2005 Pittsburgh Steelers season

2005 Pittsburgh Steelers season
Head coach	Bill Cowher
General manager	Kevin Colbert
Owner	The Rooney Family
Home field	Heinz Field
Results
Record	11–5
Division place	2nd in AFC North
Playoff finish	Won Wild Card Playoffs (Bengals) 31–17 Won Divisional Playoffs (Colts) 21–18 Won AFC Championship (Broncos) 34–17 Won Super Bowl XL (Seahawks) 21–10
Pro Bowlers	5 G Alan Faneca NT Casey Hampton C Jeff Hartings OLB Joey Porter SS Troy Polamalu
AP All-Pros	3 Alan Faneca (1st team) Troy Polamalu (1st team) Joey Porter (2nd team)
Team MVP	Casey Hampton Hines Ward
Team ROY	Heath Miller

Defending champions the New England Patriots at the eventual Super Bowl winners the Steelers, September 25, 2005

The 2005 Pittsburgh Steelers season began with the team trying to improve on their 15–1 record from 2004 in which they lost to the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game at Heinz Field. The Steelers, with the sixth and final seed to the playoffs, became just the second team ever (and the first in 20 years) to win three road games on their way to the Super Bowl. They defeated the NFC Champion Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XL to secure their league-tying fifth Super Bowl title. In doing so, they also became the first team since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger to win a Super Bowl without playing a single home playoff game.

They are also the first 6th seeded team to beat the top 3 seeds on the road.

Personnel

Staff

2005 Pittsburgh Steelers staff
	Front office Chairman – Daniel M. Rooney President – Arthur J. Rooney II Vice President – John R. McGinley Vice President – Arthur J. Rooney, Jr. Administration Advisor – Chuck Noll Director of Business – Mark Hart Controller – Jim Ellenberger Human Relations/Office Coordinator – Geraldine Glenn Business Operations Coordinator – Omar Khan Accounting Manager – Jodie Spagnolli Communications Coordinator – Dave Lockett Public Relations/Media Manager – Burt Lauten Community Relations Manager – Michele Rosenthal Information Technology Administrator – Scott Phelps Marketing and Merchandising Director of Marketing – Tony Quatrini Marketing Coordinator – Rick Giugliano Marketing Manager – John Wodarek Producer/Broadcasting Manager – Rick Fairbend Broadcasting Assistant – Pete Gergely Marketing/Community Relations Manager – Lynne Molyneaux Marketing Assistant – John Simpson Marketing Assistant – Mike Marchinsky Ticket Operations Ticket Manager – Ben Lentz Season Ticket Assistant – Libby Patcher Football Operations Director of Football Operations – Kevin Colbert College Scouting Coordinator – Ron Hughes Pro Scouting Coordinator – Doug Whaley Special Assistant/Pro and College Personnel – Joe Greene Pro/College Scout – Phil Kreidler College Scout – Mark Gorscak College Scout – Kelvin Fisher College Scout – Bruce McNorton College Scout – Dan Rooney College Personnel – Bill Nunn BLESTO Scout – David Petett Head coaches Head Coach – Bill Cowher Assistant Head Coach – Russ Grimm Offensive coaches Offensive Coordinator – Ken Whisenhunt Wide Receivers – Bruce Arians Offensive Line – Russ Grimm Running Backs – Dick Hoak Tight Ends – James Daniel Offensive Assistant – Matt Raich Quarterbacks – Mark Whipple			Defensive coaches Defensive Coordinator – Dick LeBeau Linebackers – Keith Butler Assistant Defensive Backs – Ray Horton Defensive Line – John Mitchell Defensive Backs – Darren Perry Defensive Assistant – Lou Spanos Special teams coaches Special Teams – Kevin Spencer Strength and conditioning Conditioning Coach – Chet Fuhrman Conditioning Assistant – Marcel Pastoor Medical Staff Physician, Orthopedic – Dr. James P. Bradley Ophthalmologist – Dr. Francis Mah Neurological Surgery Consultant – Dr. Joseph Maroon Physician, M.D. – Dr. Richard Rydze Physician, Consultant – Dr. Abraham J. Twerski Physician, M.D. – Dr. Anthony P. Yates Training Staff Head Athletic Trainer – John Norwig Assistant Athletic Trainer – Ryan Grove Assistant Athletic Trainer – Ariko Iso Football Staff Player Development – Raymond Jackson Equipment Manager - Rodgers Freyvogel Field Manager – Rich Baker Field/Equipment Assistant – Kalvin Jones Video Coordinator – Bob McCartney Video Assistant – Andy Lizanich Video Assistant – Rob Brakel Photographer – Mike Fabus [1]

