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PITTSBURGH -- Here are some early thoughts on the Steelers' victory against the Jets in Sunday's AFC Championship Game.

What it means: With a win against the Jets, the Steelers advanced to their second Super Bowl appearance in three seasons. Pittsburgh will face the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl XLV on Feb. 6 in Arlington, Texas. The Steelers won the previous meeting between these two teams in a 37-36 thriller in 2009 when Pittsburgh receiver Mike Wallace caught the game-winning touchdown as time expired. The Steelers will bring a lot of Super Bowl experience to Cowboys Stadium. Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin and most of the same core remains from the championship team two years ago. Pittsburgh also improved to 3-0 in AFC title games since 2005.

What I liked: Pittsburgh played perhaps its best first half of football to take a 24-3 lead at intermission. The Steelers' offense and defense both got off to a fast start. Tailback Rashard Mendenhall had one of his best games of the season, rushing for 121 yards and a touchdown. He had 95 yards rushing in the first half, kept his legs going and broke a lot of tackles. Pittsburgh’s run defense also was stout. The Jets gained just 1 rushing yard in the first half and 70 total. That put New York in a lot of third-and-long situations that led to bad plays and punts. Pittsburgh cornerback William Gay scored a defensive touchdown after scooping up a fumble by Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez and returning it 19 yards. Steelers rookie receiver Antonio Brown caught a big pass late in the fourth quarter for the second straight game, sealing the win with a catch on third down.

What I didn't like: Pittsburgh had the Jets down big at halftime. But the Steelers took the foot off the pedal in the third and fourth quarters, allowing the Jets back in the game. Jets receivers Santonio Holmes and Jerricho Cotchery caught touchdowns in the third and fourth quarters, respectively. Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger also fumbled a snap in the fourth that led to a safety, as New York scored 16 unanswered points. Pittsburgh made plenty of errors in the second half, but the Jets deserve a lot of credit for not going away and making this a very competitive game.

What's next: With a two-week break between the conference title game and the Super Bowl, Pittsburgh will spend the first week preparing in Pittsburgh and the second week of preparation in Arlington, Texas, before the big game. The AFC North blog will be there every step of the way with Super Bowl XLV coverage of the Steelers.

KANSAS CITY -- Here are early thoughts on the Baltimore Ravens' convincing playoff victory against the Kansas City Chiefs:

What it means: The Ravens won a wild-card game for the third straight year and improved to 7-3 all time on the road in the playoffs, which is an NFL-best mark since 1960. Baltimore will play the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday at Heinz Field -- the third meeting between these teams this season. The Ravens and Steelers split the first two games, with each team winning on the road.

What I liked: Baltimore's defense was stellar and did a great job of quieting the crowd at Arrowhead Stadium. The Ravens' defense confused Kansas City and forced five turnovers (three interceptions, two fumbles) to put this game out of reach in the second half. With 10 catches for 108 yards, Ravens tight end Todd Heap had his best game of the season. Heap had seven catches in the first half.

What I didn't like: Not much. Baltimore struggled some in the red zone. It must convert for TDs instead of field goals if it is to advance.

What's next: Get ready for another brutal rivalry game between the Steelers and Ravens. This is the second time in three seasons these teams have played three times. The winner will play in the AFC Championship Game against the winner of Sunday's game between the New York Jets and New England Patriots.

CLEVELAND -- Here are some early thoughts on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ blowout victory over the Cleveland Browns.

What it means: The Steelers (12-4) clinched the AFC North division title and a first-round bye for the second time in three years. Pittsburgh holds the No. 2 seed and would have to play on the road at New England only if both of those teams play in the AFC title game. For the Browns (5-11), this will likely be the final game for Browns head coach Eric Mangini. He entered the year on the hot seat and fell to 10-22 in two seasons in Cleveland, which includes a 2-10 mark against the AFC North.

What I liked: The playoffs started a week early for the Steelers. With so much on the line, they came out fast and didn't leave anything to chance. Pittsburgh activated Pro Bowl safety Troy Polamalu, who made a big interception on the opening drive that set up the opening touchdown for the Steelers. From there, Cleveland had no response. Pittsburgh led 31-3 at halftime and completely dismantled the Browns. Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger had a good game in limited playing time with 280 yards and two touchdowns. Tailback Rashard Mendenhall also ran for a pair of touchdowns.

