An excellent defense carried the 2005 Steelers to an 11-5 record and a Super Bowl title. During the regular season, Pittsburgh allowed 16.1 points per game, tied for third-best in the NFL and ranked Top 5 in total defense and rush defense. This Bill Cowher-coached team was carried by defensive stars Troy Polamalu, a safety who was named an All-Pro and Pro Bowl linebacker Joey Porter (10.5 sacks). Offensively, the Steelers got by thanks to strong play from running back Willie Parker, who rushed for 1,202 yards, second-year QB Ben Roethlisberger, and receiver Hines Ward, who caught 11 touchdowns. Antwaan Randle El provided a major spark on special teams, with two punt returns for touchdowns. The Steelers began the season 7-5 but got hot late, winning four straight games. Pittsburgh made the playoffs, and as the #6 seed, Pittsburgh won 3 straight road playoff games. They knocked off the Seahawks, 21-10, to win Super Bowl XL in Jerome Bettis' hometown of Detroit.