Notable additions include Heath Miller and Nate Washington.

Roster

2005 Pittsburgh Steelers final roster
	Quarterbacks 16 Charlie Batch  8 Tommy Maddox  7 Ben Roethlisberger Running backs 36 Jerome Bettis 38 Noah Herron 34 Verron Haynes 35 Dan Kreider FB 39 Willie Parker 22 Duce Staley Wide receivers 81 Sean Morey 89 Lee Mays > 82 Antwaan Randle El PR 86 Hines Ward 85 Nate Washington 80 Cedrick Wilson > Post-Season Roster Inactive Tight ends 88 Matt Kranchick 83 Heath Miller 84 Jerame Tuman		Offensive linemen 72 Barrett Brooks T 79 Trai Essex T 66 Alan Faneca G 64 Jeff Hartings C 68 Chris Kemoeatu G * 56 Chukky Okobi C/G 73 Kendall Simmons G 77 Marvel Smith T 78 Max Starks T Defensive linemen 98 Casey Hampton NT 76 Chris Hoke NT 99 Brett Keisel DE 90 Travis Kirschke DL 96 Shaun Nua DE * 91 Aaron Smith DE 67 Kimo von Oelhoffen DE * On 53 Man Roster Inactive		Linebackers 51 James Farrior ILB 50 Larry Foote ILB 94 Andre Frazier LB 97 Arnold Harrison LB + 92 James Harrison OLB 53 Clark Haggans OLB 57 Clint Kriewaldt ILB 55 Joey Porter OLB 54 Rian Wallace LB + Super Bowl XL Roster Inactive Defensive backs 23 Tyrone Carter S 21 Ricardo Colclough CB/KR 28 Chris Hope FS 29 Chidi Iwuoma CB 31 Mike Logan S 20 Bryant McFadden CB 43 Troy Polamalu SS 33 Russell Stuvaints S 24 Ike Taylor CB/KR 26 Deshea Townsend CB 27 Willie Williams CB Special teams 60 Greg Warren LS  3 Jeff Reed K 17 Chris Gardocki P/H		Reserve lists 11 Quincy Morgan WR/KR (IR)  5 Rod Rutherford QB (IR) Practice squad 69 Ulish Booker T 65 Tim Brown C 42 John Kuhn FB 95 Richard Seigler LB 47 Ronald Stanley LB 18 Walter Young WR [2] [3] [4] [5] Rookies in italics 57 Active, 2 Inactive, 6 Practice squad

Preseason

Schedule

Week	Date	Time (ET)	TV	Opponent	Result	Game Site	Record	NFL Recap
1	Mon. Aug. 15	8:00 p.m.	ESPN	Philadelphia Eagles	W 38–31	Heinz Field	1–0
2	Sat. Aug. 20	7:30 p.m.	KDKA	Miami Dolphins	W 17–3	Heinz Field	2–0
3	Fri. Aug. 26	8:00 p.m.	FOX	at Washington Redskins	L 17–10	FedEx Field	2–1
4	Thu. Sep. 1	8:00 p.m.	KDKA	at Carolina Panthers	W 21–17	Bank of America Stadium	3–1