What I didn't like: The Browns didn't show up in a game against their biggest rival. Pittsburgh is better than Cleveland, but there's still no excuse for losing by 32 points at home. With another poor outing, questions also will linger into the offseason about rookie quarterback Colt McCoy. He threw three interceptions for the second straight week, and Pittsburgh and the Baltimore Ravens are the teams McCoy has to beat in the future for Cleveland to turn things around.

What's next: The Steelers return to the playoffs for the first time since winning the Super Bowl following the 2008 season. Pittsburgh will play the highest seed from the wild-card round. For the Browns, their season is over and the team has to decide the future of the coaching staff. Cleveland president Mike Holmgren has done a good job of staying out of the public eye during the season. But expect Holmgren to create a lot of headlines in the next couple of weeks with his offseason moves.

CLEVELAND -- Here are some early thoughts on the Baltimore Ravens' victory over the Cleveland Browns.

What it means: Baltimore (11-4) clinches a playoff berth and continues to put pressure on the Pittsburgh Steelers (11-4), who lead the AFC North via tiebreaker (better division record). The Steelers have to beat the Browns next week, or a loss by the Ravens can give the division title and a first-round bye to Pittsburgh. For the Browns (5-10), it's their third straight defeat and guarantees Cleveland's seventh double-digit losing season in the past eight years.

What I liked: The Ravens were the more physical team on both sides of the ball. They stuffed Cleveland running back Peyton Hillis (35 rushing yards) and gained 161 yards on the ground. Baltimore's defense also forced four turnovers, which made the difference. Ravens safety Ed Reed had two interceptions. For Cleveland, rookie cornerback Joe Haden had another solid game (five tackles, one interception and a sack).

What I didn't like: There were several questionable decisions made by Cleveland's coaching staff that put this game out of reach. The clock management at the end of the second quarter was awful for the second straight week and cost the Browns a chance at a touchdown. Cleveland also started the second half with a failed onside kick that quickly led to a Ravens touchdown and 10-point lead. It was a desperate move that didn’t work. Browns quarterback Colt McCoy also looked like a rookie. He threw for 149 yards and looked confused with three interceptions against a good Ravens defense.

What's next: The AFC North will have a pair of division games to end the season. The Ravens will host the Cincinnati Bengals and the Steelers will travel to play the Browns. Both games have heavy playoff implications with the division title still up for grabs in the final week.

PITTSBURGH -- Here are some early thoughts on the New York Jets' victory against the Steelers:

What it means: Pittsburgh fell to 10-4 and had its four-game winning streak stopped by New York. This also tightens the race in the AFC North, as the Baltimore Ravens (10-4) beat the New Orleans Saints to tie the Steelers in the standings with two games remaining.

What I liked: Pittsburgh did a decent job of putting together long touchdown drives against a good Jets defense. The Steelers drove 96 yards on 16 plays for a second-quarter touchdown, and they added a 74-yard scoring drive to start the second half, which was capped by a Rashard Mendenhall 2-yard touchdown run. Pittsburgh's offensive line played well, helping Mendenhall to 100 yards rushing. A frantic finish by the offense at the end of the game also gave the Steelers a chance to win, but they came up short.

What I didn't like: Pittsburgh's special teams have improved this year, but its kick coverage had its worst game of the season. New York’s Brad Smith took the opening kickoff 97 yards for a touchdown to give the Jets an early lead. And Jerricho Cotchery did well with punt returns. Pittsburgh's pass rush also was pedestrian, recording only one sack, and overall the defense didn't make many big plays without injured safety Troy Polamalu (Achilles) in the lineup. A fourth-quarter safety by New York came on a poorly executed play by Pittsburgh.

What's next: The Steelers will have a short turnaround before a Thursday night game at home against the Carolina Panthers (2-12). It will be a chance for Pittsburgh to get over this tough loss and back in the win column. It also gives Pittsburgh an extended rest for its regular-season finale against the Cleveland Browns.

