2005 Pittsburgh Steelers season

Pittsburgh Steelers 73rd US football season August 2023 March 2026 Pittsburgh Steelers 2005 11–5 2nd AFC North Bill Cowher Kevin Colbert The Rooney Family Heinz Field Won Wild Card Playoffs(at Bengals) 31–17 Won Divisional Playoffs(at Colts) 21–18Won AFC Championship(at Broncos) 34–17 Won Super Bowl XL(vs. Seahawks) 21–10 border:none; padding:0; 5 G Alan Faneca NT Casey Hampton C Jeff Hartings OLB Joey Porter SS Troy Polamalu border:none; padding:0; 3 Alan Faneca (1st team) Troy Polamalu (1st team) Joey Porter (2nd team) Casey HamptonHines Ward Heath Miller Steelers seasons thumb|270px|The defending champion New England Patriots playing at the eventual Super Bowl champion Steelers, September 25, 2005 The 2005 Pittsburgh Steelers season was the franchise's 73rd season as a professional sports franchise and as a member of the National Football League (NFL). It was the 6th season under the leadership of general manager Kevin Colbert and the 14th under head coach Bill Cowher. The Steelers failed to improve upon their 15–1 record from 2004 and in 2005, the Steelers struggled. At one point, they were 7–5 and in danger of missing the playoffs but rose to defeat the Chicago Bears on December 11 and started a four-game win streak to finish the season at 11–5. The Steelers qualified for the playoffs as a wild-card team as the #6 seed and became just the second team ever (and the first in 20 years) to win three playoff games on the road after they beat the #3 seed Cincinnati Bengals (11–5),Labriola Bob June 23, 2008 2005 AFC Wild Card Game https://www.steelers.com/news/2005-afc-wild-card-game-957306 2022-07-18 www.steelers.com en-US the top-seeded Indianapolis Colts (14–2),January 15, 2006 Steelers survive as Colts' attempt to tie sails wide https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap/_/gameId/260115011 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20220212210738/https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap/_/gameId/260115011 February 12, 2022 2022-07-18 ESPN.com Associated Press en and the #2 seed Denver Broncos (13–3) to become the American Football Conference representative in Super Bowl XL.Isherwood Mark January 16, 2006 Steelers overcome adversity to reach AFC Championship game https://www.9news.com/article/sports/nfl/denver-broncos/steelers-overcome-adversity-to-reach-afc-championship-game/73-344593572 2022-07-18 KUSA.com en-USLabriola Bob June 23, 2008 2005 AFC Championship Game https://www.steelers.com/news/2005-afc-championship-game-957332 2022-07-18 www.steelers.com en-US They defeated the NFC champion Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XL to secure their league-tying fifth Super Bowl title.Flaherty Dan 2014-06-13 The Story Of The 2005 Pittsburgh Steelers https://thesportsnotebook.com/the-2005-pittsburgh-steelers-sports-history-articles/ 2022-07-18 thesportsnotebook.com en-USSignorelli Nick May 12, 2009 2005 Pittsburgh Steelers: One For The Thumb, Finally https://bleacherreport.com/articles/173295-2004-pittsburgh-steelers-one-for-the-thumb-finally 2022-07-18 Bleacher Report en In doing so, they also became the only team at the time since the 1970 AFL–NFL merger to win a Super Bowl without playing a single home playoff game; though the New York Giants would repeat the feat two years later.Defeo Anthony 2015-07-02 The '05 Steelers were no Cinderella team https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/pittsburgh-steelers-opinions-reactions-news-updates/2015/7/2/8878737/the-steelers-super-bowl-xl-team-wasnt-just-a-cinderella-story 2022-07-18 Behind the Steel Curtain en 3 Offseason Additions Subtractions WR Cedrick Wilson (49ers) WR Plaxico Burress (Giants) WR Quincy Morgan (Cowboys) NT Kendrick Clancy (Giants) CB Chad Scott (Patriots) LB Kendrell Bell (Chiefs) LS Mike Schneck (Bills) G Keydrick Vincent (Ravens) 2005 NFL draft 2005 Pittsburgh Steelers 1 30 Heath Miller Tight end Virginia yes yes 2 62 Bryant McFadden Cornerback Florida State yes 3 93 Trai Essex Offensive tackle Northwestern yes 4 131 Fred