2015 Pittsburgh Steelers season

Last updated • 28 min readFrom Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia

2015 Pittsburgh Steelers season
Owner The Rooney Family
General manager Kevin Colbert
Head coach Mike Tomlin
Home field Heinz Field
Results
Record10–6
Division place2nd AFC North
Playoff finishWon Wild Card Playoffs
(at Bengals) 18–16
Lost Divisional Playoffs
(at Broncos) 16–23
Pro Bowlers Antonio Brown, WR
David DeCastro, G
Ben Roethlisberger, QB
Team MVPAntonio Brown
Team ROY Bud Dupree
Uniform
Pittsb steelers uniforms12.png

The 2015 Pittsburgh Steelers season was the franchise's 83rd season as a professional sports franchise and as a member of the National Football League (NFL). It also marked the 16th season under leadership of general manager Kevin Colbert and the ninth under head coach Mike Tomlin. For the first time since 2002, safety Troy Polamalu was not on the opening day roster, as he announced his retirement on April 9. [1]

Contents

The Steelers clinched the last AFC playoff spot, finishing tied with the New York Jets with a 10–6 record, but winning the tiebreaker over the Jets based on a better record vs. common opponents. The Steelers defeated the Cincinnati Bengals in the Wild Card round, but lost to the eventual Super Bowl champion Denver Broncos in the Divisional round.

2015 draft class

2015 Pittsburgh Steelers draft
RoundPickPlayerPositionCollegeNotes
122 Bud Dupree   Outside linebacker Kentucky Team Rookie of the Year
256 Senquez Golson   Cornerback Ole Miss
387 Sammie Coates   Wide receiver Auburn
4121 Doran Grant   Cornerback Ohio State
5160 Jesse James   Tight end Penn State
6199 Leterrius Walton   Defensive tackle Central Michigan
6212+ Anthony Chickillo   Outside linebacker Miami (FL)
7239 Gerod Holliman   Free safety Louisville
      Made roster        Pro Football Hall of Fame     *   Made at least one Pro Bowl during career

(+) Compensatory Selection

Undrafted free agents

All undrafted free agents were signed after the 2015 NFL draft concluded on May 2 unless otherwise noted.

PositionPlayerCollegeNotes
TECameron Clear Texas A&M
NTNigel Crawford-Kinney St. Augustine's
DEDominique DavisLiberty
G Miles Dieffenbach Penn State
C Reese Dismukes Auburn
G B. J. Finney Kansas State
WR Tyler Murphy Boston College
DEBradon Prate Illinois State
WR Eli Rogers Louisville
RB Ross Scheuerman Lafayette
T Kevin Whimpey Utah State

Staff

2015 marked a transition period for the Steelers defense, as longtime defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau resigned January 10. [2] A member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame due to his 14-year playing career with the Detroit Lions, LeBeau served 13 seasons as the Steelers defensive coordinator under Tomlin and his predecessor Bill Cowher over two stints (1995–1996 and 2004–2014), and whose zone blitz defense ranked within the Top 5 in the NFL in total defense in 11 of those 13 seasons. At the time of his resignation, LeBeau was the NFL's longest-active tenured defensive coordinator. LeBeau, 77, mentioned that it was a "resignation, not retirement." [3] [4]

On January 13, longtime linebackers coach Keith Butler was promoted to succeed LeBeau. [5] Butler stated that the team will continue to run the 3–4 defense as its primary package, but will also run some 4–3 packages, essentially converting the system to a hybrid 3–4. [6] The Steelers have run the 3–4 since 1982, the longest such use of the 3–4 in NFL history.

2015 Pittsburgh Steelers staff

Front office

Head coaches

Offensive coaches

Defensive coaches

Special teams coaches

Strength and conditioning


Final roster

2015 Pittsburgh Steelers roster
Quarterbacks (QB)

Running backs (RB)

Wide receivers (WR)

Tight ends (TE)

Offensive linemen (OL)

Defensive linemen (DL)

Linebackers (LB)

Defensive backs (DB)

Special teams

Practice squad

Reserve

Rookies in italics
53 active, 17 reserve, 9 practice squad

Schedule

Training camp

The Steelers held training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. It marked the 50th straight year that training camp was held at the college nestled in the Laurel Highlands, the third-longest active streak in the NFL behind the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings, who have held their respective training camps at the same sites since 1958 and 1961, respectively.

The Steelers were scheduled to have joint practices with the Buffalo Bills this preseason but, due their commitment to play in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game, they canceled the joint practices but agreed to still play a later preseason game against the Bills on August 29. The Bills then scheduled joint practices with the Cleveland Browns at St. John Fisher College in Rochester, NY which then culminated with a preseason game against them on August 20 in Cleveland.

Preseason

WeekDateOpponentResultRecordGame siteNFL.com
recap
HOF August 9vs. Minnesota Vikings L 3–140–1 Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium (Canton, Ohio) Recap
1August 14at Jacksonville Jaguars L 21–230–2 EverBank Field Recap
2August 23 Green Bay Packers W 24–191–2 Heinz Field Recap
3August 29at Buffalo Bills L 19–431–3 Ralph Wilson Stadium Recap
4September 3 Carolina Panthers L 6–231–4Heinz Field Recap

Regular season

Due to the modified scheduling changes that were made for the 2010 season, 2015 marked several firsts for the Steelers. It marked the first time the Steelers have hosted the Arizona Cardinals since 2003 (having played them at University of Phoenix Stadium twice in that span, as well as Super Bowl XLIII), the first time hosting the Denver Broncos since 2006 (having played them five times since then, all at Sports Authority Field at Mile High), the first time playing the San Diego Chargers on the road since 2006 (having played them four times since, all at home, and ultimately the Steelers last trip to San Diego before the Chargers returned to Los Angeles in 2017) and the first time visiting the Seattle Seahawks since 2003, having played them away from Seattle three times since, twice at home as well as Super Bowl XL. [7]

WeekDateOpponentResultRecordGame SiteNFL.com
recap
1 September 10at New England Patriots L 21–280–1 Gillette Stadium Recap
2September 20 San Francisco 49ers W 43–181–1 Heinz Field Recap
3September 27at St. Louis Rams W 12–62–1 Edward Jones Dome Recap
4October 1 Baltimore Ravens L 20–23 (OT)2–2Heinz Field Recap
5October 12at San Diego Chargers W 24–203–2 Qualcomm Stadium Recap
6October 18 Arizona Cardinals W 25–134–2Heinz Field Recap
7October 25at Kansas City Chiefs L 13–234–3 Arrowhead Stadium Recap
8November 1 Cincinnati Bengals L 10–164–4Heinz Field Recap
9November 8 Oakland Raiders W 38–355–4Heinz Field Recap
10November 15 Cleveland Browns W 30–96–4Heinz Field Recap
11 Bye
12November 29at Seattle Seahawks L 30–396–5 CenturyLink Field Recap
13December 6 Indianapolis Colts W 45–107–5Heinz Field Recap
14December 13at Cincinnati Bengals W 33–208–5 Paul Brown Stadium Recap
15December 20 Denver Broncos W 34–279–5Heinz Field Recap
16December 27at Baltimore Ravens L 17–209–6 M&T Bank Stadium Recap
17January 3at Cleveland Browns W 28–1210–6 FirstEnergy Stadium Recap

Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

Postseason

Playoff roundDateOpponent (seed)ResultRecordGame siteNFL.com
recap
Wild CardJanuary 9, 2016at Cincinnati Bengals (3)W 18–161–0 Paul Brown Stadium Recap
DivisionalJanuary 17, 2016at Denver Broncos (1)L 16–231–1 Sports Authority Field at Mile High Recap

Game summaries

Regular season

Week 1: at New England Patriots

NFL Kickoff game

Week One: Pittsburgh Steelers at New England Patriots – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Steelers0381021
Patriots0147728

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

Game information

The Steelers opened their season on the road against the defending Super Bowl Champion Patriots. After a scoreless first quarter, the Patriots scored first in the second quarter when Tom Brady found Rob Gronkowski on 2 consecutive touchdown passes: from 16 and 6 yards out for leads of 7–0 and 14–0. The Steelers got on the board before halftime when Josh Scobee kicked a 44-yard field goal for a 14–3 game. In the third quarter, Brady found Scott Chandler on a 1-yard touchdown pass for a 21–3 lead. The Steelers responded with Will Johnson's 1-yard run for a touchdown and a 2-point conversion tacked on for a 21–11 game. In the fourth quarter, the Steelers scored again as Scobee kicked a 24-yard field goal. Brady and Gronkowski hooked up again on a 1-yard pass for a 28–14 lead. Getting the ball back with seconds left, Ben Roethlisberger found Antonio Brown on an 11-yard touchdown pass for a final score of 28–21.