PITTSBURGH -- Here are early thoughts on the Pittsburgh Steelers' victory over the Cincinnati Bengals:

What it means: The Steelers (10-3) avoided a trap game and took care of business against the lowly Bengals (2-11), who lost their NFL-high 10th game in a row. Pittsburgh has a huge home game next week against the New York Jets (9-3 before Sunday's game against Miami) that could impact seeding and potential tiebreakers in the AFC playoffs. With the victory, the Steelers have already surpassed last year's win total of nine and they remain in control of the AFC North, regardless of the outcome of Monday's game involving the Baltimore Ravens (8-4).

What I liked: Pittsburgh's defense played well, picking off three passes. With the Steelers' offense unable to get in the end zone, safety Troy Polamalu and linebacker LaMarr Woodley both returned picks for touchdowns. The Bengals' opening drive was solid, but Cincinnati struggled the rest of the way. Cincinnati's pass rush was good, registering four sacks of Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

What I didn't like: Once again, I didn't like what I saw from Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer. He threw two interceptions that were returned for touchdowns . Both were poor throws that shouldn't have been made. Palmer has six multi-interception games this season. The Steelers, suffering from a hangover in the first half from last week's big win in Baltimore, started slowly and needed Polamalu's big play late in the first half to get them going. Pittsburgh must play better next week to beat the Jets.

Other notes: Bengals starting safety Chinedum Ndukwe suffered a knee injury in the first half and was knocked out of the game. Ndukwe, who could miss significant time, was replaced by backup Reggie Nelson. Pittsburgh kicker Shaun Suisham put together another solid outing since replacing veteran Jeff Reed. Suisham made all three of his field goal attempts.

What's next: As we mentioned earlier, the Steelers will have a big game next week against the Jets. For the Bengals, they will add another installment to the "Battle of Ohio" against the Cleveland Browns. Cleveland won the first meeting this season, 23-20, which started Cincinnati's 10-game losing streak.

BALTIMORE -- Here are early thoughts on the Baltimore Ravens' 17-10 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers:

What it means: The Ravens (8-3) remained in first place in the AFC North by earning another big win. Next week Baltimore will host the Pittsburgh Steelers, who beat the Buffalo Bills on Sunday in overtime. Baltimore will be going for the season sweep after beating Pittsburgh at Heinz Field earlier this season.

What I liked: Baltimore went for big plays early. Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco connected with tight end Todd Heap for a 65-yard touchdown in the second quarter. It was the longest play from scrimmage this season for Baltimore and the longest catch of Heap's career. The Ravens also benefited from a controversial pass interference call to set up a Derrick Mason touchdown catch and a 17-3 halftime lead. Flacco and Mason also put last week's sideline altercation behind them, combining for eight receptions for 87 yards and a touchdown. Baltimore's defense mostly rattled and confused young Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman, who threw for just 162 yards and got most of his production late in the fourth quarter.

What I didn't like: The Ravens' offense could have done more in the second half to take some of the pressure off the defense. But it appeared they were content with taking the air out of the ball after getting a two-touchdown lead. The Ravens also have two injury concerns: starting left tackle Michael Oher (sprained knee) and safety Dawan Landry (concussion). Neither player returned after leaving.

What's next: The Ravens have their biggest game of the season coming up against the Steelers in what should be another great installment in this rivalry. The winner has the inside track to win the division. The loser will be fighting for a wild card.

PITTSBURGH -- Here are some early thoughts on the Steelers' 35-3 victory against the Oakland Raiders:

What it means: The Steelers played one of their best games of the season, bouncing backing from an embarrassing loss last week to the New England Patriots. Pittsburgh is 7-3 and keeps pace with the Baltimore Ravens (7-3) in the AFC North.

What I liked: Pittsburgh started fast offensively and defensively in a big game for both teams. The Steelers scored 21 straight points in the second quarter to take a 21-3 halftime lead. I also liked Pittsburgh's improved pass rush. The Steelers rattled Oakland quarterback Jason Campbell with their blitz and sacked Campbell four times before he was benched in favor of backup Bruce Gradkowski. Pittsburgh receiver Mike Wallace (three catches, 116 yards) also continues to make big plays and recorded a touchdown catch for the third straight games.

What I didn't like: A rash of penalties were the only concern for Pittsburgh in a blowout win. The Steelers set a team record with 163 penalty yards. There were several debatable personal foul and roughness calls as the league continues to crack down on big hits, which we will get to later.

