The Steelers defense is a unit that prides itself on shutting down opponents, keeping them out of the end zone and dominating every game.
So it was no wonder they were disappointed following a 39-26 loss to the New England Patriots and came out and did what anyone else would want to do – totally shut down their next opponent.
"We got handled really good last week," said linebacker James Harrison. "Compliments to New England – they played a great game and executed well. We wanted to come out and try to dominate this game and get back to the way that we play ball."
The Raiders weren't able to get close to the end zone on Sunday, managing only a field goal in a 35-3 Steelers win.
"Last week was embarrassing," said linebacker LaMarr Woodley. "New England kind of just walked up and down the field on us. So we wanted to come in here with a new attitude. We're trying to get to the Super Bowl. That's the goal at the end of the year. We knew what kind of team that Oakland was and we wanted to go in here and shut down the run. Once we did that, we forced them to go to the air, got some turnovers, hit their quarterback a few times and came out on top."
- *Steelers fans can lend a hand to those in need this holiday season by donating non-perishable groceries at the fifth annual Max Starks & His Hometown Team Thanksgiving Celebration on Tuesday, November 23 from 7-8 p.m. at Waterfront in Homestead Town Square.
Those who bring food donations will be eligible for a raffle ticket for a Steelers autographed football. Those who can't attend can donate to Max's Virtual Food Drive by visiting the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank website at www.pittsburghfoodbank.org.
Defensive end Brett Keisel will serve as the Honorary Chair of the 19th annual 65 Roses Sports Auction to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation on Monday, Nov. 29 at McFadden's Pittsburgh beginning at 6:30 p.m.
The event includes the opportunity to obtain autographs from Keisel and some of his teammates, as well as bid on sports memorabilia in a live and silent auction.
"We are so privileged to be a partner with one of the many things the Steelers do to support charities in the market," said Pat Joseph, the executive director of the Western Pennsylvania Chapter of Cystic Fibrosis. "For a foundation that is looking for awareness and to raise the level of appreciation for what children and young adults that have cystic fibrosis experience, this event means everything to us.
"We partner up the notoriety of a great guy like Brett Keisel and all of his friends who come and that just raises the awareness to such a level that we are all winners."
For tickets or more information, contact the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at 412-321-4422.
