Steelers football blog

Steelers bash Browns 41-9, clinch bye

The Steelers won the AFC North Division championship today and clinched the No. 2 seed in the conference and a bye next weekend in the playoffs by routing the Cleveland Browns, 41-9.

Ben Roethlisberger threw touchdown passes to Mike Wallace and Heath Miller; Rashard Mendenhall ran for two 1-yard touchdowns; and Antwaan Randle El tossed his second touchdown pass of the season, to Heath Miller. The Steelers ran out to a 31-3 halftime lead and scored on the first six possessions -- five touchdowns and a 41-yard field goal by Shaun Suisham. They did not punt until late in the third quarter. Suisham also kicked a 24-yard field goal in the fourth quarter.

The Steelers will open the playoffs Jan. 15 or 16 at Heinz Field. A victory in that game would advance the team to the AFC championship game. (PPG)

More roster moves possible for Steelers

Coach Mike Tomlin said cutting the Steelers' roster to 53 players was merely the first step to building a team he hopes can contend for another Super Bowl title. But it is not the last step. He called the process on-going, something that can and will continue throughout the season.

It might even continue today, or, at least, before the start of the regular season Thursday night.

Tomlin made official his final cuts yesterday, announcing the names of the 21 players who were waived and also placing veteran tight end Sean McHugh, who had arthroscopic knee surgery last week, on the season-ending injured reserve list. Continue