AFC Championship Game
New England (12-5) vs. Pittsburgh (14-3)
At Heinz Field, Pittsburgh
Sunday, Jan. 27
Kickoff -- 12:30 p.m. EST.
Favorite -- Pittsburgh by 9
New England in the playoffs -- Defeated the Oakland Raiders in snowy Foxboro in the divisional round, 16-13. The game was sent into overtime by Adam Vinatieri's field goal with 27 seconds remaining in regulation and Vinatieri won it in the extra period with a 23-yarder. The drive to the tying field goal was kept alive by a controversial instant replay decision that negated what had originally been ruled as a fumble by quarterback Tom Brady.
Pittsburgh in the playoffs -- Defeated defending Super Bowl champion Baltimore in the divisional round, 27-10. In a game featuring the No. 1 and No. 2 defenses in the NFL, Pittsburgh's top-ranking unit was far superior. Baltimore did not make a first down until the final moments of the first half and managed just seven overall. Pittsburgh built a 20-0 lead and the only touchdown Baltimore managed came on the longest post-season punt return in NFL playoff history, an 88-yarder by Jermaine Lewis.
Last Playoff Meeting -- The teams met two years in a row in the divisional round with New England winning in the 1996 season en route to the Super Bowl, 28-3; and the Steelers capturing their playoff game the next year, 7-6. Kordell Stewart scored that game's only touchdown on a 40-yard run and the Steelers forced four turnovers. Pittsburgh then lost to Denver in the AFC title game.
Coaches Playoff Records: Bill Belichick, New England, 2-1; Bill Cowher, Pittsburgh, 6-6.
Conference Championship Records: Bill Belichick, New England, 0-0; Bill Cowher, Pittsburgh, 1-2.
New England Tidbits -- New England began the season with an 0-2 record, lost its starting quarterback and also lost three of its first four games. The Patriots climbed from last place to first place in the AFC East. QB Tom Brady has won 12 of his 15 starts. Overlooked in the controversy surrounding New England's win over Oakland was the fact that in the fourth-quarter touchdown drive that brought the Patriots within three points, Brady completed nine straight passes. And he completed six straight in the overtime drive leading to the winning field goal.
Pittsburgh Tidbits -- Being at home may not be that much of an advantage for the Steelers. The home team has lost the last two and three of the last four AFC Championship games. The Steelers will be playing in their 11th AFC championship game, second most in the conference to Oakland (13). In their first one under Cowher, the Steelers suffered a 17-13 loss to the San Diego Chargers in 1994. But the next year, Pittsburgh edged the Indianapolis Colts, 20-16, in the AFC title game before losing to Dallas in Super Bowl XXX.
Scouting Report
Patriots offense vs. Steelers defense -- Pittsburgh was ranked No. 1 in the league in total defense this season and showed why last week in shutting down the Baltimore Ravens. Baltimore's offense, however, did not provide a good test. New England QB Tom Brady has had a magical season and his ability to get into a passing rhythm is something the Steelers must counter. With 55 sacks in the regular season, Pittsburgh led the league in that department. If the Steelers can put pressure on Brady and force a mistake or two, they will have gone a long way to winning the game. New England ranked a modest 19th in total offense this season, but only five teams in the league did a better job at converting third-down opportunities. RB Antowain Smith will likely find it difficult to pick up appreciable yardage against the Steelers' front, so the pressure will be on Brady. He must have a virtually error-free game for the Patriots to have a chance.
Steelers offense vs. Patriots defense -- Pittsburgh RB Jerome Bettis has been out of action seven weeks because of a groin sprain, but he is finally expected to be back in the lineup Sunday. Pittsburgh did just fine without him against Baltimore last week and if he shows signs of rust against the Patriots, he might do the Steelers more harm than good. After all, backup Amos Zereoue was outstanding against the Ravens. If Pittsburgh's rushing game does get going, it will probably be a long day for the Patriots. New England, which ranked only 24th on defense, needs to do its best to stop the run and hope the pressure might get to Kordell Stewart. In a big turnaround season for the Steelers, Stewart has been the highlight attraction. His ability to turn a broken play into a big one is nothing new. But his ability to stay away from the big mistake has made the difference between a good team and a potential Super Bowl participant. Nevertheless, the Patriots must make Stewart try to beat them.
Regular Season Individual Leaders:
Pittsburgh -- Kordell Stewart, 226 of 442 passes for 3,109 yards and 14 TDs with 11 INTs. QB rating of 81.7. Jerome Bettis, 225 carries for 1,072 yards and 4 TDs. Plaxico Burress, 66 catches for 1,008 yards and 6 TDs. Hines Ward, 94 catches for 1,003 yards and 4 TDs. Kris Brown, 30 field goals in 44 attempts.
New England -- Tom Brady, 264 of 413 passes for 2,843 yards and 18 TDs with 12 INTs. QB rating of 86.5. Antowain Smith, 287 carries for 1,157 yards and 12 TDs. Troy Brown, 101 catches for 1,199 yards and 5 TDs. David Patten, 51 catches for 749 yards and 4 TDs. Adam Vinatieri, 24 field goals in 30 attempts.