With the loss, the Steelers started their season 0–1. It also dropped the team to 2–1 in Kickoff Games.

Week 2: vs. San Francisco 49ers

Week Two: San Francisco 49ers at Pittsburgh Steelers – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
49ers0301518
Steelers82101443

at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Game information

After a tough loss, the Steelers went home to take on the 49ers. They struck first in the first quarter when Ben Roethlisberger found Heath Miller on a 2-yard TD pass (with a successful 2-point conversion) for an 8–0 lead. The Niners were able to get on the board in the second quarter when Phil Dawson kicked a 47-yard field goal shortening the lead to 8–3. The Steelers however pulled away later on as De'Angelo Williams ran for a 2-yard TD (with another successful 2-point conversion) for a 16–3 lead followed up by Roethlisberger finding Darrius Heyward-Bay on a 35-yard TD pass (with a failed PAT) for a 22–3 lead and finally Williams rushing for another 2-yard TD before halftime to take a 29–3 lead. After a scoreless third quarter, the Niners went to work in the fourth when Colin Kaepernick found Anquan Boldin on a 14-yard TD pass to move behind 29–10. The Steelers however pulled away when Williams ran for a 1-yard TD to move on up 36–10. The Niners drew closer when Kaepernick found Torrey Smith on a 75-yard TD pass (with a successful 2-point conversion) to make the score 36–18. The Steelers however wrapped up the scoring of the game when Roethlisberger found Antonio Brown on a 7-yard TD pass for the final score 43–18.

With the win, the Steelers improved to 1–1.

The defense had a field day on Kaepernick by sacking him 5 times and forcing a fumble which they recovered.

Week 3: at St. Louis Rams

Week Three: Pittsburgh Steelers at St. Louis Rams – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Steelers360312
Rams03036

at Edward Jones Dome, St. Louis, Missouri

Game information

Coming off their big home win over San Francisco, the Steelers traveled to St. Louis to take on the Rams in the Edward Jones Dome. After a long delay before the game due to the field catching fire from a pyrotechnical error during the Rams' entrance, the game got underway. Pittsburgh got on the board early with a Josh Scobee field goal, and held the Rams scoreless for the first quarter. Early in the second quarter, Rams' kicker Greg Zuerlein gave them a field goal, tying the game. But, the returning Le'Veon Bell scored on a one-yard run in the second quarter; Pittsburgh failed to convert on a two-point play, but lead 9–3. The score remained this way for most of the game, and neither team scored in the third quarter. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger injured his left knee mid-third quarter; he was carted off-field and Michael Vick replaced him for the remainder of the game. Zuerlein added to the Rams' score with another field goal, inching the Rams closer 9–6. But, Scobee kicked another field goal for the Steelers, increasing their lead 12–6. St. Louis failed to convert late in the game, and Vick kneeled down to end the game.

With their win and a Cleveland loss to Oakland, the Steelers improved to 2–1 and took sole possession of second in the AFC North.

Week 4: vs. Baltimore Ravens

Week Four: Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers – Game summary
Quarter1234OTTotal
Ravens7076323
Steelers31070020

at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Game information

Justin Tucker made a 52-yard field goal with 5:08 left in overtime to give the Baltimore Ravens a 23–20 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday night.

Tucker tied it with 3 seconds to go in regulation after Pittsburgh's Josh Scobee missed a pair of kicks that would have given the Steelers some cushion. Tucker then won it in the extra period after the Steelers failed to convert a pair of fourth downs in Baltimore territory.

The Steelers defense had another stellar outing, sacking Joe Flacco five times and forcing two turnovers. Michael Vick threw for 124 yards and a score and avoided committing any turnovers while starting in place of the injured Ben Roethlisberger. All helped lead the team to a 20–7 lead early in the third quarter. However, the Steelers offense stalled after, and Baltimore took advantage dropping the team to 2–2.

Antonio Brown's 5/50 receiving streak was broken after 35 consecutive games. He finished with 5 receptions, but missed the 50-yard mark by 8 yards.

Week 5: at San Diego Chargers

Week Five: Pittsburgh Steelers at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Steelers0371424
Chargers7001320

at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California

Game information

After a tough home loss to the Ravens, the Steelers traveled to San Diego to take on the Chargers. The Chargers scored first in the first quarter when Philip Rivers found Antonio Gates on a 12-yard pass for a 7–0 lead. The Steelers got on the board in the 2nd quarter when Chris Boswell nailed a 47-yard field goal for a 7–3 game at halftime. After the break, the Steelers took the lead as Antwon Blake picked off Philip Rivers and returned it 70 yards for a TD and a 10–7 lead for the only score of the period. In the 4th quarter the Chargers scored 10 points first tying the game 10–10 when Josh Lambo kicked a 40-yard field goal followed up by Rivers and Gates hooking up again this time on an 11-yard TD pass for a 17–10 lead. The Steelers tied the game back up when Michael Vick found Markus Wheaton on a 72-yard TD pass for a 17–17 game. The Chargers retook the lead when Lambo kicked a 54-yard field goal for a 20–17 lead. Getting the ball back with less than 2 minutes left, the Steelers drove down the field. Le'Veon Bell ran for a TD from a yard out as time expired to win the game. With the game 23–20, officials had to review it to make sure he reached in before his knee hit the ground. The call stood and then Boswell kicked the PAT for a 24–20 victory.

The Steelers defense continued their surprising resurgence of sacks and takeaways by sacking Rivers twice and getting two more turnovers. The offense scored on their final possession as time expired to clinch a much-needed road win against the Chargers. The win improved the Steelers to 3–2 on the season and snapped a five-game losing streak in California.

Week 6: vs. Arizona Cardinals

Week Six: Arizona Cardinals at Pittsburgh Steelers – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Cardinals730313
Steelers03121025

at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Game information

After a tough road win over the Bolts, the Steelers returned home to take on the Cardinals. The Cards would strike first in the first quarter when Carson Palmer found Michael Floyd on a 3-yard pass for a 7–0 lead for the only score of the period. The Steelers got on the board in the 2nd quarter when Chris Boswell nailed a 47-yard field goal for a 7–3 game before the Cards moved ahead by a TD after Chandler Catanzaro kicked a field goal of his own from 31 yards out for a 10–3 game at halftime. After the break, in the third quarter it was all Steelers as Boswell kicked another field goal. This was from 48 yards out to get the Steelers within 4, 10–6. 3rd-string QB Landry Jones replaced Michael Vick for the rest of the game and threw his first career TD to Martavis Bryant from 8 yards out (with a failed 2-point conversion) and a 12–10 lead. Boswell hit a field goal from 51 yards out to send the Steelers up by 5, 15–10. In the fourth quarter, the Cards narrowed the Steelers' lead as Catanzaro kicked a 39-yard field goal for a 15–13 game. The Steelers increased their lead when Boswell made a 28-yard field goal for an 18–13 game. Finally, they were able to seal the game when Jones found Bryant on an 88-yard pass for the final score of 25–13.

With the win, the Steelers improved to 4–2. The defense also continued their stellar outings in sacks and takeaways such as sacking Palmer once, picking him off twice, and recovering a fumble. This was Michael Vick’s last start in an NFL Game.

