In Brief
Lions QB Matthew Stafford threw for 296 yards in just over three quarters of action vs. the Bears last week.
(M. Spencer Green / Associated Press)
Last meeting:
Jerome Bettis rushed for three touchdowns to lead the Steelers past the Lions, 35-21, in Week 17 of 2005.
Streaks:
Pittsburgh has won six of the past seven meetings, but the overall series is tied at 14-14-1.
Last week:
The Steelers jumped out to a 28-0 lead and held on late to defeat the visiting Chargers, 38-28. ... Detroit lost quarterback Matthew Stafford to a knee injury and was trounced by Chicago, 48-24.
Keep your eye on ...
Stafford's status: Detroit's rookie quarterback was playing extremely well before he was knocked out of the game last Sunday. Sitting out this week would threaten to stunt the rapid growth he had shown over the past two games, although playing a tough Steelers defense will give him a severe challenge even if he is able to play.
Rashard Mendenhall's encore performance: The second-year rusher out of Illinois followed up a benching in Week 3 with the best game of his career. Starting in place of an injured Willie Parker, Mendenhall rushed for 165 yards and two touchdowns against San Diego. If Parker sits again, Mendenhall has an excellent chance to build on that outing against the Lions and their 20th-ranked rushing defense.
The Steelers' finishing ability: Pittsburgh has yet to discover its killer instinct this season. In Week 2 and Week 3 losses to the Bears and Bengals, respectively, the Steelers were ahead for much of the game, but failed to put those teams away and were ultimately stung. They nearly fell victim to another late comeback by the Chargers last week. They can't afford to let the young Lions build confidence and hang around.
Did you know?
This will be the Steelers first time back in Detroit since their Super Bowl XL win over the Seahawks. ... Since 2007, Pittsburgh leads the AFC with 95 sacks and is tied for third in the NFL over that span. ... Lions WR Calvin Johnson ranks second in the NFL with 13 touchdown catches since 2008. ... Detroit K Jason Hanson has made nine straight field goals from 50-plus yards.
