Steelers hoping for 2005 repeat as playoffs begin

By Will Graves

Associated Press

Published: Monday, Jan. 2 2012 1:36 p.m. MST

View 3 photos »

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall is examined on the sideline after an injury in the first half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 1, 2012, in Cleveland.

Amy Sancetta, Associated Press

Summary

The Pittsburgh Steelers aren't intimidated by the thought of having to win three games on the road to reach the Super Bowl.

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers aren't intimidated by the thought of having to win three games on the road to reach the Super Bowl.

The defending AFC champions did it in 2005, winning at Cincinnati, Denver and Indianapolis before beating Seattle in Detroit to win their fifth Lombardi Trophy.

To win a seventh Super Bowl title, they'll have to do it again. Pittsburgh (12-4) faces the AFC West-champion Broncos (8-8) on Sunday in the Wild Card round and will likely do it without starting running back Rashard Mendenhall, who suffered a right knee injury in the first quarter of Sunday's win over Cleveland and is out indefinitely.

Second-year back Isaac Redman ran for 92 yards and a touchdown in relief but also fumbled twice. Rookie John Clay will also get some carries for Pittsburgh.

Comments