Week 7: at Kansas City Chiefs

Week Seven: Pittsburgh Steelers at Kansas City Chiefs – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Steelers307313
Chiefs367723

at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

  • Date: October 25
  • Game time: 1:00 pm. EDT/12:00 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: 58 °F (14 °C), sunny
  • Game attendance: 76,365
  • Referee: Walt Coleman
  • TV announcers (CBS): Greg Gumbel, Trent Green and Stacey Dales
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

The Steelers traveled to Kansas City to take on the Chiefs. In the first quarter, the Chiefs scored first when Cairo Santos kicked a 30-yard field goal for a 3–0 lead. The Steelers would tie it up later on as Chris Boswell nailed a field goal from 24 yards out to make the game 3–3. In the second quarter, it was all Chiefs when Santos nailed 2 more field goals: from 27 and 22 yards out moving ahead 6–3 and the eventual halftime score of 9–3. After the break, the Chiefs moved ahead by double digits when Chircandrick West ran for a 1-yard touchdown for a 16–3 game. Backup QB Landry Jones was able to find Martavis Bryant on a 19-yard pass to make the score 16–10 for the Steelers later on in the third quarter. In the fourth quarter, the Steelers came within 3 when Boswell nailed another field goal from 36-yards out for a 16–13 game. However, the Chiefs eventually sealed the win when Alex Smith found Chris Conley on a 6-yard pass for a final score of 23–13.

With the loss, the Steelers fell to 4–3 and also 2–2 without Roethlisberger as the starter.

The defense failed to force any takeaways, but got inside the pocket and sacked Smith twice.

Week 8: vs. Cincinnati Bengals

Week Eight: Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Bengals3301016
Steelers703010

at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Game information

After the tough loss to the Chiefs, the Steelers returned home for a game against the Bengals in a much-hyped game due to Ben Roethlisberger being back from injury. This was also game 1 of a 3-game home stand.

In the first quarter, the Steelers took an early lead as Ben found Antonio Brown on a 1-yard pass for a 7–0 lead. Later on, the Bengals came within 4 as Mike Nugent nailed a 44-yard field goal for a 7–3 game. In the second quarter, the Bengals came within a point as Nugent nailed a 45-yard field goal for a 7–6 game at halftime. In the third quarter, the Steelers increased their lead back to 4 as Chris Boswell nailed a 32-yard field goal to make it 10–6. In the fourth quarter however, it was all Bengals as they took the lead when Andy Dalton found A. J. Green on a 9-yard pass for a 13–10 game followed up by Nugent nailing another 44-yard field goal for the final score of 16–10.

With the loss, the Steelers fell to 4–4. Not only did they lose the game, but they also lost star running back Le'Veon Bell for the season due to a torn MCL.

Despite the loss, the defense had yet another stellar outing by picking off Dalton twice and sacking him three times.

Week 9: Oakland Raiders

Week Nine: Oakland Raiders at Pittsburgh Steelers – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Raiders7771435
Steelers31801738

at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

  • Date: November 8
  • Game time: 1:00 pm. EST
  • Game weather: 54 °F (12 °C), sunny
  • Game attendance: 65,520
  • Referee: Bill Vinovich
  • TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle, Dan Fouts and Evan Washburn
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

The Steelers stayed home for Game 2 of a 3-game home stand against the Raiders. In the first quarter, the Raiders scored first as Derek Carr found Michael Crabtree on a 22-yard pass for a 7–0 lead. The Steelers got on the board later on in the quarter when Chris Boswell kicked a 34-yard field goal for a 7–3 game. In the 2nd quarter, the Steelers took the lead when DeAngelo Williams ran for a TD from 3 yards out (with a successful 2-point conversion) for an 11–7 game. The Raiders however, retook the lead when Carr found Amari Cooper on a 15-yard pass for a 14–11 lead. The Steelers closed the half when Williams ran for another 3-yard TD and Boswell kicked a 38-yard field goal for leads of 18–14 and then 21–14 at halftime. After the break, the Raiders went back to work tying the game up 21–21 when Carr found Clive Walford on a 1-yard pass for the only score of the third quarter. In the fourth quarter, the Steelers were able to retake the lead as Ben Roethlisberger found Martavis Bryant on a 14-yard pass for a 28–21 game. Roethlisberger then found Jesse James on a 4-yard pass for a 35–21 game. The Raiders would tie the game back up with 2 straight TDs of their own: First coming from Jamize Olawale who ran from 19 yards out for a 35–28 game and then Carr finding Crabtree again on a 38-yard pass to make it 35–35. Getting the ball back with seconds left, the Steelers had to depend on backup QB Landry Jones to help them get within field goal range. They would successfully do so and then Boswell kicked the game-winning 18-yard field goal for a 38–35 final score.

With the win, the Steelers improved to 5–4.

The defense failed to sack Carr, but recorded 4 takeaways.

Week 10: vs. Cleveland Browns

Week Ten: Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Browns30069
Steelers6153630

at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

  • Date: November 15
  • Game time: 1:00 pm. EST
  • Game weather: 61 °F (16 °C), sunny
  • Game attendance: 64,402
  • Referee: Ron Torbert
  • TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle, Dan Fouts and Evan Washburn
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

The Steelers' last game in the 3-game home stand was against the Browns. Backup QB Landry Jones started the game, but left due to injury and was replaced by Ben Roethlisberger. In the first quarter, the Steelers grabbed an early lead as Chris Boswell nailed a 24-yard field goal for a 3–0 lead. However, the Browns tied it up at 3–3 when Travis Coons kicked a 23-yard field goal. The Steelers would retake the lead later on in the quarter when Boswell nailed a 34-yard field goal for a 6–3 game. In the second quarter, it was all Steelers when Roethlisberger found Antonio Brown on a 4-yard pass (with a successful 2-point conversion) for a 14–3 lead followed up by Roethlisberger finding Martavis Bryant on a 32-yard pass for a 21–3 lead at halftime. In the third quarter, the Steelers went back to work as Boswell kicked a 25-yard field goal for a 24–3 game for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, Johnny Manziel found Gary Barnidge on a 7-yard pass (with a failed PAT) for a 24–9 game. The Steelers later on would wrap the game up when Roethlisberger and Brown hooked up again this time on a 56-yard pass (with a failed PAT) for the final score of 30–9.

With the win, the Steelers head into their bye week at 6–4, and finally won a game within their division while also winning consecutive conference games for the first time in the season. The team also improves to 3–2 when Ben doesn't start and also finishes 2–1 in the 3-game home stand.

The defense also stood out by sacking Manziel 6 times and got 3 turnovers.

Week 11: Bye Week

No game. Pittsburgh had a bye week.

Week 12: at Seattle Seahawks

Week Twelve: Pittsburgh Steelers at Seattle Seahawks – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Steelers3153930
Seahawks01461939

at CenturyLink Field, Seattle, Washington

  • Date: November 29
  • Game time: 4:25 pm. EST/1:25 pm. PST
  • Game weather: 38 °F (3 °C), cloudy
  • Game attendance: 69,055
  • Referee: Walt Anderson
  • TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz, Phil Simms and Tracy Wolfson
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

Coming off their bye week, the Steelers traveled to Seattle to take on the Seahawks. The Steelers scored first when Chris Boswell kicked a 44-yard field goal for a 3–0 lead for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, the Seahawks were able to take a 7–3 lead when Russell Wilson found Doug Baldwin on a 16-yard pass. The Steelers retook the lead when Martavis Bryant ran for an 11-yard TD for a 10–7 game. Wilson then found Jermaine Kearse on a 12-yard pass for a 14–10 lead. De'Angelo Williams ran for a 6-yard TD (with a successful 2-point conversion) to take an 18–14 lead at halftime. In the third quarter, the Steelers increased their lead when Boswell nailed a 25-yard field goal for a 21–14 lead. The Seahawks would come within 1 when Thomas Rawls made a 1-yard TD run (with a failed PAT) for a 21–20 game. Wilson found Kearse again this time on a 9-yard pass (with a failed 2-point conversion) to move ahead 26–20. The Steelers then retook the lead when Ben Roethlisberger found Bryant on a 69-yard pass (with a failed 2-point conversion) for a 27–26 game. But the Seahawks would move back into the lead when Wilson found Baldwin again this time on a 30-yard pass (with a failed 2-point conversion) for a 32–27 game. The Steelers came within 2 when Boswell nailed a 22-yard field goal for a 32–30 game. But the Seahawks wrapped the game up when Wilson found Baldwin on an 80-yard pass for the final score of 39–30.

With the loss, the Steelers dropped to 6–5.

