A deeper dive into some key numbers from the Week 15 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals.
471
There is no way to start off 'By the Numbers' this week without a shout out to Antonio Brown, who has recorded the most catches by a player in any 4-season span in NFL history. Since the 2013 season Brown has logged 471 receptions, surpassing the previous record holder, Marvin Harrison (469), by 2 catches.
18
After allowing the Bengals offense to post a 20-6 lead in the second quarter, the Steelers defense shut the door. The Steelers offense was able to score 18 unanswered points to secure the win.
190
The Steelers struggled with penalties in the first half, giving up 74 yards on 4 penalties. In the second half, that script flipped. The Bengals were penalized 7 times for 71 yards in the second half. All together, the AFC North matchup between the Steelers and Bengals resulted in 190 penalty yards.
4
Ben Roethlisberger spread the ball around against the Bengals. A lot. Four different offensive players finished with 30 receiving yards. Those players are Eli Rogers (75), Ladarius Green (72), Antonio Brown (58) and Le'Veon Bell (38). Roethlisberger also completed passes of 20 yards to four different players - Rogers, Green, Brown and Landry Jones.
160
The Steelers defense allowed just 222 net yards of total offense. The Bengals' rushing attack was held to just 76 total yards, and the Steelers held the Bengals to 146 net yards. By contrast, the Steelers offense was able to collect 382 net yards, a difference of 160 yards.
9
The senior member of the Steelers defense, William Gay, led the Steelers defense with 9 total tackles (4 solo, 5 assists). Close on his heels was Ryan Shazier with 8 total tackles (5 solo, 3 assists).
16
Speaking of Timmons, he returned his third quarter interception of Andy Dalton 16 yards. It marks Timmons' 2nd interception of the 2016 season and the 12th of his career.
11
Each team recorded one sack. For the Bengals, it was Geno Atkins for a loss of 1 yard. For the Steelers, it was Ryan Shazier, which resulted in an 11-yard loss. Shazier has now matched his single-season career high for sacks at 3.5.
6
Let's hear it for The Boz! With 6 successful field goals against the Bengals, Chris Boswell tied a franchise single-game record for the most field goals made. He joins Jeff Reed (Dec. 1, 2002) and Gary Anderson (Oct. 23, 1998) as the only players in Steelers history to connect on 6 field goals in a single game.
262
Those field goals weren't exactly chip shots, either. Boswell connected from (in order) 45, 49, 49, 40, 49 and 30 yards. Three 49-yard field goals through the uprights is a pretty good day at the office. In all, Boswell kicked 262 yards worth of field goals.
50
Since we're talking specialists, let's mention another milestone. Jordan Berry has pinned the Steelers' opponents inside their own 20-yard line 50 times in his career. He is the seventh Steelers punter with at least 50.
44
Sammie Coates provided an early spark on a 44-yard kickoff return in the first quarter. It marks the longest kick return of Coates' career. Coates also established a career-long run with a 15-yarder in the third quarter.
3
After the barrage of Boswell field goals, Roethlisberger connected with Rogers in the fourth quarter for a 24-yard touchdown. Rogers has now recorded 3 touchdowns during the 2016 season.
