liked to get in the end zone a couple of times. It stings a little bit when you're only putting 3s up."
A scary moment occurred right before the end of the half when William Gay lay motionless on the field, and was taken off the field on a stretcher with a neck injury, and wouldn't return. The injury had everyone holding their breath as a week earlier Bills' tight end Kevin Everett suffered a spinal cord injury. Harrison did return to the sideline in the second half, much to the relief of all.
"I just jammed my neck up and couldn't move it for a minute," said Harrison. "I was sitting back and everything. I could move. I'm like, 'I'm feeling better, it just feels a little loose.' As soon as I said that, it was 'Don't move, we're strapping you up.' "
In 2007 the Steelers defeated the Bills in a regular season game 26-3.
In the second half the Bills got on the board on a 24-yard field goal by Rian Lindell, but that would be it for the Bills.
The Steelers, who wore throwback uniforms as part of the Steelers' 75th Anniversary celebration, answered with their first touchdown drive of the day. Running back Willie Parker was called upon often and responded, carrying the ball six times for 34 yards on the drive. Ben Roethlisberger hit Santonio Holmes for a 27-yard reception to the five-yard line, and then hit pay dirt on a one-yard touchdown pass to tight end Matt Spaeth for a 19-3 lead.
The defense continued to harass the Bills, who finished the day with 10 first downs and only 223 yards of total offense. It was the opposite for the Steelers who had 24 first downs and 420 yards.
Parker, who put the Steelers up 26-3 with an 11-yard touchdown run late in the game, had 23 carries and accounted for 126 of the team's 184 yards rushing on the day.
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