Regular season

Schedule

Week	Date	Time (ET)	TV	Opponent	Result	Game Site	Record	NFL Recap
1	Sun. Sep. 11	1:00 p.m.	CBS	Tennessee Titans	W 34–7	Heinz Field	1–0	Summary
2	Sun. Sep. 18	1:00 p.m.	CBS	at Houston Texans	W 27–7	Reliant Stadium	2–0	Summary
3	Sun. Sep. 25	4:15 p.m.	CBS	New England Patriots	L 23–20	Heinz Field	2–1	Summary
4	Bye Week
5	Mon. Oct. 10	9:00 p.m.	ABC	at San Diego Chargers	W 24–22	Qualcomm Stadium	3–1	Summary
6	Sun. Oct. 16	1:00 p.m.	CBS	Jacksonville Jaguars	L 23–17 (OT)	Heinz Field	3–2	Summary
7	Sun. Oct. 23	1:00 p.m.	CBS	at Cincinnati Bengals	W 27–13	Paul Brown Stadium	4–2	Summary
8	Mon. Oct. 31	9:00 p.m.	ABC	Baltimore Ravens	W 20–19	Heinz Field	5–2	Summary
9	Sun. Nov. 6	1:00 p.m.	CBS	at Green Bay Packers	W 20–10	Lambeau Field	6–2	Summary
10	Sun. Nov. 13	8:30 p.m.	ESPN	Cleveland Browns	W 34–21	Heinz Field	7–2	Summary
11	Sun. Nov. 20	1:00 p.m.	CBS	at Baltimore Ravens	L 16–13 (OT)	M&T Bank Stadium	7–3	Summary
12	Mon. Nov. 28	9:00 p.m.	ABC	at Indianapolis Colts	L 26–7	RCA Dome	7–4	Summary
13	Sun. Dec. 4	1:00 p.m.	CBS	Cincinnati Bengals	L 38–31	Heinz Field	7–5	Summary
14	Sun. Dec. 11	1:00 p.m.	FOX	Chicago Bears	W 21–9	Heinz Field	8–5	Summary
15	Sun. Dec. 18	1:00 p.m.	CBS	at Minnesota Vikings	W 18–3	Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome	9–5	Summary
16	Sat. Dec. 24	1:00 p.m.	CBS	at Cleveland Browns	W 41–0	Cleveland Browns Stadium	10–5	Summary
17	Sun. Jan. 1	1:00 p.m.	FOX	Detroit Lions	W 35–21	Heinz Field	11–5	Summary

