Mid-season Stats of Interest
Below are a few statistical rankings for various individuals as well as the team.
| Category | Rank & Notes |
| Yards Rushing per Game | Jerome Bettis is ranked #2 in the NFL with 866 yards on 164 carries (5.28 yds/carry). With health on his side, the Bus has been a work horse this year -- not only has he punished the opposition for extra yards, he's shown nimble feet and has broken a number of long runs this year. |
| QB Rating | Kordell is ranked #22 in the NFL with a 74.9 rating. While this is not overly impressive in and of itself, the fact that he has climbed to #22 while having games of 100 and 107 passing yards this season makes it more meaningful. He's been more poised under pressure and seems to have a more even demeanor which seems to be the difference in 2001. If he continues to improve, the offense will have no choice but to follow. |
| Sacks | The Stillers have 3 players in the NFL's top 25 sack getters: Porter #11 with 7 (he should be tied for #9 with 7.5 but Gildon is still credited with Porter's 1/2 sack against the Clowns) Gildon #15 with 6.5 (although he should have 6) Bell #25 with 5 The Stillers have been dominant against opposing QB's this year and if they continue on this pace we'll have to ask, "Lloyd and Green who?" |
| Punt Returns | Poteat is ranked #20 in the league at 9 yards/return. The problem with Poteat being #20 is that he is much better than that. This is one indication of the decline of the special teams over the past several weeks. The Pittsburgh coverage teams have been soft and the return teams are not giving Hank much room to work. |
| Punts | Millers is ranked #9 with a gross average of 44.1 yards/punt. After being injured early, Miller looked a bit shaky but has returned for form of late. He's punting up to expectations and has come up with big punts when needed. |
| Total Receptions | "Don't Call Me Heinz" Ward is ranked #9 in the NFL with 50 receptions. Although is yards/catch is low, he's been Mr. Reliable for the most part and has made some mind-boggling shoe-string grabs this year. |
| Offensive Yards/Game | Pittsburgh is actually #5 this thus far this year with 350.6 yards/game! Say what?!? With a dominant offensive line, a power running game and an improving passing game, the team is putting up decent yardage.....if only the redzone offense would click! |
| Offensive Yards/Play | Pittsburgh is ranked #6 with 4.5 yards/play. This stat, like the above, is headed by a power running game. |
| Offensive Time of Possession | Pittsburgh is ranked #2 in the NFL by holding the ball 33:16/game (San Fran is #1 at 33:22). This stat has to be LOVED by the defense. When the defense dominates but the offense can stay on the field, you have a match made in heaven. |
| Defensive Yards/Game | Pittsburgh dominates this stat at #1 giving up only 254 yards/game (GB is #2 with 279.2 yards/game). Regardless of the competition to date, this is impressive. Even without excessive takeaways, the team has still managed to shut down the opposition. |
| Defensive Points/Game | The Stillers are again #1 giving up only 11.2 points/game (CHI is #2 with 14.4 pts/g). It's mind-boggling to think about but the worst the team has allowed is 3 TD's on opening day. In 6 games, they've allowed fewer than 2 TD's. That my friends, is called opening up a can of whoop ass on the opposition! |
| Defensive Passing Yards/Game | Surprise, surprise...again the ranking is #1 at 176.6 yards/game (GB is #2 with 188.8 yards/game). When you have a dominant pass rush and a deep secondary with two CB's playing about as well as possible, #1 is the result. |
| Defensive Rushing Yards/Game | Unfortunately, the opponents have run rampant on the Stillers who only manage a #2 berth here....very disappointing (BAL is #1 at 74.8 yards/game). Seriously, the loss of Capt. Kirk has gone completely unnoticed with the addition of Kendrell "Cruise Missile" Bell and the continued dominance of the Hitman. The play of the Smith, Clancy, Hampton, Kimo, and Bailey cannot be ignored here either -- they have disruption written all over them. And, I can't forget the Iron Man, Lee Flowers, who has always been a run stuffing fool! |
| Defensive Sacks | The defense gets back on track with a #1 rank here at 34 sacks on the season (GB is #2 at 30). Six men have 2 or more sacks while 12 players have contributed to the sack total. Opposing QB's beware!! |