The Steelers have a long history of memorable moments throughout the years, and during the 2025 season we are going to highlight those moments against each week's opponent.
This week, we feature games against the New England Patriots.
Steelers 25, New England Patriots 17
October 30, 2011
Heinz Field (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."
Steelers 17, New England Patriots 10
December 16, 2018
Heinz Field (Acrisure Stadium)
The Steelers went into the game with their backs against the wall and never blinked, knocking the wall right over with a 17-10 win over the New England Patriots.
All three phases came together in the win, one that has the Steelers still in first place in the AFC North.
"Good team effort. It was going to be required," said Coach Mike Tomlin. "I like the no blink and supportive approach of the team in all three phases. We all had moments where we didn't get it done. But we all had moments where we uplifted the other phases. That is what team is.
"We did what we had to do. Guys made plays. We are appreciative of the efforts, thankful to get the win, assess it and get ready to move on to the next challenge this journey possesses."
That no blink attitude is just what the doctor ordered, something much needed coming off three straight losses.
"That is the nature of this thing," said Tomlin. "It's easy to display faith and talk that camaraderie stuff when things are going well. Sometimes you have to cut your eyelids off when you want to blink, when it gets thick. We try to display it and live it. You only get to do it in these types of moments."
Cornerback Joe Haden had the play of the day when he intercepted quarterback Tom Brady late in the game, as the Patriots were driving in an attempt to tie the game. Haden managed to keep his feet in bounds, a tactic he said he learned from receiver Antonio Brown.
"I learned that from AB," said Haden, who led the team with 12 tackles. "He said let your legs go numb, so soon as I caught it, I felt like I let my legs go numb. I learned it from AB."
The play made the stadium explode with excitement.
"Joe is a special guy. He has special talents," said Tomlin. "His approach to it day in and day out. He is a steadying influence for a young secondary. We ask him to do a lot of things beyond A, B, and C. He does it all with a smile."
Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger completed 22 passes for 235 yards and two touchdowns, while rookie running back Jaylen Samuels had 19 carries for 142 yards and two receptions for 30 yards.