Game summaries

Game Summaries

Week 1 (Sunday September 11, 2005): vs. Tennessee Titans Alan Faneca blocks for Willie Parker 1 2 3 4 Total Titans 7 0 0 0 7 Steelers 7 13 14 0 34 at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT Game weather: 76°F (Mostly Sunny) Game attendance: 62,931 Referee: Gerald Austin TV announcers: (CBS) Kevin Harlan (play by play), Randy Cross (color commentator) Ben Roethlisberger became the NFL's first quarterback since Trent Green in 2003 to post a perfect (158.3) passer rating, and college backup Willie Parker put up 161 rushing yards and a touchdown in a dazzling NFL debut. Week 2 (Sunday September 18, 2005): at Houston Texans 1 2 3 4 Total Steelers 10 10 7 0 27 Texans 0 0 7 0 7 at Reliant Stadium, Houston, Texas Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT Game weather: 95°F (Sunny) Game attendance: 70,742 Referee: Bill Vinovich TV announcers: (CBS) Don Criqui (play by play), Steve Tasker (color commentator) Pittsburgh strong safety Troy Polamalu led a defensive onslaught with a career-high three of the Steelers' eight sacks, and Willie Parker followed up his outstanding NFL debut with 111 rushing yards and a touchdown on 25 carries as the Steelers hammered the Texans. As the game took place on a hot, humid day, the Texans left the roof of Reliant Stadium open in the hopes that the Steelers' performance would be hampered by their black jerseys. However, the tactic failed and Houston fans were angered by having to sit in sweltering conditions and watch their team lose. Week 3 (Sunday September 25, 2005): vs. New England Patriots 1 2 3 4 Total Patriots 7 0 3 13 23 Steelers 10 0 3 7 20 at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Game time: 4:15 p.m. EDT Game weather: 82°F (Cloudy) Game attendance: 64,868 Referee: Bill Carollo TV announcers: (CBS) Jim Nantz (play by play), Phil Simms (color commentator), Bonnie Bernstein (sideline reporter) New England quarterback Tom Brady led a five-play, 37-yard drive to Adam Vinatieri's game-winning 43-yard field goal with :01 remaining. The drive countered Hines Ward's 4-yard scoring catch that tied the score at 20–20, but left 1:25 for Brady to march the Patriot offense. On the day, Brady completed 31 of 41 passes for 372 yards, with an interception. Week 5 (Monday October 10, 2005): at San Diego Chargers 1 2 3 4 Total Steelers 0 14 0 10 24 Chargers 0 7 6 9 22 at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California Game time: 9:00 p.m. EDT Game weather: Game attendance: 68,537 Referee: Jeff Triplette TV announcers: (ABC) Al Michaels (play by play), John Madden (color commentator), Michele Tafoya (sideline reporter) Jeff Reed booted a 40-yard field goal with :06 remaining to lift the Steelers to a win, but a play late in the game caused star quarterback Ben Roethlisberger to leave with a hyperextended knee and left his availability for the following week in doubt. The hit came from Charger rookie defensive lineman Luis Castillo and forced Roethlisberger to the sideline, and backup Charlie Batch merely handed off to Jerome Bettis three times to set up Reed's kick. Week 6 (Sunday October 16, 2005): vs. Jacksonville Jaguars 1 2 3 4 OT Total Jaguars 7 3 7 0 6 23 Steelers 0 14 0 3 0 17 at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT Game weather: 54°F (Partly Sunny) Game attendance: 63,891 Referee: Terry McAulay TV announcers: (CBS) Dick Enberg (play by play), Dan Dierdorf (color commentator), Armen Keteyian (sideline reporter) Tommy Maddox capped a poor performance by throwing an overtime pass into a crowd of Jaguar defenders, and Rashean Mathis made him pay dearly, intercepting the pass and returning it 41 yards for the game-winning touchdown. Subbing for an injured Ben Roethlisberger (hyperextended knee), Maddox completed just 11 of 28 passes for 154 yards, with a touchdown and three interceptions. Week 7 (Sunday October 23, 2005): at Cincinnati Bengals 1 2 3 4 Total Steelers 0 7 17 3 27 Bengals 3 3 0 7 13 at Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT Game weather: Game attendance: 66,104 Referee: Tony Corrente TV announcers: (CBS) Kevin Harlan (play by play), Randy