Gibson Wide receiver Georgia 5 166 Rian Wallace Linebacker Temple yes 6 204 Chris Kemoeatu Offensive guard Utah yes 7 207 Shaun Nua Defensive tackle BYU yes 7 244 Noah Herron Running back Northwestern Undrafted free agents + 2005 undrafted free agents of notePlayerPositionCollegeMorgan DavisTackleWisconsinAndre FrazierLinebackerCincinnatiElliott HarrisDefensive tackleArkansasArnold HarrisonLinebackerGeorgiaJohn KuhnFullbackShippensburgRonald StanleyLinebackerMichigan StateShaun SuishamKickerBowling GreenZach TuiasosopoFullbackWashingtonJake VerstraeteGuardNorthern IllinoisGreg WarrenLong snapperNorth CarolinaNate WashingtonWide receiverTiffin Personnel Staff 2005 Pittsburgh Steelers #08214A white #EEC607 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 coach – Bill Cowher Assistant head coach/offensive line – Russ Grimm Offensive coordinator – Ken Whisenhunt Quarterbacks – Mark Whipple Running backs – Dick Hoak Wide receivers – Bruce Arians Tight ends – James Daniel Offensive assistant – Matt Raich Defensive coordinator – Dick LeBeau Defensive line – John Mitchell Linebackers – Keith Butler Defensive backs – Darren Perry Assistant defensive backs – Ray Horton Defensive assistant – Lou Spanos Special teams – Kevin Spencer 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 2005 Pittsburgh Steelers Media Guide Notable additions include Heath Miller and Nate Washington. Roster 2005 Pittsburgh Steelers 53 1 8 16 Charlie Batch  8 Tommy Maddox  7 Ben Roethlisberger 36 Jerome Bettis 34 Verron Haynes 35 Dan Kreider FB 39 Willie Parker 22 Duce Staley 81 Sean Morey American football 11 Quincy Morgan 82 Antwaan Randle El 86 Hines Ward 85 Nate Washington y 80 Cedrick Wilson 83 Heath Miller y 84 Jerame Tuman 72 Barrett Brooks LT 79 Trai Essex y RT 66 Alan Faneca G 64 Jeff Hartings C 68 Chris Kemoeatu y G 56 Chukky Okobi C 73 Kendall Simmons G 77 Marvel Smith LT 78 Max Starks RT 98 Casey Hampton NT 76 Chris Hoke NT 99 Brett Keisel DE 90 Travis Kirschke DE 96 Shaun Nua y DE 91 Aaron Smith American football DE 67 Kimo von Oelhoffen DE 51 James Farrior ILB 50 Larry Foote ILB 94 Andre Frazier y OLB 92 James Harrison American football OLB 53 Clark Haggans OLB 57 Clint Kriewaldt ILB 55 Joey Porter OLB 54 Rian Wallace y ILB 23 Tyrone Carter SS 21 Ricardo Colclough CB 28 Chris Hope American football FS 29 Chidi Iwuoma CB 31 Mike Logan American football S 20 Bryant McFadden y CB 43 Troy Polamalu SS 24 Ike Taylor CB 26 Deshea Townsend CB 27 Willie Williams cornerback, born 1970 CB 17 Chris Gardocki P  3 Jeff Reed American football K 60 Greg Warren American football y LS 33 Russell Stuvaints S IR 69 Ulish Booker OT 65 Tim Brown offensive lineman y C 97 Arnold Harrison y OLB 42 John Kuhn FB y 49 Erik Jensen American football TE  5 Rod Rutherford QB 95 Richard Seigler ILB 18 Walter Young American football WR 2006 Pittsburgh Steelers Media Guide 2005 Pittsburgh Steelers https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/pit/2005_roster.htm Pro Football Reference 2014-12-27 2006 Pittsburgh Steelers https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/pit/2006_roster.htm Pro Football Reference 2014-12-27 Preseason Schedule Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Recap 1 August 15, 2005 Philadelphia Eagles W 38–31 1–0 Heinz Field Recap 2 August 20, 2005 Miami Dolphins W 17–3 2–0 Heinz Field Recap 3 August 26, 2005 at Washington Redskins L 10–17 2–1 FedExField Recap4 September 1, 2005 at Carolina Panthers W 21–17 3–1 Bank of America Stadium Recap Regular season Schedule Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Recap 1 September 11 Tennessee Titans W 34–7 1–0 Heinz Field Recap 2 September 18 at Houston Texans W 27–7 2–0 Reliant Stadium Recap 3 September 25 New England Patriots L 20–23 2–1 Heinz Field Recap 4 Bye 5 October 10, 2005 at San Diego Chargers W 24–22 3–1 Qualcomm Stadium Recap 6 October 16 Jacksonville Jaguars L 17–23 (OT) 3–2 Heinz FieldRecap 7 October 23 at Cincinnati Bengals W 27–13 4–2 Paul Brown Stadium Recap 8 October 31, 2005 Baltimore Ravens W 20–19 5–2 Heinz Field Recap 