Oakland controversy: Look for Oakland defensive lineman Richard Seymour to receive a big fine for his hit to the face of Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. The Steelers scored their third touchdown late in the second quarter and Seymour hit Pittsburgh's quarterback, resulting in a brawl between the Steelers' offense and Oakland's defense. With the way the NFL is protecting quarterbacks, Seymour will likely get a large fine and possibly a suspension.

What's next: The Steelers have a solid chance to win next week at the Buffalo Bills, who overcame a 21-point deficit to beat Cincinnati. But it could be a trap game if Pittsburgh isn't careful. On Dec. 5, the Steelers will play at Baltimore, where they will try to avenge an early-season loss.

PITTSBURGH -- Here are some early thoughts on the New England Patriots' 39-26 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

What it means: The Steelers fall to 6-3 in a battle for AFC supremacy. The Patriots (7-2) are tied with the New York Jets (7-2) for the best record in the conference and won a potential, head-to-head tiebreaker over Pittsburgh. The Steelers got off to a 4-1 start but are just 2-2 in their last four games. Patriots quarterback Tom Brady has Pittsburgh's number, as he improved to 6-1 in his career against the Steelers.

What I liked: The Steelers were outplayed on offense and defense by New England. But rookie receiver Emmanuel Sanders had a few nice returns on special teams and caught a touchdown in the fourth quarter. Teammate Mike Wallace also caught two touchdown passes for the Steelers and had eight receptions for 136 yards.

What I didn't like: Pittsburgh's pass defense has been shaky all season, and it was further exposed by New England. The Patriots specialize in short and intermediate passing and consistently found holes in Pittsburgh's defense. Brady was masterful, completing 30-of-43 passes for 350 yards and four total touchdowns (three passing, one rushing). Pittsburgh's rebuilt offense line also struggled. New England stopped the run and recorded five sacks on Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

Key injury: Steelers receiver Hines Ward suffered what was described as a neck injury late in the first quarter. He took a shot to the side of the head by Patriots' safety James Sanders and didn't return. This will be something to monitor during the week. Update: During the post-game news conference Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin said Ward suffered a concussion during the game and that the receiver will be tested before being cleared to play.

What's next: The Steelers have a dangerous game upcoming at home against the Oakland Raiders (5-4), who have won three straight and are a surprise, first-place team in the AFC West. The Raiders also will be coming off the bye with two weeks to prepare for the Steelers. Recent history has proved Pittsburgh cannot overlook the Raiders, who came into Heinz Field last year pulled out an upset victory.

Here are some early thoughts on the Atlanta Falcons' 26-21 come-from-behind victory over the Baltimore Ravens:

What it means: It means the Ravens drop to 6-3 on the season and come very close to making a big statement on the road. The Falcons are one of the NFL's best teams at home the past several seasons and needed a late touchdown catch by receiver Roddy White to hold off the Ravens. There will be a lot of debate of whether White pushed off Ravens cornerback Josh Wilson on the play. We will get Baltimore's reaction on the play in from the locker room. Many saw this as a possible Super Bowl preview and both teams put on a good show. Neither Atlanta nor Baltimore should feel any worse about its playoff chances after this entertaining and competitive game.

What I liked: Baltimore showed grit by fighting back in the fourth quarter and having a chance to win. After falling down 13 points late, the Ravens didn't lay down and took a 21-20 lead with 1:05 left after two touchdown passes by quarterback Joe Flacco. Linebacker/defensive end Terrell Suggs was at his best. Suggs recorded two sacks, and it was his first multi-sack game of the season.

What I didn't like: With a little more than a minute left, Baltimore had a chance to close out the game but the defense allowed Atlanta to drive down the field for the game-winning touchdown. The controversial touchdown catch by White at the end will stand out. But a slow start in the first half was the reason Baltimore spent the entire second half fighting from behind.

What's next: After a tough loss, the good news is Baltimore has 10 days to prepare against the lowly Carolina Panthers (1-7). The Ravens have a good chance to get back on the winning track and avoid their first two-game losing streak of the season. They are currently in second place by a half-game in the AFC North behind the Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2).

