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."
The Steelers opened up a 10-point lead thanks to a five-yard scoring strike from Roethlisberger to running back Mewelde Moore and a 33-yard field goal by kicker Shaun Suisham.
After the Patriots added a touchdown, Roethlisberger answered with a seven-yard touchdown pass to receiver Antonio Brown and a 17-7 lead.
The Steelers added two more field goals, and the never say die Brady pulled the Patriots to within six, 23-17, late in the fourth quarter.
With three time outs and 2:35 to play, the Patriots attempted an onside kick, but the Steelers took over when they were penalized for an illegal onside kick after it didn't go 10 yards.
New England's defense was able to hold off the Steelers and get one last shot. But Brett Keisel wasn't about to let it happen. Keisel sacked Brady at the New England 19-yard line, forcing a fumble and the ball went out of bounds in the end zone for a safety and a 25-17 Steelers win.
"Boy that was a great win for us, at home, in front of our fans, versus a very good football team," said Tomlin. "We played good, fundamental football today, and that's the recipe. We were where we were supposed to be, doing what we were supposed to do, for the most part in all three phases. It was enough to get a victory."