The defense failed to get any takeaways but sacked Wilson twice.

Week 13: vs. Indianapolis Colts

Week Thirteen: Indianapolis Colts at Pittsburgh Steelers – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Colts370010
Steelers61571745

at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

  • Date: December 6
  • Game time: 8:30 pm. EST
  • Game weather: 37 °F (3 °C), partly cloudy
  • Game attendance: 58,701
  • Referee: Ron Torbert
  • TV announcers (NBC): Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth and Michele Tafoya
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

After a tough road loss, the Steelers returned home. With their record at 6–5, they faced off against the 6–5 Colts in a rematch of 2014's 51–34 blowout win. Adam Vinatieri was able to get the Colts an early 3–0 lead when he kicked a 35-yard field goal. The Steelers would get on the board when Chris Boswell kicked a 29-yard field goal for a 3–3 tie and then move into the lead when he kicked a 51-yard field goal for a 6–3 lead. The Colts retook the lead in the 2nd quarter when Matt Hasselbeck found Frank Gore on a 9-yard pass for a 10–6 game. Though the Steelers responded with 2 straight touchdowns of their own: Ben Roethlisberger found Antonio Brown on a 7-yard pass (with a successful 2-point conversion) retaking the lead 14–10 followed by Roethlisberger finding Markus Wheaten on a 5-yard pass to move ahead 21–10 at halftime. In the second half, it was all Steelers when Roethlisberger found Martavis Bryant on a 68-yard pass for a 28–10 game and only score of the third quarter. In the fourth quarter, Roethlisberger and Brown hooked up again this time on a 5-yard pass for a 35–10 game. Boswell then put a 42-yard field goal through for a 38–10 game. Finally, the Steelers wrapped the scoring up when Brown returned a punt 71 yards for a touchdown making the final score 45–10.

With the win, the Steelers improved to 7–5.

The defense had yet another stellar outing by forcing 3 turnovers and getting 5 sacks (2 on Hasselbeck, 3 on Whitehurst)

Week 14: at Cincinnati Bengals

Week Fourteen: Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Steelers7971033
Bengals0731020

at Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio

  • Date: December 13
  • Game time: 1:00 pm. EST
  • Game weather: 63 °F (17 °C), cloudy
  • Game attendance: 65,564
  • Referee: John Parry
  • TV announcers (CBS): Greg Gumbel, Trent Green and Jamie Erdahl
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

After winning at home, the Steelers traveled to Cincinnati for Game 2 against the Bengals. Before the game started there were an altercation between the two teams during warmups. Vince Williams and Vontaze Burfict were in the center of the scuffle. The game began with a score on the very first drive, when DeAngelo Williams ran for a 1-yard TD for a 7–0 lead and would increase their lead in the 2nd quarter, when Chris Boswell went for 2 field goals: From 42 and 47 yards out for 10–0 and 13–0 leads. QB Andy Dalton would be knocked out of the game so backup QB A. J. McCarron came in and threw his first career TD pass to A. J. Green from 66 yards out to make the score 13–7. Boswell, however, wrapped up the scoring of the first half with another 47 yard field goal for a 16–7 lead at halftime. In the third quarter, the Steelers went back to work as William Gay picked off A. J. McCarron and returned it 23 yards for a TD for a 23–7 game. Mike Nugent would kick a 46-yard field goal to make it 23–10. The Steelers went back to work in the fourth quarter when Boswell kicked a 31-yard field goal for a 26–10 game. The Bengals responded with Nugent kicking a 27-yard field goal for a 26–13 game. Later on however, the Steelers would pretty much seal the game when Williams ran for another 1-yard TD for a 33–13 game. The Bengals would wrap up the scoring of the game when McCarron found Rex Burkhead on a 5-yard pass for a 33–20 final score.

With the win, the Steelers improved to 8–5. The defense also stood out and continued their reign of sacks and takeaways with 3 each (picked off Dalton once, picked off McCarron twice).

Week 15: vs. Denver Broncos

Week Fifteen: Denver Broncos at Pittsburgh Steelers – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Broncos14130027
Steelers7671434

at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

  • Date: December 20
  • Game time: 4:25 pm. EST
  • Game weather: 41 °F (5 °C), partly cloudy
  • Game attendance: 67,234
  • Referee: Carl Cheffers
  • TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz, Phil Simms and Tracy Wolfson
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

The Steelers traveled back home to take on the Broncos. They would score first when D'Angelo Williams ran for a 2-yard TD for a 7–0 lead. Not long before the Broncos scored 20 consecutive points starting with Brock Osweiler's 18-yard pass to Demyarius Thomas to tie the game at 7–7 and then taking the lead when Osweiler found Emmanuel Sanders on a 61-yard pass for a 14–7 lead. In the second quarter, the Broncos increased their lead when Osweiler ran for a 7-yard TD (with a failed PAT) for a 20–7 game. The Steelers would draw closer when Chris Boswell nailed a 24-yard field goal for a 20–10 game. Though, the Broncos moved away when Osweiler found Thomas again on a 6-yard pass for a 27–10 game. The Steelers started their reign of 24 consecutive points: Starting with another field goal from Boswell from 41 yards out to make it 27–13 at halftime. In the third quarter, Ben Roethlisberger found Antonio Brown on a 9-yard pass coming within 7 for the only score of the period, 27–20. In the fourth quarter, the Steelers were able to tie the game up at 27–27 when Roethlisberger found Markus Wheaton on a 9-yard pass. Finally, they wrapped up the scoring when Roethlisberger found Brown again this time on a 23-yard pass for the eventual final score of 34–27.

With the win, the Steelers improved to 9–5.

The defense stood out again as they got 2 takeaways and 2 sacks.

Week 16: at Baltimore Ravens

Week Sixteen: Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Steelers037717
Ravens760720

at M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, Maryland

  • Date: December 27
  • Game time: 1:00 pm. EST
  • Game weather: 64 °F (18 °C), overcast
  • Game attendance: 71,261
  • Referee: Craig Wrolstad
  • TV announcers (CBS): Greg Gumbel, Trent Green and Jamie Erdahl
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

With the loss, the Steelers fell to 9–6, and were swept by the Ravens for the first time since the 2011 season. They also ended their streak of six straight games scoring 30 or more points. The loss also allowed the Bengals to clinch the AFC North title. The Steelers also fell out of the AFC Wildcard race and would need a win coupled with a loss by the New York Jets in Week 17 in order to make the playoffs.

The defense failed to get any takeaways but were able to get away with 2 sacks.

Week 17: at Cleveland Browns

Week Seventeen: Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Steelers7731128
Browns360312

at FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio

  • Date: January 3
  • Game time: 1:00 pm. EST
  • Game weather: 34 °F (1 °C), cloudy
  • Game attendance: 66,693
  • Referee: Pete Morelli
  • TV announcers (CBS): Greg Gumbel, Trent Green and Jamie Erdahl
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

After getting swept by the Ravens, the Steelers traveled to Cleveland for Round 2 against the Browns. They would score early in the first quarter when Ben Roethlisberger found Heath Miller on a 2-yard pass for a 7–0 lead. The Browns scored later on in the quarter when Travis Coons nailed a 29-yard field goal for a 7–3 game. The Browns were able to shorten the lead to 1 point when Coons nailed another field goal in the second quarter from 39 yards out for a 7–6 game. The Steelers however went back to work as Roethlisberger found Antonio Brown on a 17-yard pass for a 14–6 game. The Browns wrapped up the scoring of the first half when Coons nailed a 33-yard field goal for a 14–9 game. In the third quarter, Chris Boswell nailed a 39-yard field goal for the only score of the period moving up 17–9. In the fourth quarter, the Browns drew closer when Coons got another 29-yard field goal for a 17–12 game. But later on, the Steelers were able to seal the game when Roethlisberger found Markus Wheaton on an 8-yard pass (with a successful 2-point conversion) for a 25–12 game. Finally, they sealed the deal with Boswell's 21-yard field goal for the final score 28–12.

With the win, the Steelers finished the season 10–6. With the Jets' loss to the Bills, they were awarded the 6th seed in the AFC.

The defense stood out by getting 4 turnovers and 7 sacks.

