Your stats of the weird. The last one. *sigh* Like I’ve said before, this was my favorite article to do each week.
– Ben Roethlisberger’s 339 yards passing was the most he’s ever thrown in playoff history. In his entire career, including regular season, it’s the second most passing yards without a touchdown. Only his 2014 game against the Atlanta Falcons, throwing for 360 yards, was greater.
– Markus Wheaton finished today with five catches for 30 yards. First Steelers’ receiver to have that kind of line since Hines Ward in 2012, who caught 5 for 24.
– Similar story with Fitzgerald Toussaint. Three catches for 2 yards. Lowest output by any Steeler with at least 3 catches since Merril Hoge caught 4 receptions for 3 yards in 1993. That also came in a loss against the Denver Broncos, though it was in the regular season.
– This was the first time since Week 14 of last season that Matt Spaeth finished with more yards (1) than Heath Miller (0). Honestly surprised it wasn’t longer ago.
– The Steelers went 2/12 on third down today, 16.7%. That comes on the heels of going 2/13 a week ago in the Wild Card game. They are the Steelers two worst third down conversion games when attempting at least 10. Previous low came in the 2001-2002 season against the New England Patriots, going 4/14 in a 24-17 loss.
– The Steelers had just four rushing first downs today. Their fewest in a playoff game since having 4 in the 2009 Super Bowl against Arizona.
– The Broncos are responsible for the last two 100 yard rushing games against the Steelers in the playoffs. 131 in 2011 and 109 today.
– Chris Boswell is the first Steelers’ kicker to go 3/3 or better in two playoff games since Norm Johnson in the 1995-1996 season.
– Omar Bolden’s 42 yard punt return was the longest given up by the Steelers in the playoffs since Jim Leonhard went 45 yards in 2009. Mitch Berger made the tackle. Shoutout to Mitch.
– Since Willie Parker’s record 75 yard TD in Super Bowl XL, the Steelers just have two rushes of 40+ yards. Martavis Bryant is responsible for both of them.
