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Steelers (2-2) Vs. Titans (3-1): Facts And Figures For Two Old AFC Central Rivals

Two former divisional rivals meet at Heinz Field on Sunday when the struggling Pittsburgh Steelers host the upstart Tennessee Titans. For Pittsburgh, Week 5 represents a chance to get back above .500 and shore up two of the team's most glaring issues through the first four weeks -- protecting the quarterback and stopping the run. For Tennessee, the trip to Pittsburgh represents the perfect opportunity to prove that their 3-1 start is no fluke and that their ready to contend for the AFC South title in Mike Munchak's first year at the helm.

Let's take a look at a few facts and figures for each squad as Steeler Nation nervously waits to see how the six-time Super Bowl champions will rebound from early-season adversity.

STEELERS:

  • Club has won 4 of past 5 at home.

  • In 3 career games vs. Titans, QB Ben Roethlisberger is 2-1 & has completed 67 of 93 passes (72 pct.) for 910 yards with 5 TDs & 102.9 passer rating. Roethlisberger has 18-7 (.720) record as starter in Oct.

  • RB Rashard Mendenhall has 6 rush TDs in past 7 games.

  • WR Hines Ward (11,838) needs 67 rec. yards to surpass HOFer Michael Irvin (11,834) for 19th-most in NFL history. Has 100+ rec. yards (109, 103) in 2 of past 3 vs. Titans. 

  • WR Mike Wallace averages 113.5 rec. yards per game this season (454 total). Aims for 4th consecutive game with 100+ yards at home (102, 104, 126).

  • 11 of WR Antonio Brown's 15 rec. have been for 1st downs (73.3 pct.) this season.

  • TE Heath Miller (298) needs 2 catches to become 1st Pit. TE with 300 career...Defense allows 277 yards per game, 2nd-lowest in NFL this season (Bengals, 275.5).

  • In last game vs. Ten., LB James Harrison had 2 sacks, 2 FFs & FR. (Who's ready to step up in his place since he'll not be available?)

  • S Troy Polamalu has 3 INTs in 5 career games vs. Titans.

TITANS

  • Seek fourth consecutive win.

  • In past two, QB Matt Hasselbeck has 5 TDs vs. 1 INT & 119 passer rating. Hasselbeck aims for fifth  consecutive game with 100+ passer rating. Has 8 TD passes this season - his most in 1st 4 games of any of his 11 seasons as starting NFL QB.

  • RB Chris Johnson (101 yards) record 25th career game with 100+ rush yards last week. Johnson (5,907) needs 93 scrimmage yards to reach 6,000 career.

  • WR Nate Washington spent 4 seasons (2005-08) with Steelers.

  • TE Jared Cook had career-long 80-yard TD rec. last week - longest TD catch by Titans/Oilers TE since Willie Frazier on 11/6/64 (80). 

  • TE Craig Stevens posted 1st TD catch in '11 last week...Defense allows NFL-low 14 points per game in '11.

  • LB Barrett Ruud leads team with 27 tackles.

  • DE Derrick Morgan has sack in 2 of past 3.

  • Rookie LB Akeem Ayers (2nd round, No. 39) recorded 1st career sack last week.

  • S Jordan Babineaux had 97-yard INT-TD return last week, 3rd-longest in franchise history...

Photographs by dizfunk used in background montage under Creative Commons. Thank you.