2006 Pittsburgh Steelers season
It was the 7th season under the leadership of general manager Kevin Colbert and the 15th and last under head coach Bill Cowher, as he retired on January 5, 2007.
Practice squad at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania The Steelers opened the regular season in the annual Thursday NFL Kickoff game at home against the Miami Dolphins on September 7.
After the Dolphins tied the game up on a 1-yard touchdown run by Ronnie Brown, Super Bowl XL MVP Hines Ward caught a 7-yard TD pass in the back of the end zone.
They became the first defending Super Bowl champion team to be shut out since the 1981 Oakland Raiders, and it was the lowest-scoring game in Monday Night Football history.
Stats at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania The Steelers went back home for an AFC North fight against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Cincinnati was able to increase their lead when Pittsburgh's running back, Verron Haynes lost a fumble, allowing Palmer to complete a 30-yard touchdown pass to Houshmandzadeh on the next drive.
The Chargers cut the lead to a field goal when quarterback Philip Rivers completed a 9-yard TD pass to WR Malcom Floyd.
The Steelers continued their recent struggles in the third quarter, as Charger kicker Nate Kaeding kicked a 28-yard field goal, while Rivers completed a 22-yard touchdown pass to tight end Antonio Gates.
With their third-straight loss, the Steelers became the first team since the 1999 Denver Broncos to start a season 1–3 or 0–4 after winning a Super Bowl in the previous year.
Kicker Jeff Reed nailed a 32-yard field goal for himself, while back-up LB Rian Wallace returned an interception 30 yards for a touchdown.
In the first quarter, a Santonio Holmes fumble on a punt return helped set up quarterback Michael Vick's 22-yard touchdown pass to tight end Alge Crumpler.
Afterwards, the Steelers took the lead with a 28-yard field goal by Jeff Reed and QB Ben Roethlisberger completing an 11-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Hines Ward.
Then, a surprise onside kick recovered by the Falcons lead to Vick completing a 17-yard TD pass to receiver Michael Jenkins.
Falcons kicker Morten Andersen, after an 11 play 65 yard drive, won the game with a 32-yard field goal and gave the Steelers their fourth loss of the season while they fell to 2–4.
Stats Despite the Steelers out-gaining the Raiders 360–98 in total offense, Roethlisberger threw four interceptions (two of which were returned for touchdowns), which led to Oakland's first back-to-back victory of the year.
at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Hoping to rebound from their two-game losing streak, the Steelers came back home to host the 5–2 Denver Broncos.
The Steelers were trailing by four points at halftime, but in the third quarter, wide receiver Javon Walker scored on a 72-yard reverse to put the Broncos up 21–10.
It looked like the Steelers had a comeback when receiver Hines Ward caught a pass and jumped towards the end zone, but the ball popped out and the Broncos recovered and were able to run out the clock.
A Reggie Bush fumble, a missed field goal, and Willie Parker's two 70+ yard runs set up two scores, which allowed the Steelers to come back and take the lead to win.
In the fourth quarter, Dawson made a 35-yard field goal for the Browns, while the Steelers responded with QB Ben Roethlisberger completed a 20-yard TD pass to rookie WR Santonio Holmes.
In the second quarter, RB Jamal Lewis got a 1-yard TD run, while kicker Matt Stover nailed a 37-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, things worsened as QB Ben Roethlisberger was hit and fumbled the ball, which was recovered by Ravens OLB Adalius Thomas.
Stats Not only did Baltimore's offense help contribute to the Steelers dropping to 4–7, the Ravens defense (anchored by the return of veteran LB Ray Lewis) was also a huge factor, as they sacked Roethlisberger nine times and forced two interceptions.
The only response from the Bucs was on the final play of the game, when kicker Matt Bryant spoiled Pittsburgh's chance for a shutout with a 27-yard field goal.
[5] at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania After a rebounding win against the Bucs, the Steelers stayed at home for a Thursday night fight in Round 2 of the Rust Belt rivalry against the Cleveland Browns.
The Browns managed to get their only score of the game with QB Derek Anderson completing a 45-yard TD pass to WR Braylon Edwards.
Afterwards, kicker Jeff Reed nailed a 19-yard field goal, while Roethlisberger completed a 13-yard TD pass to RB Najeh Davenport.
In the fourth quarter, rookie WR Santonio Holmes (who was plagued all year with fumbles on special teams) returned a punt 65 yards for a touchdown.
After a scoreless third quarter, Cincinnati took the lead by getting a Willie Parker fumble and ending it with QB Carson Palmer completing a 66-yard TD pass to WR Chris Henry.
In overtime, Pittsburgh took advantage and won with QB Ben Roethlisberger's 67-yard TD pass to rookie WR Santonio Holmes.