Postseason

AFC Wild Card Playoffs: at #3 Cincinnati Bengals

AFC Wild Card Playoffs: #6 Pittsburgh Steelers at #3 Cincinnati Bengals – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Steelers069318
Bengals0001616

at Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio

Game information

The Cincinnati Bengals' playoff losing streak of 8 straight games nearly came to an end on Saturday. After trailing 15–0 in the fourth quarter the Bengals took a 16–15 lead late in the game, but a last-minute field-goal drive led to an 18–16 win for the Pittsburgh Steelers. The winning score was set up by back-to-back personal foul penalties against the Bengals.

Ben Roethlisberger (shoulder) and Antonio Brown (concussion) both left the game with injuries and both teams were penalized a combined 18 times for 221 yards. "Big Ben" did re-enter the game with 1:43 remaining in the fourth quarter to lead the Steelers into field goal range for the winning acore.

With the win, Pittsburgh moved on to face the No. 1 seed Denver Broncos in the Divisional round at Mile High Stadium.

AFC Divisional Playoffs: at #1 Denver Broncos

AFC Divisional Playoffs: #6 Pittsburgh Steelers at #1 Denver Broncos – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Steelers733316
Broncos6331123

at Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado

  • Date: January 17
  • Game time: 4:40 pm. EST/2:40 p.m. MST
  • Game weather: 43 °F (6 °C), sunny
  • Game attendance: 76,956
  • Referee: Terry McAulay
  • TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz, Phil Simms and Tracy Wolfson
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

After the tough battle against the Bengals, the Steelers moved on to face the #1 seeded Broncos. The Broncos would score early when Brandon McManus nailed a 28-yard field goal for a 3–0 lead. Later on in the quarter, he would kick a 41-yard field goal for a 6–0 lead. The Steelers took the lead later on in the quarter when Fitzgerald Touissaint ran for a 1-yard TD and a 7–6 game. In the second quarter, the Steelers increased their lead as Chris Boswell kicked a 45-yard field goal for a 10–6 game. But the Broncos came within a point when McManus kicked a 51-yard field goal for a 10–9 game at halftime. Both teams would get off to slow starts with field goals in the third quarter: The Steelers moved ahead by 4 when Boswell nailed one from 28 yards out for a 13–9 game. This was followed up by the Broncos coming within a point again when McManus kicked a 41-yard field goal for a 13–12 game. In the fourth quarter, the Broncos took the lead when C.J. Anderson ran for a 1-yard TD (with a successful 2-point conversion) for a 20–13 game. This was followed up by McManus kicking a 45-yard field goal for a 23–13 game. The Steelers wrapped the scoring up coming within 7 when Boswell nailed a 47-yard field goal for the final score of 23–16.

After the game, sources said that Steelers coach Mike Tomlin was sobbing in the locker room following the loss. Wide receiver Martavis Bryant stated that he had "never seen him (coach Tomlin) cry before." [8]

With the loss, the Steelers season ended with an overall record of 11–7.

Standings

Division

AFC North
WLTPCTDIVCONFPFPASTK
(3) Cincinnati Bengals 1240.7505–19–3419279W1
(6) Pittsburgh Steelers 1060.6253–37–5423319W1
Baltimore Ravens 5110.3133–34–8328401L1
Cleveland Browns 3130.1881–52–10278432L3

Conference

#TeamDivisionWLTPCTDIVCONFSOSSOVSTK
Division Leaders
1 [a] Denver Broncos West1240.7504–28–4.500.479W2
2 [a] New England Patriots East1240.7504–29–3.473.448L2
3 [a] Cincinnati Bengals North1240.7505–19–3.477.406W1
4 Houston Texans South970.5635–17–5.496.410W3
Wild Cards
5 Kansas City Chiefs West1150.6885–110–2.496.432W10
6 [b] Pittsburgh Steelers North1060.6253–37–5.504.463W1
Did not qualify for the postseason
7 [b] New York Jets East1060.6253–37–5.441.388L1
8 [c] Buffalo Bills East880.5004–27–5.508.438W2
9 [c] Indianapolis Colts South880.5004–26–6.500.406W2
10 Oakland Raiders West790.4383–37–5.512.366L1
11 Miami Dolphins East6100.3751–54–8.469.469W2
12 [d] Jacksonville Jaguars South5110.3132–45–7.473.375L3
13 [d] Baltimore Ravens North5110.3133–34–8.508.425L1
14 San Diego Chargers West4120.2500–63–9.527.328L2
15 [e] Cleveland Browns North3130.1881–52–10.531.271L3
16 [e] Tennessee Titans South3130.1881–51–11.492.375L4
Tiebreakers [f]
  1. 1 2 3 Denver finished ahead of New England and Cincinnati for the No. 1 seed based on head-to-head sweep. New England finished ahead of Cincinnati for the No. 2 seed based
    on record vs. common opponents — New England's cumulative record against Buffalo, Denver, Houston and Pittsburgh was 4–1, while Cincinnati's cumulative record against
    the same four teams was 2–3.
  2. 1 2 Pittsburgh finished ahead of the New York Jets for the No. 6 seed and qualified for the last playoff spot based on record vs. common opponents — Pittsburgh's cumulative
    record against Cleveland, Indianapolis, New England and Oakland was 4–1, while the Jets' cumulative record against the same four teams was 3–2.
  3. 1 2 Buffalo finished ahead of Indianapolis based on head-to-head victory.
  4. 1 2 Jacksonville finished ahead of Baltimore based on head-to-head victory.
  5. 1 2 Cleveland finished ahead of Tennessee based on head-to-head victory.
  6. When breaking ties for three or more teams under the NFL's rules, they are first broken within divisions, then comparing only the highest ranked remaining team from each division.

Statistics

Updated January 4, 2016 [9]

Team

PittsburghOpponent
Total First Downs331327
Rushing First Downs9171
Passing First Downs207231
By Penalty First Downs3325
Third Down Conversions75/19390/225
Fourth Down Conversions4/127/24
Total Offensive Yards6,3275,809
Offensive Plays1,0041,052
Average Yards per Play6.35.5
Total Rushing Yards1,7241,459
Rushing Plays388382
Rushing Yards per Play4.43.8
Total Passing Yards4,8224,661
Passing Completions/Attempts391/590402/625
Interceptions2117
Passing Yards per Play8.27.5
Sacks48.033.0
Field Goals35/4226/31
Touchdowns4535
Rushing Touchdowns166
Passing Touchdowns2629
Return Touchdowns10
Defensive Touchdowns20
Time of Possession29:4330:54
Turnover Ratio+2

Passing

Regular season
PlayerATTCOMPYDSCOMP %YDS/ATTTDTD %INTINT %LONGSCKLOSTRATING
Ben Roethlisberger 4693193,93868.08.4214.5163.4692014194.5
Landry Jones 553251358.29.335.547.38821777.3
Michael Vick 664037160.65.623.011.572105379.8

Rushing

Regular season
PlayerATTYDSYDS/ATTLONGTD
DeAngelo Williams 2009074.55511
Le'Veon Bell 1135564.9423
Michael Vick 20995.0240
Fitzgerald Toussaint 18422.370
Martavis Bryant 5377.4131
Ben Roethlisberger 15291.9130
Antonio Brown 3289.3160
Jordan Todman 4225.5110
Will Johnson 471.861
Heath Miller 122.020
Landry Jones 5−5−1.000
Total3881,7244.45516

Receiving

Regular season
PlayerATTYDSYDS/RECLONGTD
Antonio Brown 1361,83413.55910
Heath Miller 605358.9272
Martavis Bryant 5076515.3886
Markus Wheaton 4474917.0725
DeAngelo Williams 403679.2340
Le'Veon Bell 241365.7200
Darrius Heyward-Bey 2131415.0662
Jesse James 8567.0201
Matt Spaeth 2105.060
Will Johnson 2168.0110
Roosevelt Nix 33311.0170
Tyler Murphy 11616.0160
Sammie Coates 11111.0110
Total3914,82512.38826

Field Goals

Regular season
Player1–1920–2930–3940–4950+
Chris Boswell 1/19/98/812/92/2
Josh Scobee 0/02/21/17/30/0
Total1/111/119/919/122/2
Opponent Total0/07/77/711/96/3