CINCINNATI -- Here are some thoughts on the Pittsburgh Steelers' 27-21 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals:

What it means: It means the Steelers bounced back from a tough loss to the New Orleans Saints to improve to 6-2, and the Bengals' season is over at 2-6. Pittsburgh needed a big win to keep pace with the Baltimore Ravens (6-2), who own the head-to-head tiebreaker for first place in the AFC North. Cincinnati, a team which was built to win now, gave a good effort but is one of the NFL's biggest disappointments this year.

What I liked: Pittsburgh's efficiency was impressive for three quarters. The Steelers didn't do too much, but made the big plays when they were there. Receiver Mike Wallace caught a 39-yard touchdown on a well-designed trick play from Antwaan Randle El. That put Pittsburgh up 27-7 early in the fourth quarter, which was just enough to hold on. For the Bengals, receiver Terrell Owens continues to put up big numbers. He caught 10 passes for 141 yards and two touchdowns.

What I didn't like: I didn't like lack of urgency the Bengals had to start the game. For a team desperate for a win, to start with a fumble on the opening kickoff and blocked punt after its second drive is inexcusable. The Bengals have had several games where they came out completely flat then tried to make a late push. The NFL is too balanced to try to consistently pull off late-game comebacks. Cincinnati fell short by getting stopped on all four downs near Pittsburgh's end zone. For the Steelers, their fourth-quarter play was horrendous on both sides of the ball, but they survived.

Key injuries: There were plenty of injuries in this physical, AFC North game. The Steelers were banged up along the offensive line as starting tackle Max Starks (neck), guard Chris Kemoeatu (ankle) and center Maurkice Pouncey (lower leg) all left. Pouncey returned to the game and played in the second half. For Cincinnati, starting safety Chris Crocker suffered a calf injury in the second half.

What's next: Coming off a short week, the Steelers have their third prime-time game in a row, against the New England Patriots (6-2) at Heinz Field. It will be a battle of the best teams in the AFC. For the Bengals, it will be a long eight games. Cincinnati must play at the Indianapolis Colts (5-3) in what will be another tough contest. Perhaps the Bengals can build off their second-half effort.

NEW ORLEANS -- Here are some early thoughts on the New Orleans Saints' victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

What it means: The Steelers fell to 5-2 and lost their first road game of the season. Pittsburgh also lost its first game since quarterback Ben Roethlisberger returned from a four-game suspension. The Steelers expected New Orleans' best effort Sunday and they got it. The Saints were coming off an embarrassing loss to the Cleveland Browns and responded Sunday night by looking much more like the defending Super Bowl champions.

What I liked: Pittsburgh's defense was far from perfect, but holding the Saints to 20 points at home in the Superdome is respectable. Three points at the end of the half was partially the result of a missed 51-yard field goal by kicker Jeff Reed, and the Saints added a late touchdown in the fourth quarter to ice the game. The Steelers had a very tough assignment by not giving up many big plays. But with Pittsburgh's offense not doing much until the fourth quarter, the Saints made enough plays to win.

What I didn't like: Pittsburgh's offense for most of the game was shaky and predictable. New Orleans brought the blitz often and it worked. The Steelers either ran right into the blitz or failed to pick it up on passing downs. Pittsburgh seemed to get in rhythm late with a fourth-quarter touchdown. But a catch and fumble by tight end Heath Miller was the Steelers' last chance to mount a comeback.

What's next: The Steelers will play their second straight prime-time game against the Cincinnati Bengals (2-5) on "Monday Night Football." The game has lost some luster with Cincinnati's four-game losing streak, but these two teams have developed a healthy dislike for one another in recent years, so the buildup should be entertaining. The Bengals surprisingly swept the Steelers last year while Pittsburgh attempted to defend its most recent Super Bowl title.

BALTIMORE -- Here are early thoughts on the Baltimore Ravens' 31-17 victory over the Denver Broncos.

What it means: The Ravens are 4-1 and remain in first place in the AFC North. What is scary is there's still a few areas Baltimore can tighten up, which we will get to below. You get the sense the ceiling may be even higher for this group.

What I liked: Since 2005, the Ravens were just 3-6 after games against the Pittsburgh Steelers. But Baltimore showed no signs of a hangover by jumping to a 17-0 lead, which was more than enough to cruise to the victory. The Ravens physically pounded Denver into submission by running the ball well and stopping the run. Baltimore had four rushing touchdowns by three different players: Ray Rice, Willis McGahee and Joe Flacco.

