Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2) at Arizona Cardinals (1-4)Date: Sunday, Oct. 23, 2011Kickoff: 4:05 p.m., ETSite: University of Phoenix Stadium (65,000) • Glendale, Ariz.Playing Surface: GrassTV Coverage: CBS (locally KDKA-TV, channel 2)Announcers: Greg Gumbel (play-by-play)*Dan Dierdorf (color analyst)Local Radio: Steelers Radio Network WDVE-FM (102.5)/WBGG-AM (970)Announcers: Bill Hillgrove (play-by-play) Tunch Ilkin (color analyst) Craig Wolfley (sideline)National Radio: Sports USAAnnouncers: Tom McCarthy (play-by-play) John Robinson (color analyst) Tony Graziani (sideline reporter)Spanish Radio: Grupo Imagen - Destrito Federal (Mexico City) *XEDA-FM 90.5
THE COACHES
Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike TomlinOverall regular-season record: 47-23 (.671)/fifth seasonRegular-season record at Pittsburgh: 47-23 (.671)/fifth seasonPlayoff Record/Years: 5-2/three yearsArizona Cardinals Head Coach Ken WhisenhuntOverall regular-season record: 33-36 (.478)/fifth seasonRegular-season record at Arizona: 33-36 (.478)/fifth seasonPlayoff Record/Years: 4-2/two years
SERIES HISTORYSeries History: Series began in 1933Overall: Pittsburgh leads 32-23-3At Pittsburgh: Pittsburgh leads 21-8-1At Arizona (St. Louis, Chicago): Arizona leads 15-11-2Neutral Sites: 1-0Last Regular-Season Meeting: Sept. 30, 2007 (in Arizona)*Arizona 21, Pittsburgh 14
*Postseason Series: 1-0
Last Postseason Meeting: Feb. 1, 2009 (in Tampa Bay)
Pittsburgh 27, Arizona 23 (Super Bowl XLIII)
(postseason record not included in overall series record)
Pittsburgh is 32-23-3 during the regular season against the Cardinals...the Steelers defeated Arizona in their only postseason matchup, 27-23 in Super Bowl XLIII...including the postseason, Pittsburgh has won three of the last four matchups against Arizona...the Cardinals won the last regular season contest, 21-14, back in 2008 in Pittsburgh's only trip to University of Phoenix Stadium...including the postseason, Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin is 1-1 against the Cardinals...Pittsburgh is 1-3 at Arizona, the Steelers last won in Arizona in 1997, 26-20 (OT)...the Steelers are 5-1, including the postseason, against the NFC West under Head Coach Mike Tomlin.
PITTSBURGH-ARIZONA CONNECTIONSLOCAL CONNECTIONS
• Cardinals Head Coach Ken Whisenhuntspent six seasons on the Steelers' coaching staff (2001-2006). He served as the tight ends coach for his first three seasons with the team, before moving on to offensive coordinator for the remaining three years. Whisenhunt helped guide the team to a victory in Super Bowl XL.
• Cardinals assistant head coach/offensive line Russ Grimmwas on the Steelers' coaching staff from 2001-2006. He coached the offensive line all six seasons with the Steelers, and earned the assistant head coach title for his final three seasons with the team. He also guided the Steelers to a victory in Super Bowl XL. Grimm is a native of Scottdale, Pa. and attended the University of Pittsburgh. He was an All-American center, guiding the Panthers to a 22-2 record during his final two seasons.
• Steelers CB Bryant McFaddenplayed for the Cardinals in 2009. He started all 16 games in his only season with Arizona, including the two postseason contests.
• Steelers special teams coach Al Everestcoached for the Cardinals from 1996-1999.
• Steelers running backs coach Kirby Wilsoncoached for the Cardinals from 2004-2006.
• Steelers college scout Kelvin Fisherplayed at Arizona State (1988-1991) and resides in Queen Creek, Ariz.
