With the 2025 season approaching, Steelers.com is revisiting past games against their opponents. This edition focuses on a memorable match against the New England Patriots.
On October 30, 2011, at Heinz Field (now Acrisure Stadium), the Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the New England Patriots 25-17. At that time, Tom Brady held a strong record of 6-1 against the Steelers. However, Ben Roethlisberger stole the spotlight by completing 36 of 50 passes for 365 yards and two touchdowns, involving ten different receivers in his plays.
“He’s a competitor, not only him but us offensively,” stated Coach Mike Tomlin. “It’s more than just the quarterback. They get a lot of attention and rightfully so, but I liked the response of our unit under those circumstances.”
The Steelers’ defense also played a crucial role by limiting Brady to 198 passing yards and sacking him three times while restricting the Patriots’ ground game to just 43 yards. Linebacker LaMarr Woodley commented on their strategy: “Sometimes you have to change up your scheme a little bit,” he said. “When somebody knows your defense well, sometimes you have to give them a different look. We did today, and it was successful.”
The Steelers established an early lead with a five-yard touchdown pass from Roethlisberger to Mewelde Moore and a field goal by Shaun Suisham. After another touchdown from the Patriots narrowed the gap, Roethlisberger extended their lead with another touchdown pass to Antonio Brown.
Despite late efforts by Brady bringing them within six points at 23-17, an illegal onside kick attempt by New England allowed Pittsburgh to regain control. The game was sealed when Brett Keisel sacked Brady at New England’s own line leading to a safety.
“Boy that was a great win for us, at home, in front of our fans, versus a very good football team,” Tomlin remarked after the game. “We played good fundamental football today… It was enough to get a victory.”