9 November 6 at Green Bay Packers W 20–10 6–2 Lambeau Field Recap 10 November 13 Cleveland Browns W 34–21 7–2 Heinz Field Recap 11 November 20 at Baltimore Ravens L 13–16 (OT) 7–3 M&T Bank Stadium Recap 12 November 28, 2005 at Indianapolis Colts L 7–26 7–4 RCA Dome Recap 13 December 4 Cincinnati Bengals L 31–38 7–5 Heinz Field Recap 14 December 11 Chicago Bears W 21–9 8–5 Heinz Field Recap 15 December 18 at Minnesota Vikings W 18–3 9–5 Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome Recap 16 December 24, 2005 at Cleveland Browns W 41–0 10–5 Cleveland Browns Stadium Recap 17 January 1 Detroit Lions W 35–21 11–5 Heinz Field Recap Game summaries Week 1 (Sunday September 11, 2005): vs. Tennessee Titans thumb|left|Alan Faneca blocks for Willie Parker Titans 7 0 0 0 Steelers 7 13 14 0 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 Steelers 10 10 7 0 Texans 0 0 7 0 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 Patriots 7 0 3 13 Steelers 10 0 3 7 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 4 (Sunday October 2, 2005): Bye Week Week 5 (Monday October 10, 2005): at San Diego Chargers Steelers 0 14 0 10 Chargers 0 7 6 9 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), Sam Ryan (sideline reporter) The Steelers returned to Monday night football for the first time since 2003 after being exiled for a year due to the 6–10 record. 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 Jaguars 7 3 7 0 6 Steelers 0 14 0 3 0 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 Steelers 0 7 17 3 Bengals 3 3 0 7 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 Ravens 7 3 0 9 Steelers 7 3 7 3 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), Sam Ryan (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 Steelers 6 7 0 7 Packers 3 0 7 0 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 Browns 7 0 0 14 Steelers 0 17 7 10 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 Steelers 0 6 0 7 0 Ravens 0 13 0 0 3 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 Steelers 7 0 0 0 Colts 10 6 7 3 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), Sam Ryan (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 Bengals 7 14 10 7 Steelers 14 3 7 7 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 Pittsburgh Steelers 2005 2; text-align:center collapsed Chicago Bears (9–3) at Pittsburgh Steelers (7–5) December 11 1:00 p.m. EST Bears 3 0 0 6 Steelers 7 7 7 0 Heinz Field • Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 61,237 Snow • 32 F • Wind 12 mph on Bill Vinovich FOX Dick Stockton, Daryl Johnston, Tony Siragusa Pro-Football-Reference.com Bears Kyle Orton17/35, 207 Yds Thomas Jones14 Rush, 72 Yds, TD Muhsin Muhammad8 Rec, 91 Yds Steelers Ben Roethlisberger13/20, 173 Yds, TD Jerome Bettis17 Rush, 101 Yds, 2 TD Willie Parker2 Rec, 45 Yds 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. CHI PIT collapsed 1 9:16 Steelers RecTD Ward Roethlisberger 14 good Reed run/pass good/failed/incomplete 0 7 1 2:30 Bears FG 29 Gould 3 7 2 7:25 Steelers RushTD Bettis 1 good Reed run/pass good/failed/incomplete 3 14 3 7:25 Steelers RushTD Bettis 5 good Reed run/pass good/failed/incomplete 3 21 4 13:38 Bears RushTD Jones 1 no good Gould run/pass good/failed/incomplete 9 21 9 21 Week 15 (Sunday December 18, 2005): at Minnesota Vikings Steelers 3 7 6 2 Vikings 3 0 0 0 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 Steelers 14 6 14 7 Browns 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 Lions 14 0 7 0 Steelers 14 7 14 0 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 2005–06 NFL playoffs Round Date Opponent (seed) Result Record Venue Recap Wild Card January 8 at Cincinnati Bengals (3) W 31–17 1–0 Paul Brown Stadium Recap Divisional January 15 at Indianapolis Colts (1) W 21–18 2–0 RCA Dome Recap AFC Championship January 22 at Denver Broncos (2) W 34–17 3–0 Invesco Field at Mile High Recap Super Bowl XL February 5 vs. Seattle Seahawks (N1) W 21–10 4–0 Ford Field Recap Game summaries AFC Wild Card Playoffs: at (#3) Cincinnati Bengals Pittsburgh Steelers 2005 