• Steelers scout Joe Greenespent eight seasons as the defensive line coach for the Cardinals from 1996-2003.
• Cardinals defensive coordinator Ray Hortonwas on the Steelers' coaching staff from 2004-2010. Horton coached under Steelers' defensive coordinator Dick LeBeauduring his seven years with the team. LeBeau previously coached Horton in Cincinnati, when Horton played six seasons for the Bengals from 1983-1988. Horton went to three Super Bowls with the Steelers, winning two of them (XL and XLIII).
• Cardinals offensive coordinator Mike Milleris a native of Pittsburgh. He attended Plum High School and local Clarion University. Miller served as the public relations and operations intern with the Steelers from 1994-1995 and got his start in coaching at local Robert Morris University. Miller also served as the offensive quality control coach for the Steelers from 1999-2003.
• Cardinals linebackers coach Matt Raichis a native of Monaca, Pa. Raich played collegiately at Westminster College and got his start in coaching at Westminster from 1993-1994. Miller also had coaching stints with Robert Morris University from 1996-1998 and 2000-2002. He also was an offensive assistant for the Steelers from 2004-2006, helping the team to a victory in Super Bowl XL.
• Cardinals special teams coach Kevin Spencerwas the Steelers special teams coach from 2002-2006. He also played a key role in the Steelers' Super Bowl XL victory.
• Cardinals assistant defensive backs coach Deshea Townsendplayed for the Steelers from 1998-2009. He played in 183 games with 80 starts, racking up 15.5 sacks, 21 interceptions and three defensive touchdowns in the regular season. In six career postseason games, Townsend had two interceptions. He was a two-time Super Bowl champion with the Steelers (XL and XLIII).
• Cardinals strength and conditioning coach John Lottplayed one NFL season, 1987, and it was with the Steelers.
• Cardinals scout Mike Boniwas born in Moon, Pa., and attended local Moon High School.
• Cardinals scout Luke Palkowas born in Imperial, Pa. and attended West Allegheny High School. Tyler, his brother, played at the University of Pittsburgh and spent time with the Steelers and Cardinals. Luke was the player personnel intern for the Steelers for two seasons from 2007-2008.
• Cardinals LB Joey Porterplayed eight seasons with the Steelers from 1999-2006, playing in 122 games with 106 starts. Porter compiled 60 sacks, 10 interceptions, 17 forced fumbles and eight fumble recoveries. His 60 sacks are fourth all time in Steelers' history. Porter added six sacks in eight career postseason games played and helped guide the Steelers to a victory in Super Bowl XL.
• Cardinals LB Clark Haggansspent eight seasons with the Steelers from 2000-2007, playing in 107 games with 61 starts. Haggans had 32.5 sacks and 16 forced fumbles. His 32.5 sacks rank 14th on the Steelers' all-time sacks list. Haggans had 3.5 sacks in four postseason games played with the Steelers.
• Cardinals DE Nick Easonspent four seasons with the Steelers from 2007-2010, playing in 55 games with 11 starts. Eason had three sacks as a Steeler.
• Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgeraldplayed for the University of Pittsburgh from 2002-2003. In just 26 games, he caught 161 passes for 2,677 yards and 34 TDs. He is the first and only player in school history to have back-to-back 1,000-yard receiving seasons. He finished second in the Heisman Trophy balloting in 2003, along with earning All-America honors, the Walter Camp Player of the Year Award and Biletnikoff Award.
• Cardinals RB LaRod Stephens-Howlingwas born in Johnstown, Pa. and played for the University of Pittsburgh from 2005-2008. In our seasons, he had 1,959 rushing yards and 15 TDs. He added 52 receptions for 453 yards and one touchdown. Stephens-Howling also excelled on special teams, averaging 30.2 yards per kickoff return, including a 95-yard touchdown.
• Cardinals video director Rob Brakelspent nine seasons as a video assistant for the Steelers from 1998-2007. Brakel attended local Robert Morris University.