Punting

Regular season
PlayerPuntsAVGTBIn 20LONGBLK
Jordan Berry 5942.6228790
Total5942.6228790
Opponent Total7043.8623670

Punt Returns

Regular season
PlayerRTFCYDS/RETLONGTD
Antonio Brown 22139.6711
Jacoby Jones 643.2140
Total28178.2711
Opponent Total19218.7250

Kick Returns

Regular season
PlayerRTYDSYDS/RETLONGTD
Dri Archer 1435425.3380
Jacoby Jones 922024.4360
Markus Wheaton 510521.0280
Jordan Todman 12222.0220
Total2970124.2380
Opponent Total541,20022.2600

Defense

Regular season
PlayerTSASCKF
Lawrence Timmons 11977425.01
Ryan Shazier 8755323.52
Will Allen 8062184.01
Mike Mitchell 8058220.02
Antwon Blake 7664121.01
William Gay 5846121.00
Stephon Tuitt 5439156.50
Cameron Heyward 5439157.01
Vince Williams 4634120.50
Ross Cockrell 4434100.01
Robert Golden 4030100.00
James Harrison 4027135.02
Sean Spence 372981.00
Arthur Moats 3524114.00
Jarvis Jones 2915142.01
Bud Dupree 261794.00
Brandon Boykin 252051.01
Steve McLendon 141131.00
Shamarko Thomas 121020.00
Cam Thomas 11920.00
Terence Garvin 9810.00
Roosevelt Nix 9720.00
Dan McCullers 8440.50
Darrius Heyward-Bey 6510.00
Anthony Chickillo 6420.01
Cortez Allen 6330.00
Antonio Brown 5500.00
Will Johnson 4310.00
Jordan Todman 4220.00
Martavis Bryant 3300.00
Heath Miller 3300.00
Ross Ventrone 3210.00
Ramon Foster 2200.00
David DeCastro 2200.00
Fitzgerald Toussaint 2200.00
DeAngelo Williams 2200.00
Chris Boswell 2200.00
Le'Veon Bell 1100.00
Jordan Berry 1100.00
Markus Wheaton 1100.00
Alejandro Villanueva 11000
Total1,07979528448.016
Opponent Total1,01176324833.011

Interceptions

Regular season
PlayerINTYDSYDS/INTLONGTD
Mike Mitchell 3165.390
Antwon Blake 211256.0701
William Gay 23015.0231
Ross Cockrell 26231.0370
Lawrence Timmons 100.000
Will Allen 12020.0200
Ryan Shazier 100.000
Stephon Tuitt 133.030
Robert Golden 12727.0270
James Harrison 166.060
Brandon Boykin 111.010
Jarvis Jones 155.050
Total1728216.6702
Opponent Total2124111.5540

Transactions

The Steelers have been involved in the following transactions during the 2015 season:

Trades

PlayerAcquired fromTraded toDateTrade terms
CB Brandon Boykin Philadelphia Eagles August 1, 2015 2016 Conditional 5th Rd. pick
K Josh Scobee Jacksonville Jaguars August 31, 2015 2016 6th Rd. pick
P Brad Wing New York Giants September 4, 2015 2016 Conditional 7th Rd. pick

Free agents

PlayerAcquired fromLost toDateContract terms
CB Brice McCain Miami Dolphins March 11, 20152-year/$5.5 million
RB DeAngelo Williams Carolina Panthers March 13, 20152-year/$4 million

Waivers

PlayerClaimed fromLost toDate
LS Brandon Hartson Kansas City Chiefs April 17, 2015
WR Devin Gardner New England Patriots May 19, 2015
DE Ray Hamilton Dallas Cowboys August 6, 2015
ILB L. J. Fort New England Patriots August 19, 2015
DE Caushaud Lyons Tampa Bay Buccaneers September 6, 2015
WR Jacoby Jones San Diego Chargers November 11, 2015

Signings

PlayerDateContract terms
TE Rob Blanchflower January 5, 20151 year/$435,000 (Reserve/Future)
CB Kevin FoggJanuary 5, 20151 year/$435,000 (Reserve/Future)
WR C.J. GoodwinJanuary 5, 20151 year/$435,000 (Reserve/Future)
DE Ethan Hemer January 5, 20151 year/$435,000 (Reserve/Future)
OLB Howard JonesJanuary 5, 20151 year/$1.1 million (Reserve/Future)
NT Joe Kruger January 5, 20151 year/$435,000 (Reserve/Future)
T Alejandro Villanueva January 5, 20152-year/$960,000 (Reserve/Future)
SS Jordan DangerfieldJanuary 8, 20151 year/$435,000 (Future/Reserve)
WR L'Damian Washington January 8, 20151 year/$435,000 (Future/Reserve)
WR Brelan ChancellorJanuary 9, 20151 year/$435,000 (Future/Reserve)
DE Matthew Conrath January 9, 20151 year/$585,000 (Reserve/Future)
FS Alden DarbyJanuary 9, 20151 year/$435,000 (Reserve/Future)
TE Michael Egnew January 9, 20151 year/$585,000 (Reserve/Future)
FB Roosevelt Nix January 9, 20151 year/$435,000 (Reserve/Future)
ILB Terence Garvin January 9, 20151 year/$585,000 (Reserve/Future)
G Chris Hubbard January 12, 20151-year extension/$510,000
FS Isaiah LewisJanuary 14, 20151 year/$435,000 (Reserve/Future)
T Mitchell Van DykJanuary 15, 20151 year/$435,000 (Reserve/Future)
OLB Shawn Lemon January 19, 20153-year/$3.582 million (Reserve/Future)
P Brad Wing January 23, 20151-year extension/$510,000
P Richie Leone January 27, 20151 year/$435,000 (Reserve/Future)
SS Ian Wild January 31, 20151 year/$435,000 (Reserve/Future)
LS Greg Warren February 4, 20151-year extension/$1.05 million
QB Tajh Boyd March 6, 20151 year/$435,000
OLB Arthur Moats March 9, 20153-year extension/$7.5 million
TE Matt Spaeth March 9, 20152-year extension/$2.2 million
QB Ben Roethlisberger March 13, 20155-year extension/$99 million
OLB James Harrison March 22, 20152 years/$2.75 million
WR Darrius Heyward-Bey March 26, 20151 year/$825,000
DE Clifton Geathers April 1, 20151 year/$825,000
OLB Shayon GreenApril 2, 20153 years/$1.575 million
CB Antwon Blake April 3, 20151 year/$1.542 million
FS Will Allen April 10, 20151 year/$1.05 million
P Jordan BerryApril 14, 20153 years/$1.575 million
LS Brandon HartsonApril 17, 20152 years/$960,000
FB Will Johnson April 20, 20151 year/$1.542 million
FS Robert Golden April 29, 20151 year/$1.542 million
TE Cameron Clear May 2, 20153 years/$1.575 million
NT Nigel Crawford-KinneyMay 2, 20153 years/$1.575 million
DE Dominique DavisMay 2, 20153 years/$1.575 million
G Miles DieffenbachMay 2, 20153 years/$1.575 million
G Reese Dismukes May 2, 20153 years/$1.575 million
G B.J. FinneyMay 2, 20153 years/$1.575 million
WR Tyler Murphy May 2, 20153 years/$1.579 million
DE Bradon PrateMay 2, 20153 years/$1.576 million
WR Eli RogersMay 2, 20153 years/$1.575 million
RB Ross ScheuermanMay 2, 20153 years/$1.575 million
T Kevin WhimpeyMay 2, 20153 years/$1.575 million
T Micah HatchieMay 4, 20153 years/$1.575 million
NT L. T. Walton May 8, 20154 years/$2.397 million
CB Doran Grant May 11, 20154 years/$2.769 million
OLB Anthony Chickillo May 11, 20154 years/$2.370 million
RB Cameron StingilyMay 11, 20153 years/$1.575 million
NT Mike ThorntonMay 11, 20153 years/$1.575 million
CB Senquez Golson May 12, 20154 years/$4.001 million
CB Shakim Phillips May 12, 20153 years/$1.575 million
TE Jesse James May 14, 20154 years/$2.489 million
OLB Bud Dupree May 14, 20154 years/$9.222 million
WR Sammie Coates May 15, 20154 years/$3 million
WR Devin Gardner May 19, 20153 years/$1.580 million
FS Gerod Holliman May 30, 20154 years/$2.338 million
DE Cam Heyward July 16, 20156-year extension/$59.25 million
T Kelvin PalmerJuly 25, 20151 year/$435,000
CB Jordan SullenJuly 30, 20151 year/$435,000
RB Jawon ChisholmAugust 2, 20153 years/$1.575 million
TE Ray HamiltonAugust 6, 20153 years/$1.577 million
DE Joe OkaforAugust 7, 20153 years/$1.575 million
SS Jordan DangerfieldAugust 8, 20151 year/$435,000
K Garrett Hartley August 11, 20151 year/$870,000
RB Braylon HeardAugust 12, 20153 years/$1.575 million
WR David Nelson August 12, 20151 year/$745,000
WR Jarrod WestAugust 18, 20151 year/$435,000
ILB L. J. Fort August 19, 20151 year/$510,000
C Doug Legursky August 25, 20151 year/$745,000
QB Michael Vick August 25, 20151 year/$970,000
CB Ross Cockrell September 5, 20151 year/$435,000
RB Dominique Brown September 6, 2015Practice Squad
SS Jordan Dangerfield September 6, 2015Practice Squad
C Reese Dismukes September 6, 2015Practice Squad
ILB L. J. Fort September 6, 2015Practice Squad
OLB Shayon GreenSeptember 6, 2015Practice Squad
DE Ethan Hemer September 6, 2015Practice Squad
T Antonio Johnson September 6, 2015Practice Squad
WR Shakim Phillips September 6, 2015Practice Squad
TE Harold SpearsSeptember 6, 2015Practice Squad
WR Jarod WestSeptember 6, 2015Practice Squad
RB Jordan Todman September 7, 20151 year/$745,000
C Doug Legursky September 6, 20151 year/$745,000
WR Isaiah Burse September 7, 2015Practice Squad
T Matt FeilerSeptember 7, 2015Practice Squad
TE Xavier Grimble September 7, 2015Practice Squad
RB Fitzgerald Toussaint September 7, 2015Practice Squad
C Barrett Jones September 7, 2015Practice Squad
OLB Anthony Chickillo September 7, 2015Practice Squad
CB Doran Grant September 7, 2015Practice Squad
CB Doran Grant September 7, 2015Practice Squad
WR Tyler Murphy September 24, 2015Practice Squad
G B.J. FinneySeptember 29, 2015Practice Squad
K Chris Boswell October 3, 20152 years/$1.1 million
T Byron Stingily October 19, 20151 year/$660,000
CB Isaiah Frey October 27, 2015Practice Squad
RB Isaiah Pead November 2, 20151 year/$660,000
CB Doran Grant November 4, 20151 year/$435,000
WR Tyler Murphy November 5, 2015Practice Squad
RB Rajion Neal December 1, 2015Practice Squad
SS Ross Ventrone December 29, 2015Practice Squad
RB Abou ToureJanuary 5, 2016Practice Squad

