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:
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Club has won 4 of past 5 at home.
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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.
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RB Rashard Mendenhall has 6 rush TDs in past 7 games.
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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.
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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).
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11 of WR Antonio Brown's 15 rec. have been for 1st downs (73.3 pct.) this season.
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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).
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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:
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Seek fourth consecutive win.
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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.
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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.
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WR Nate Washington spent 4 seasons (2005-08) with Steelers.
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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).
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TE Craig Stevens posted 1st TD catch in '11 last week...Defense allows NFL-low 14 points per game in '11.
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LB Barrett Ruud leads team with 27 tackles.
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DE Derrick Morgan has sack in 2 of past 3.
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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...