• Cardinals OT Levi Brownplayed collegiately at Penn State University from 2002-2005.
• Cardinals wide receivers coach John McNultyplayed at Penn State University from 1988-1990.
PRO CONNECTIONS
• Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlinwas the defensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings in 2006 when Cardinals RB Chester Taylorplayed for the Vikings. Taylor was teammates on the Vikings with Steelers RB Mewelde Moorefrom 2006-2007.
• Cardinals Head Coach Ken Whisenhuntwas the tight ends coach for the New York
Jets in 2000 when Steelers LB James Farriorwas playing for the Jets. Farrior played for the Jets from 1997-2001 when Cardinals strength and conditioning coach John Lottserved in the same position for the Jets.
• Cardinals defensive backs coach Sigismondo Cioffiand Steelers defensive coordinator Dick LeBeauwere on the Cincinnati Bengals' staff together from 1997-2002.
• Cardinals tight ends coach Freddie Kitchenswas the tight ends coach for the Dallas Cowboys in 2006 when Steelers K Shaun Suishamplayed for the Cowboys. Suisham was also teammates with Cardinals OT D'Anthony Batistewhile both were with the Washington Redskins from 2008-2009.
• Steelers defensive backs coach Carnell Lakeplayed for the Jacksonville Jaguars from 1999-2000 when Cardinals wide receivers coach John McNultyserved in the same position for the Jaguars.
• Steelers offensive coordinator Bruce Ariansand Cardinals special teams coach Kevin Spencerwere on the Indianapolis Colts' staff together from 1998-2000.
• Steelers tight ends coach James Danielwas on the Atlanta Falcons' staff when Cardinals K Jay Feelywas with the Falcons from 2001-2003.
• Steelers WR Jerricho Cotcherywas teammates with the New York Jets with a number of current Arizona Cardinals. Cotchery. and S Kerry Rhodeswere teammates with the Jets from 2005-2009, with WR Chansi Stuckeyfrom 2007-2009 and K Jay Feely from 2008-2009.
• Steelers wide receivers coach Scottie Montgomeryand Cardinals LS Mike Leachplayed for the Denver Broncos together in 2002.COLLEGE CONNECTIONS
• Steelers CB Cortez Allenand Cardinals WR Andre Robertswere teammates at The Citadel from 2006-2009.• Steelers CB Bryant McFaddenand Cardinals DT Darnell Dockettwere teammates at Florida State University from 2000-2003.• Steelers LB Chris Carterand Cardinals CB A.J. Jeffersonwere*teammates at Fresno State University from 2007-2009.• SteelersCB Ike Taylor and CardinalsOT D'Anthony Batiste were teammates at Louisiana-Lafayette from 2001-2002.• SteelersCB William Gay and CardinalsFS Kerry Rhodes were teammates at the University of Louisville from 2003-2004.• SteelersLB Larry Foote and CardinalsK Jay Feely were teammates at the University of Michigan from 1998-1999.• SteelersDE Cameron Heyward and CardinalsRB Beanie Wells were teammates at Ohio State University from 2007-2008.• SteelersOG Ramon Foster and CardinalsDT Dan Williams were teammates at the University of Tennessee from 2006-2008.• SteelersCB Curtis Brown and CardinalsLB Sam Acho were teammates at the University of Texas from 2007-2010. Steelers OT Jonathan Scott and CardinalsC Lyle Sendlein were also teammates at the University of Texas from 2002-2005. Both started every game on Texas' 2005 BCS National Championship team.• Cardinals defensive line coachRon Aiken coached SteelersNT Casey Hampton and the Longhorns' defensive line at the University of Texas in 1997.• Cardinals running backs coachTommie Robinson and Steelers QB Randy Fichtner were on the Memphis Tigers' coaching staff together in 2006. *WHAT TO LOOK FOR PITTSBURGH TEAM NOTES
• The Steelers look to improve to 99-58-1 all-time against NFC opponents.