Cuts

PlayerDate
WR Lance Moore March 2, 2015
DE Brett Keisel March 9, 2015
WR Brelan ChancellorMay 9, 2015
LS Brandon HartsonMay 9, 2015
NT Nigel Crawford-KinneyMay 11, 2015
DE Bradon PrateMay 11, 2015
P Richie Leone May 11, 2015
SS Jordan DangerfieldJuly 25, 2015
WR Devin Gardner July 25, 2015
QB Tajh Boyd August 18, 2015
G Miles Dieffenbach August 31, 2015
WR Kenzel Doe August 31, 2015
WR C.J. GoodwinAugust 31, 2015
RB Braylon HeardAugust 31, 2015
NT Joe Kruger August 31, 2015
NT Joe Okafor August 31, 2015
G Collin RahrigAugust 31, 2015
CB Jordan SullenAugust 31, 2015
T Kevin Whimpey August 31, 2015
SS Ian Wild August 31, 2015
RB Jawon Chisholm September 4, 2015
CB Kevin FoggSeptember 4, 2015
ILB L. J. Fort September 4, 2015
DE Ethan Hemer September 4, 2015
OLB Howard JonesSeptember 4, 2015
WR Shakim Phillips September 4, 2015
NT Mike ThorntonSeptember 4, 2015
WR Jarrod WestSeptember 4, 2015
DE Matt Conrath September 5, 2015
SS Jordan Dangerfield September 5, 2015
FS Alden Darby September 5, 2015
G Reese Dismukes September 5, 2015
G B.J. FinneySeptember 5, 2015
OLB Shayon Green September 5, 2015
RB Josh Harris September 5, 2015
FS Gerod Holliman September 5, 2015
C Doug Legursky September 5, 2015
CB B. W. Webb September 5, 2015
OLB Anthony Chickillo September 6, 2015
CB Doran Grant September 6, 2015
RB Dominique Brown September 7, 2015
T Antonio JohnsonSeptember 7, 2015
TE Harold SpearsSeptember 7, 2015
WR Jarrod WestSeptember 7, 2015
C Reese Dismukes September 7, 2015
OLB Shayon Green September 7, 2015
DE Ethan Hemer September 7, 2015
WR Tyler Murphy September 23, 2015
WR Isaiah Burse September 24, 2015
C Barrett Jones September 29, 2015
DE Caushaud Lyons September 30, 2015
K Josh Scobee October 3, 2015
SS Ross Ventrone October 13, 2015
WR Tyler Murphy November 3, 2015
RB Dri Archer November 5, 2015
RB Isaiah Pead November 27, 2015
WR Jacoby Jones January 2, 2016

Other

NameDateDetails
Dick LeBeau January 10, 2015Resigned as defensive coordinator
Keith Butler January 13, 2015Promoted to defensive coordinator
Jerry Olsavsky February 6, 2015Promoted to inside linebackers coach
Joey Porter February 6, 2015Promoted to outside linebackers coach
FS Ryan Clark February 18, 2015Retired
OLB Jason Worilds March 10, 2015Retired
SS Troy Polamalu April 9, 2015Retired
CB Ike Taylor April 14, 2015Retired
Ron Hughes May 5, 2015Retired as College Scouting Coordinator
Rick ReiprishMay 16, 2015Hired as Senior Assistant, College Scouting
Steve MeyerMay 26, 2015Promoted to coaching assistant
Mike Tomlin July 23, 2015Signed 2-year extension as head coach
Kevin Colbert July 25, 2015Signed 2-year extension as general manager

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The 2010 season was the Baltimore Ravens' 15th in the National Football League (NFL) and city of Baltimore, Maryland, the 13th to host home games at M&T Bank Stadium and their 3rd under head coach John Harbaugh. They played in the NFL's American Football Conference (AFC) North Division. The franchise improved from their 9–7 record from their previous season, with a 12–4 record, but had to settle for a wild card berth for the third straight year since Pittsburgh owned the tiebreaker for divisional record. As the AFC's #5 seed, the Ravens travelled to the #4 seeded Kansas City Chiefs defeated them soundly 30–7 in the Wild Card playoffs to advance. The following week however, the Ravens lost to their division rival and eventual AFC Champion Pittsburgh Steelers in the Divisional playoffs despite having a 21–7 lead at halftime.