Cross (color commentator) Pittsburgh regrouped following a sloppy first quarter to take an easy win in Cincinnati. After allowing two marches into the Steeler red zone, the defense tightened and gave up only two field goals, then coasted on the heels of two Ben Roethlisberger touchdown strikes and 131 rushing yards from Willie Parker. Week 8 (Monday October 31, 2005): vs. Baltimore Ravens 1 2 3 4 Total Ravens 7 3 0 9 19 Steelers 7 3 7 3 20 at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Game time: 9:00 p.m. EST Game weather: 56°F (Partly Cloudy) Game attendance: 64,187 Referee: Pete Morelli TV announcers: (ABC) Al Michaels (play by play), John Madden (color commentator), Michele Tafoya (sideline reporter) Underachieving against a Ravens team missing defensive standouts Ray Lewis and Ed Reed, the Steelers regrouped on the heels of a late 60-yard drive that set up Jeff Reed's game-winning 37-yard field goal with 1:36 remaining. Ben Roethlisberger completed 18 of 30 passes for 177 yards, 2 touchdowns and an interception. Week 9 (Sunday November 6, 2005): at Green Bay Packers 1 2 3 4 Total Steelers 6 7 0 7 20 Packers 3 0 7 0 10 at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin Game time: 4:15 p.m. EST Game weather: Game attendance: 70,607 Referee: Ed Hochuli TV announcers: (CBS) Jim Nantz (play by play), Phil Simms (color commentator), Bonnie Bernstein (sideline reporter) With Charlie Batch starting at quarterback for an injured Ben Roethlisberger (knee), the Steelers capitalized on Packer mistakes – three turnovers – and won despite a lackluster offensive showing. The game's highlight came from Troy Polamalu, whose sack of Brett Favre forced a fumble that Polamalu himself scooped up and returned 77 yards for a second-quarter touchdown. Week 10 (Sunday November 13, 2005): vs. Cleveland Browns 1 2 3 4 Total Browns 7 0 0 14 21 Steelers 0 17 7 10 34 at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Game time: 8:30 p.m. EST Game weather: 57°F (Cloudy) Game attendance: 63,491 Referee: Larry Nemmers TV announcers: (ESPN) Mike Patrick (play by play), Joe Theismann and Paul Maguire (color commentators), Suzy Kolber (sideline reporter) The Steelers handled the division-rival Browns despite another serious quarterback injury. Backup Charlie Batch, subbing for Ben Roethlisberger, broke his hand late in the first half and exited. Beleaguered third-stringer Tommy Maddox inherited a 17–7 third-quarter lead and, despite some miscues, cruised to the win. Wide receiver (and college quarterback) Antwaan Randle El completed a 51-yard scoring pass to Hines Ward in the third, making Ward the team's all-time receptions leader (passing Hall of Fame wideout John Stallworth). Week 11 (Sunday November 20, 2005): at Baltimore Ravens 1 2 3 4 OT Total Steelers 0 6 0 7 0 13 Ravens 0 13 0 0 3 16 at M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, Maryland Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST Game weather: Game attendance: 70,601 Referee: Ron Winter TV announcers: (CBS) Ian Eagle (play by play), Solomon Wilcots (color commentator) An anemic offensive showing led to a surprising Steeler defeat at the hands of the Ray Lewis-less Ravens. Third-team quarterback Tommy Maddox got the starting nod and completed 19 of 36 passes for 230 yards, with a touchdown and an interception (a bizarre play that caromed off of wideout Hines Ward's swinging foot and was snatched by Terrell Suggs), but the Steelers' inability to handle the Raven pass rush was a serious blow. Maddox was sacked six times and under nearly constant duress. Matt Stover won the game on a 44-yard field goal in overtime. Week 12 (Monday November 28, 2005): at Indianapolis Colts 1 2 3 4 Total Steelers 7 0 0 0 7 Colts 10 6 7 3 26 at RCA Dome, Indianapolis, Indiana Game time: 9:00 p.m. EST Game weather: Dome Game attendance: 57,442 Referee: Bill Leavy TV announcers: (ABC) Al Michaels (play by play), John Madden (color commentator), Michele Tafoya (sideline reporter) The banged-up Steelers were simply no match for the undefeated Colts on Monday Night. Indianapolis' first offensive play proved a harbinger for the