• Pittsburgh looks to earn its fifth victory in the last six games.
• The Steelers defense looks to allow less than 150 passing yards for the fifth time in the last six games.
• Pittsburgh's defense will look to hold their sixth straight opponent to 20 points or less (0, 20, 17, 17, 13).
• The Steelers are looking for their first win at University of Phoenix Stadium in their second trip to the venue.
• Pittsburgh looks to improve to 6-4 during the regular season against NFC West teams since 2002.
PITTSBURGH INDIVIDUAL NOTES
Head Coach Mike Tomlin
•Looks to improve to 2-0 against the NFC West this season and 6-1 for his career (including postseason).
•With a win will be 13-5 during the regular season against the NFC.
•Will be 5-4 on the road against NFC teams with a win.
QB Ben Roethlisberger
•Will look to set a new career-long with seventh consecutive game of at least 200 yards passing.
•With a win will improve to 21-7 as a starting quarterback in the month of October.
•Is five pass attempts shy of 3,000 for his career, making him the second quarterback in franchise history to reach the mark (Bradshaw, 3,901).
WR Hines Ward
• Needs 61 receiving yards to reach 12,000 for his career. He would be 19th player in NFL history to reach the mark and the first in Steelers' history. Ward will become the third player in NFL history to reach 12,000 career receiving yards and win multiple Super Bowls (Hall of Famers Jerry Rice and Art Monk).
RB Rashard Mendenhall
• After recording the fourth-highest rushing performance of his career with 146 yards against Jacksonville (Week 6), will look to become the first Steelers running back to register back-to-back 100-yard games since Willie Parker in 2008 (138 vs. Hou, 9/7/08; 105 at Cle, 9/14/08).
• Needs one rushing touchdown to tie Willie Parker (24) for the eighth-most in team history.
• Is 185 yards away from passing Frenchy Fuqua (2,942) for the 12th most career rushing yards in franchise history.
WR Mike Wallace
• Looking to record a reception of at least 40 yards for the sixth straight game.
• With 100 yards receiving will record his 12th 100-yard receiving game of his career and the fourth of this season.
• With 12 100-yard receiving games, will pass Plaxico Burress (11) for the fourth most in franchise history.
• If Wallace records at least 100 yards receiving it will be his seventh 100 yard receiving game in the last 10 regular season games. Below is the numbers from Wallace's last nine regular-season games:
TE Heath Miller• After becoming the seventh player and only the second tight end*in Steelers history to reach 300 career receptions, is two receptions shy of tying Franco Harris (306) for sixth place in franchise *history.
LB James Harrison• Needs 2.5 sacks to tie Greg Lloyd (53.5) for the sixth-highest* *career total in team history.
SS Troy Polamalu• After returning a fumble 16 yards for the second fumble returned*for a touchdown of his career vs. Indianapolis (Week 3), is one away from tying Jason Gildon (3) for the most fumbles returned for touchdowns in franchise history.• Needs one touchdown to move into a tie for the second-most defensive touchdowns in Steelers history:• One interception shy of tying Jack Lambert (28) for the ninth-most *in Steelers' history.
• Needs one interception return for a touchdown to tie Carnell Lake, Dwayne Woodruff, Deshea Townsend and Tony Campagno (3) for the third-most in franchise history.
• Needs 41 yards to surpass Chad Scott (368) for the ninth-most interception return yards in a career in Steelers' history.
LB LaMarr Woodley• Needs 0.5 sacks to pass Aaron Smith (44.0) for the ninth most all-time.
• With two sacks will tie Dwight White (46.0) for the eighth most*sacks in Steelers history.• After recording the 14th multi-sack game of his career during the regular season last week versus Jacksonville (2.0), looks to register multiple sacks in three consecutive games for the second time *in his career during the regular season (2008).