The 2011 Pittsburgh Steelers season was the franchise's 79th season as a professional sports franchise and as a member of the National Football League (NFL). It was the twelfth season under the leadership of general manager Kevin Colbert and the fifth under head coach Mike Tomlin. The Steelers hoped to return to the Super Bowl and defend their AFC championship from 2010, but suffered a 29–23 overtime loss to the Denver Broncos in the Wild Card round of the playoffs. The Steelers played all of their home games at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2013 Pittsburgh Steelers season</span> 67th US team football season

The 2013 Pittsburgh Steelers season was the franchise's 81st season as a professional sports franchise and as a member of the National Football League (NFL). It also marked the 14th season under leadership of general manager Kevin Colbert and the seventh under head coach Mike Tomlin.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2014 Pittsburgh Steelers season</span> 82nd US team football season

The 2014 Pittsburgh Steelers season was the franchise's 82nd season as a professional sports franchise and as a member of the National Football League (NFL). It also marked the 15th season under leadership of general manager Kevin Colbert and the eighth under head coach Mike Tomlin.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2015 Cincinnati Bengals season</span> NFL team season

The 2015 Cincinnati Bengals season was the franchise's 46th season in the National Football League (NFL), the 48th overall and the thirteenth under head coach Marvin Lewis.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2016 Pittsburgh Steelers season</span> Pittsburgh Steelers 84th US football season

The 2016 season was the 84th in the history of the Pittsburgh Steelers as a professional sports franchise and as a member of the National Football League (NFL). It also marked the 17th season under leadership of general manager Kevin Colbert and the 10th under head coach Mike Tomlin. For the first time since 2004, tight end Heath Miller was not on the opening day roster, as he announced his retirement on February 19, 2016.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2016 Philadelphia Eagles season</span> 84th season in franchise history; first with Doug Pederson and Carson Wentz

The 2016 Philadelphia Eagles season was the franchise's 84th season in the National Football League (NFL) and the first under head coach Doug Pederson. The Eagles named 2nd overall pick Carson Wentz the starting quarterback for Week 1 against the Cleveland Browns. The Eagles started 3–0 including a 34–3 win over their intrastate rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers. Following their Week 4 bye week, the Eagles went 4–9, including a 2–4 record against their divisional rivals. Following a 27–26 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 15, the Eagles were eliminated from playoff contention for the third consecutive season and the fourth time in five seasons and suffered back-to-back losing seasons for the first time since 1998—1999. This was the last season the Eagles missed the playoffs until 2020.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2017 Cincinnati Bengals season</span> 50th season in franchise history

The 2017 Cincinnati Bengals season was the franchise's 48th season in the National Football League (NFL), their 50th overall and their 15th under head coach Marvin Lewis. After starting 0–2, scoring only 9 points, and not scoring any touchdowns in their first two games, the Bengals fired offensive coordinator Ken Zampese. Quarterbacks coach Bill Lazor was promoted to offensive coordinator to replace Zampese. The Bengals suffered back to back losing seasons for the first time since 2007–2008. However, the Bengals were able to knock off two teams contending for the playoffs at the end of their season, the Detroit Lions in Week 16, and the Baltimore Ravens in Week 17 which helped the Buffalo Bills reach the postseason for the first time since 1999.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2017 Pittsburgh Steelers season</span> 85th season in franchise history

The 2017 Pittsburgh Steelers season was the franchise's 85th season as a professional sports franchise and as a member of the National Football League (NFL). It was the 18th season under leadership of general manager Kevin Colbert and the eleventh under head coach Mike Tomlin. It was also the Steelers' first full season since the death of Dan Rooney.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2018 Pittsburgh Steelers season</span> 86th season in franchise history, plagued by conflict

The 2018 season was the Pittsburgh Steelers' 86th as a professional sports franchise and as a member of the National Football League (NFL). It also marked the 19th season under leadership of general manager Kevin Colbert and the 12th under head coach Mike Tomlin. After starting the season 7–2–1, the Steelers lost four of their last six games, allowing the Ravens to clinch the AFC North on the last day of the season, and missing the playoffs for the first time since 2013.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2018 Cincinnati Bengals season</span> 51st season in franchise history

The 2018 season was the Cincinnati Bengals' 49th season in the National Football League (NFL), their 51st overall and their 16th and final under head coach Marvin Lewis. The Bengals failed to improve upon their 2017 campaign as they collapsed to a 6–10 finish to finish in 4th place in the AFC North. This marked the 3rd consecutive season the Bengals have failed to make the playoffs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2019 Pittsburgh Steelers season</span> 87th season in franchise history

The 2019 season was the Pittsburgh Steelers' 87th season as a professional sports franchise and as a member of the National Football League (NFL). It marked the 20th season under leadership of general manager Kevin Colbert and the 13th under head coach Mike Tomlin. The team failed to improve upon its 9–6–1 record from 2018 following a Week 16 loss to the New York Jets.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2020 Pittsburgh Steelers season</span> 88th season in franchise history

The 2020 season was the Pittsburgh Steelers' 88th in the National Football League (NFL), their 20th playing home games at Heinz Field, their 21st under general manager Kevin Colbert, and their 14th under head coach Mike Tomlin. The team vastly improved on their 8–8 record from 2019 beginning the season 11–0, a franchise-best. They became the first NFL team to do so since the Carolina Panthers in the 2015 season. However, that streak was broken after a Week 13 loss to the Washington Football Team; the loss was the first of four in a five-game span to close the regular season. The Steelers clinched a playoff berth for the first time since 2017 after the Miami Dolphins' Week 14 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs and clinched their first AFC North title since 2017 with a Week 16 victory over the Indianapolis Colts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2021 Pittsburgh Steelers season</span> 89th season in franchise history

The 2021 season was the Pittsburgh Steelers' 89th season in the National Football League (NFL), their 22nd and final season under general manager Kevin Colbert and their 15th under head coach Mike Tomlin. They failed to improve upon their 12–4 record from 2020 and failed to win their division in back to back years for the first time since 2016–2017. However, despite only having a 6% chance to make the playoffs according to FiveThirtyEight before Week 18, they did clinch a Wild Card spot that week as well as make the playoffs in consecutive years for the first time since 2014–2017 after defeating the Baltimore Ravens, combined with the Las Vegas Raiders and Los Angeles Chargers not tying and the Jacksonville Jaguars upsetting the Indianapolis Colts; this came despite the Steelers finishing with a -55 point differential. However the Steelers were defeated in the first round of the playoffs by the Kansas City Chiefs 42–21.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2022 Pittsburgh Steelers season</span> 90th season in franchise history

The 2022 season was the Pittsburgh Steelers' 90th in the National Football League (NFL) and their 16th under head coach Mike Tomlin.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2023 Pittsburgh Steelers season</span> 91st season in franchise history

The 2023 season was the Pittsburgh Steelers' 91st in the National Football League (NFL), their 2nd under general manager Omar Khan and their 17th under head coach Mike Tomlin. With their third win of the season against the Ravens in Week 5, the Steelers reached 700 wins in the club's history, joining the Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears, and New York Giants in reaching 700 franchise victories. With their Week 17 win over the Seattle Seahawks, the Steelers became the first team in AFC history to post 20 consecutive non-losing records. With a Week 18 win over the Baltimore Ravens, the Steelers improved upon their 2022 record, and also qualified for the playoffs after a one-year absence the following day when the Jacksonville Jaguars lost to the Tennessee Titans and the first without Ben Roethlisberger since 2002. The Steelers were defeated in the Wild Card Round by the Buffalo Bills 31–17.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2024 Pittsburgh Steelers season</span> 92nd season in franchise history

The 2024 season is the Pittsburgh Steelers' 92nd season in the National Football League (NFL), their third under general manager Omar Khan and their 18th under head coach Mike Tomlin. They will attempt to improve on their 10–7 record from last year, make the playoffs for the second consecutive season, and end their 4-year AFC North title drought.

References

  1. Wexell, Jim. "Steelers Great Troy Polamalu Retires". SteelCityInsider.net. Retrieved April 9, 2015.
  2. Stout, Steve (January 10, 2015). "LeBeau resigning as Steelers defensive coordinator". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved January 10, 2015.
  3. "LeBeau, 77, resigns as Steelers D-coordinator". ESPN.com. January 10, 2015. Retrieved November 23, 2024.
  4. Dick LeBeau resigns as Defensive Coordinator Archived 2015-01-14 at the Wayback Machine Steelers.com (01/10/2015)
  5. Steelers name Keith Butler as DC ESPN.com (01/13/2015)
  6. A few minutes with Keith Butler Archived 2015-01-18 at the Wayback Machine Steelers.com (01/13/2015)
  7. "2015 Steelers opponents finalized". Archived from the original on December 30, 2014. Retrieved December 29, 2014.
  8. Wilson, Ryan (January 18, 2016). "Mike Tomlin sheds tears in postgame speech to Steelers after loss". CBSSports.com (Retrieved 2/10/2016).
  9. "Pittsburgh Steelers | Team Statistics". Pittsburgh Steelers.