What we learned ...
Big Ben is healthy and ready to go: So much for that Achilles tendon injury. Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger proved that the reported ailment will not hold him back, completing 15 of 19 passes for 168 yards in two quarters of efficient work.
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Rashard Mendenhall is primed for a big season: After missing most of 2008 with a knee injury, Mendenhall looks to be a big part of Pittsburgh's offense this season. With Willie Parker inactive, Mendenhall got the start and totaled 48 yards on 16 carries. Mendenhall showed no hesitation in hitting the holes opened by his offensive line and offered a glimpse of what could be a big role in the red zone this season. He took a handoff 4 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter.
The Bills' defense still needs work: If the third week of the preseason is supposed to be a dress rehearsal for Week 1 of the regular season, then Bills coach Dick Jauron can't be satisfied with his first-team defense's performance in the first half. Buffalo's starters allowed 12 first downs, 209 total yards of offense and over 21 minutes in time of possession en route to a 17-0 halftime deficit. Not a good sign with New England's high-powered offense scheduled to face this defense in Week 1.