What I didn't like: The Ravens' pass defense entered the game No. 1 in the NFL but struggled against Denver, which was the No. 1 passing offense. Baltimore allowed several big plays, the biggest a 42-yard touchdown reception by Brandon Lloyd before halftime. Lloyd caught a 44-yard touchdown late in the fourth quarter.

Underrated player: Baltimore kicker Billy Cundiff nullified Denver's return game by booting four of six kickoffs deep in the end zone for touchbacks. One kick that was returned was fumbled by Denver receiver Demaryius Thomas. Cundiff also made a 37-yard field goal.

What's next: The Ravens will be in a high-profile game next week against the New England Patriots (3-1). It's a rematch of last season's wild-card playoff game. But there is an interesting wrinkle, because it's New England’s first game this year without future Hall of Fame receiver Randy Moss, who was recently traded to the Minnesota Vikings. The Patriots will have two weeks to prepare for the Ravens and get their offense together for life without Moss.

PITTSBURGH -- Here are some early thoughts on the Baltimore Ravens' stunning, come-from-behind victory over the Steelers.

What it means: The Ravens pulled out a wild win by scoring a touchdown with 32 seconds remaining. Baltimore improved to 3-1 by driving 40 yards in the final minute and T.J. Houshmandzadeh catching the winning touchdown. Pittsburgh came extremely close to improving to 4-0 without quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. The Steelers should be pleased of their 3-1 start despite the very tough loss.

What I liked: The energy was solid from both teams, which is par for the course in this series. But Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco deserved kudos for staying calm for four quarters against a team he usually struggles against. His performance shows solid growth in his maturation process, and the final throw was one of the biggest of his career.

What I didn't like: Pittsburgh didn't execute on either side of the football in the final minutes, which turned out to be the deciding factor. The Steelers were stagnant on their final offensive drive that could have sealed it, and the defense played too conservatively in allowing the final touchdown. There also were untimely penalties; both teams combined for 18 flags.

Key injuries: The Ravens were hurting at tailback. Ray Rice (knee) was active but was a backup to Willis McGahee until the second half. As long as Rice's health improves next week, running back depth may not be as much of an issue.

What's next: Pittsburgh is on a bye, but will make national headlines with Monday's return of Roethlisberger from a four-game suspension. The Steelers will spend the next two weeks shaking the rust off of Roethlisberger before their Oct. 17 game against the Cleveland Browns. The Ravens, meanwhile, will try to improve to 4-1 when they host the Denver Broncos at M&T Bank Stadium.

TAMPA, Fla. -- Here are some thoughts on the Pittsburgh Steelers' victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

What it means: The Steelers impressively improved to 3-0 without suspended quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. It's been a total team effort, as every week different players step up to make big plays. On Sunday, quarterback Charlie Batch got the start and threw three touchdown passes in the first half to quickly put the game out of reach. Overall, it was the most dominant showing for the Steelers so far this season.

What I liked: Pittsburgh's offense was solid with Batch under center. Batch was in control, decisive and accurate with his throws. The Steelers scored 38 points Sunday after scoring just 34 points in their first two games. Receiver Mike Wallace caught two deep bombs (41 and 46 yards) in the first half to get Pittsburgh's offense going.

What I didn't like: There wasn't much not to like for Pittsburgh. If you really want to nitpick, the Steelers were not sharp very early in the game. Batch threw an interception on his first pass of the game, and the defense allowed more yards than usual to set up Tampa Bay's two early field goals. Batch also threw a second pick in garbage time during the fourth quarter.

Key injuries: Backup defensive lineman Chris Hoke hurt his knee late, and Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said he may have sprained his MCL. Quarterback Byron Leftwich (knee) also dressed for the game and wore a brace on his knee. He was there in case of an emergency.

What's next: The Steelers have a huge rivalry game against the Baltimore Ravens in what will be Pittsburgh's final game without Roethlisberger. The Steelers have a chance to be 4-0 without their franchise quarterback, which would be a tremendous accomplishment. At worst, Pittsburgh will be 3-1 without Roethlisberger.