Steelers, with Marvin Harrison scorching Pittsburgh cornerback Ike Taylor on an 80-yard touchdown strike and a 7–0 advantage. Ben Roethlisberger's return from a two-game absence (knee injury) was a shaky one; his first interception potentially caused a six-point swing, snuffing out a Steeler drive late in the first half and setting up the Colts to kick a field goal, taking a 16–7 lead into the break. Roethlisberger's struggles were heightened when injured left tackle Marvel Smith grew less and less able to deal with All-Pro Colt pass rusher Dwight Freeney & Co., and eventually left with an ankle injury. Week 13 (Sunday December 4, 2005): vs. Cincinnati Bengals 1 2 3 4 Total Bengals 7 14 10 7 38 Steelers 14 3 7 7 31 at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST Game weather: 30°F (Flurries) Game attendance: 63,044 Referee: Bernie Kukar TV announcers: (CBS) Dick Enberg (play by play), Dan Dierdorf (color commentator), Armen Keteyian (sideline reporter) Ben Roethlisberger put up the most prolific numbers of his young career in his return from a knee injury, but he was ultimately out dueled by Carson Palmer. Roethlisberger outpassed his counterpart 386–227 and each threw three touchdowns, but his three interceptions were backbreakers. Ultimately, the Bengals simply made too many big plays, including a 94-yard kickoff return by Tab Perry, for the Steelers to keep pace. Week 14 (Sunday December 11, 2005): vs. Chicago Bears 1 2 3 4 Total Bears 3 0 0 6 9 Steelers 7 7 7 0 21 at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST Game weather: 31°F (Heavy Snow) Game attendance: 61,237 Referee: Bill Vinovich TV announcers: (FOX) Dick Stockton (play by play), Daryl Johnston (color commentator) In a snowy atmosphere, the Steelers snapped their three-game losing streak by ending the Bears' eight-game winning run. Jerome Bettis churned through the snow and mud for a season-high 101 rushing yards, scoring twice in the physical win. Week 15 (Sunday December 18, 2005): at Minnesota Vikings 1 2 3 4 Total Steelers 3 7 6 2 18 Vikings 3 0 0 0 3 at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST Game weather: Dome Game attendance: 64,136 Referee: Ed Hochuli TV announcers: (CBS) Kevin Harlan (play by play), Randy Cross (color commentator) Desperately trying to keep pace in the AFC playoff picture, the Steelers again dominated an NFC North opponent and again snapped a winning streak. The Vikings had won six straight games, but were pounded up and down the field in losing to Pittsburgh. The Steelers forced three Minnesota turnovers and added a safety in the victory. Week 16 (Saturday December 24, 2005): at Cleveland Browns 1 2 3 4 Total Steelers 14 6 14 7 41 Browns 0 0 0 0 0 at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST Game weather: 45°F (Cloudy) Game attendance: 73,136 Referee: Bill Carollo TV announcers: (CBS) Gus Johnson (play by play), Steve Tasker (color commentator) The Steelers turned a nearly flawless performance into a dominating win in Cleveland. The Browns were sacked eight times and were never really in the game. Willie Parker's 80-yard touchdown scamper in the third quarter broke the game open at 27–0. Ben Roethlisberger completed 13 of 20 passes for 226 yards and a touchdown before giving way to Charlie Batch with the game well in hand. Week 17 (Sunday January 1, 2006): vs. Detroit Lions 1 2 3 4 Total Lions 14 0 7 0 21 Steelers 14 7 14 0 35 at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST Game weather: 37°F (Partly Sunny) Game attendance: 63,794 Referee: Walt Coleman TV announcers: (FOX) Ron Pitts (play by play), Tim Ryan (color commentator) Mere weeks after being all but counted out in an extremely tight AFC playoff race, the Steelers clinched a Wild Card berth, trading punches with lowly Detroit and coming out on top. Unexpectedly, the 5–10 Lions leapt to a 14–7 first-quarter lead on two Joey Harrington touchdown passes, but Jerome Bettis tied the game later in the period with the first of his three touchdown runs in his final game in Pittsburgh. Bettis and Willie Parker combined for 176 rushing yards as the Steelers closed out their regular season.

