With the 2025 season on the horizon, Steelers.com is bringing you Looking Back, where a game against each of our opponents is highlighted. In this edition, it's the New England Patriots.
Steelers 25, New England Patriots 17 October 30, 2011
Heinz Field (Now Acrisure Stadium)
The Patriots came into Pittsburgh with quarterback Tom Brady holding a 6-1 record against the Steelers, and most people outside of Steelers Nation thinking he would extend his winning ways.
On this day, though, it would be Ben Roethlisberger who was the quarterback everyone was talking about.
Roethlisberger completed 36 of 50 passes for 365 yards and two touchdowns, connecting with 10 different receivers while putting up his numbers.
"He's a competitor, not only him but us offensively," said Coach Mike Tomlin. "It's more than just the quarterback. They get a lot of attention and rightfully so, but I liked the response of our unit under those circumstances."
It wasn't just the offense that had a solid day. The defense held Brady to 198 yards passing and sacked him three times, while holding the Patriots ground game to just 43 yards.
"Sometimes you have to change up your scheme a little bit," said linebacker LaMarr Woodley. "When somebody knows your defense well, sometimes you have to give them a different look. We did today, and it was successful."