“They’re a great defense. They brought a lot of pressure and just beat us. We’ve got to look at the tape and like I say, we’re not happy with it, but we’ll be happy with a win.” — Ben on the Chief’s defense.



Post-Game Recap…

From USA Today:

Ben Roethlisberger joked that the broken thumb on his throwing hand was “still attached” after Sunday night’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are still tied for lead in the AFC North because of it.

Roethlisberger threw a short touchdown pass to Weslye Saunders in the first half, and the Steelers took advantage of four turnovers by Chiefs quarterback Tyler Palker in a 13-9 victory that allowed them to keep pace with Baltimore atop their loaded division.

Kansas City hasn’t reached the end zone since the third quarter against Denver three weeks ago, a span of 45 offensive drives — including the final one Sunday night.

The Chiefs marched across midfield to the Pittsburgh 37 when Palko dropped back to pass. He was looking for Dwayne Bowe but threw it high and behind him, and Keenan Lewis hauled in the interception with 29 seconds left to seal the outcome.

Palko, making his second consecutive start in place of the injured Matt Cassel, also fumbled a snap and threw interceptions to Ike Taylor and Ryan Mundy on consecutive plays in the first half.

“‘Step up one more time for us defense’. They did a great job all day. It’s disappointing when you don’t play the way you want to play offensively, but you’ll take a win in the AFC any day.” — Ben, when asked what he was thinking on the sideline in the final minutes of the game.



Roethlisberger was 21-of-31 for 193 yards and an interception for the Steelers (8-3), whose defense lost All-Pro safety Troy Polamalu to a head injury in the first quarter yet still kept the bumbling Chiefs (4-7) from scoring a touchdown.

Polamalu left the game in the first quarter when he tackled 290-pound Chiefs offensive tackle Steve Maneri, who had caught a pass in the flat after lining up in the backfield.

The reigning Defensive Player of the Year’s head hit Maneri’s knee and he crumpled to the turf, where he lay while trainers came out to check on him. Polamalu was a bit wobbly when he stood up and the team said he was questionable to return with a “blow to the head.”

Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey also left in the first half with an illness.

The Chiefs marched across midfield to the Pittsburgh 37 when Palko dropped back to pass. He was looking for Dwayne Bowe but threw it high and behind him, and Keenan Lewis hauled in the interception with 29 seconds left to seal the outcome.

Palko, making his second consecutive start in place of the injured Matt Cassel, also fumbled a snap and threw interceptions to Ike Taylor and Ryan Mundy on consecutive plays in the first half.

“It’s still attached, so it’ll be alright!” — Ben (with a smile), on the condition of his thumb.



Roethlisberger showed little evidence of the broken thumb that caused him to be somewhat limited in practice, hitting 10 different receivers. He got some help from Rashard Mendenhall, who ran for 57 yards, and a defense that kept giving the Pittsburgh offense prime field position.


You can read more here.


You can see a few game photos here.


You’ll enjoy the Kansas City Star’s take on Steeler Nation’s presence at the game.