2; text-align:center collapsed AFC wild card game: (#6) Pittsburgh Steelers (11–5) at (#3) Cincinnati Bengals (11–5) January 8, 2006 Sunday 4:30 p.m. EDT Steelers 0 14 14 3 Bengals 10 7 0 0 Paul Brown Stadium • Cincinnati, Ohio 65,870 Partly cloudy • 61 F C • Wind SW 22 mph km/h knot Larry Nemmers CBS Jim Nantz, Phil Simms, and Bonnie Bernstein Game Book Steelers Ben Roethlisberger14/19, 208 Yds, 3 TD Jerome Bettis10 Rush, 52 Yds, TD Cedrick Wilson3 Rec, 104 Yds, TD Bengals Jon Kitna24/40, 197 Yds, TD, 2 INT Rudi Johnson13 Rush, 56 Yds, TD Kevin Walter5 Rec, 73 Yds Carson Palmer tore his ACL on his first pass attempt after a tackle by Kimo von Oelhoffen.January 12, 2006 Doctor: Palmer knee injury 'potentially career-ending' https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2290239 2026-09-03 ESPN PIT CIN collapsed 1 6:54 Bengals 9 84 4:25 FG 23 Shayne Graham 0 3 1 1:09 Bengals 7 76 3:26 RushTD Rudi Johnson 20 good Shayne Graham run/pass good/failed/incomplete 0 10 2 13:11 Steelers 8 60 2:58 RecTD Willie Parker Ben Roethlisberger 19 good Jeff Reed run/pass good/failed/incomplete 7 10 2 6:13 Bengals 14 57 6:58 RecTD T.J. Houshmandzadeh Jon Kitna 7 good Shayne Graham run/pass good/failed/incomplete 7 17 2 3:48 Steelers 6 76 2:25 RecTD Hines Ward Ben Roethlisberger 5 good Jeff Reed run/pass good/failed/incomplete 14 17 3 5:12 Steelers 8 66 4:39 RushTD Jerome Bettis 5 good Jeff Reed run/pass good/failed/incomplete 21 17 3 1:13 Steelers 3 50 1:35 RecTD Cedrick Wilson Ben Roethlisberger 43 good Jeff Reed run/pass good/failed/incomplete 28 17 4 10:29 Steelers 6 37 2:56 FG 21 Jeff Reed 31 17 31 17 AFC Divisional Playoffs: at (#1) Indianapolis Colts 2005 Indianapolis Colts season 2005 AFC Divisional playoff game (Pittsburgh–Indianapolis) Pittsburgh Steelers 2005 2; text-align:center collapsed AFC Divisional Playoff: (#6) Pittsburgh Steelers (11–5) at (#1) Indianapolis Colts (14–2) January 15, 2006 Sunday 1:00 p.m. EDT Steelers 14 0 7 0 Colts 0 3 0 15 RCA Dome • Indianapolis, Indiana 57,449 Indoors (dome) Pete Morelli CBS Dick Enberg, Dan Dierdorf, and Armen Keteyian Game Book Steelers Ben Roethlisberger14/24, 197 Yds, 2 TD, INT Willie Parker17 Rush, 59 Yds Hines Ward3 Rec, 68 Yds Colts Peyton Manning22/38, 290 Yds, TD Edgerrin James13 Rush, 56 Yds, TD Reggie Wayne7 Rec, 97 Yds The Steelers became the first No. 6 playoff seed (since the league expanded to a 12-team playoff format in 1990) to defeat a No. 1 seed, and also the first No. 6 seed to reach a conference championship game. Roethlisberger's game-saving tackle on Harper would later be known as "The Immaculate Redemption" or just "The Tackle". PIT IND collapsed 1 9:25 Steelers 10 84 5:35 RecTD Antwaan Randle El Ben Roethlisberger 6 good Jeff Reed run/pass good/failed/incomplete 7 0 1 3:12 Steelers 7 72 2:53 RecTD Heath Miller Ben Roethlisberger 7 good Jeff Reed run/pass good/failed/incomplete 14 0 2 1:20 Colts 15 96 9:39 FG 20 Mike Vanderjagt 14 3 3 1:26 Steelers 6 30 3:21 RushTD 1 Jerome Bettis good Jeff Reed run/pass good/failed/incomplete 21 3 4 14:09 Colts 6 72 2:17 RecTD Dallas Clark Peyton Manning 50 good Mike Vanderjagt run/pass good/failed/incomplete 21 10 4 4:24 Colts 6 80 1:39 RushTD Edgerrin James 3 pass good 21 18 21 18 AFC Championship: at (#2) Denver Broncos Steelers 3 21 0 10 Broncos 0 3 7 7 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: vs. (N1) Seattle Seahawks Seahawks 3 0 7 0 Steelers 0 7 7 7 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 became the fourth wild card team to win the Super Bowl, and the first to have done so while winning three playoff games on the road. Hines Ward was the Super Bowl MVP, recording 5 catches for 143 yards and a touchdown. Standings Honors and awards thumb|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 External links 2005 Pittsburgh Steelers season at Pro Football Reference 2005 Pittsburgh Steelers season statistics at jt-sw.com Pittsburgh Category:Pittsburgh Steelers seasons Category:American Football Conference championship seasons Category:Super Bowl champion seasons Pitts