Playoffs

Week	Date	Time (ET)	TV	Opponent	Result	Location	NFL Recap
WC	Sun. Jan. 8	4:30 p.m.	CBS	at Cincinnati Bengals	W 31–17	Paul Brown Stadium	Summary
DIV	Sun. Jan. 15	1:00 p.m.	CBS	at Indianapolis Colts	W 21–18	RCA Dome	Summary
AFCCG	Sun. Jan. 22	3:00 p.m.	CBS	at Denver Broncos	W 34–17	Invesco Field at Mile High	Summary
SB XL	Sun. Feb. 5	6:30 p.m.	ABC	vs. Seattle Seahawks	W 21–10	Ford Field	Summary

Game Summaries

AFC Wild Card Playoff (Sunday January 8, 2006): at Cincinnati Bengals

	1	2	3	4	Total
Steelers	0	14	14	3	31
Bengals	10	7	0	0	17

at Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio

• Game time: 4:30 p.m. EST
• Game weather: 61°F (Partly Cloudy)
• Game attendance: 65,870
• Referee: Larry Nemmers
• TV announcers: (CBS) Jim Nantz (play by play), Phil Simms (color commentator), Bonnie Bernstein (sideline reporter)

AFC Divisional Playoff (Sunday January 15, 2006): at Indianapolis Colts

	1	2	3	4	Total
Steelers	14	0	7	0	21
Colts	0	3	0	15	18

at RCA Dome, Indianapolis, Indiana

• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
• Game weather: Dome
• Game attendance: 57,449
• Referee: Pete Morelli
• TV announcers: (CBS) Dick Enberg (play by play), Dan Dierdorf (color commentator), Armen Keteyian (sideline reporter)

AFC Championship Game (Sunday January 22, 2006): at Denver Broncos

	1	2	3	4	Total
Steelers	3	21	0	10	34
Broncos	0	3	7	7	17

at INVESCO Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado

• Game time: 3:00 p.m. EST
• Game weather: 40°F (Partly Sunny)
• Game attendance: 76,775
• Referee: Terry McAulay
• TV announcers: (CBS) Jim Nantz (play by play), Phil Simms (color commentator), Bonnie Bernstein and Armen Keteyian (sideline reporters)

Super Bowl XL (Sunday February 5, 2006): vs. Seattle Seahawks

	1	2	3	4	Total
Seahawks	3	0	7	0	10
Steelers	0	7	7	7	21

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

• Game time: 6:30 p.m. EST
• Game weather: Dome
• Game attendance: 68,206
• Referee: Bill Leavy
• TV announcers: (ABC) Al Michaels (play by play), John Madden (color commentator), Michele Tafoya and Suzy Kolber (sideline reporters)

The Pittsburgh Steelers become the 4th wild card team to win the Super Bowl.

Standings

AFC North
	W	L	T	PCT	DIV	CONF	PF	PA	STK
^(3) Cincinnati Bengals	11	5	0	.688	5–1	7–5	421	350	L2
^(6) Pittsburgh Steelers	11	5	0	.688	4–2	7–5	389	258	W4
Baltimore Ravens	6	10	0	.375	2–4	4–8	265	299	L1
Cleveland Browns	6	10	0	.375	1–5	4–8	232	301	W1

Honors and awards

Super Bowl winners Ben Roethlisberger and Jerome Bettis with sportscaster Chris Berman at Super Bowl XL media day

Pro Bowl Representatives

See: 2006 Pro Bowl

• No. 43 Troy Polamalu- Strong Safety
• No. 55 Joey Porter- Outside Linebacker
• No. 64 Jeff Hartings- Center
• No. 66 Alan Faneca- Offensive Guard
• No. 98 Casey Hampton- Nose Tackle

References

1. 2005 Pittsburgh Steelers Media Guide.
2. 2005 Pittsburgh Steelers Media Guide.
3. 2006 Pittsburgh Steelers Media Guide.
4. "2005 Pittsburgh Steelers". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved 2014-12-27.
5. "2006 Pittsburgh Steelers". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved 2014-12-27.