--Safety Anthony Smith just does not get it, apparently. He was a fill-in starter for injured Ryan Clark last season when he guaranteed a victory in New England. The Steelers lost, 34-13, and Smith was toasted on two deep passes. He was later benched in favor of Tyrone Carter and is now the fourth safety on a team with four.

Still, asked about last year's prediction, here's what Smith said recently: "If they ask me again, I'll say the same thing. We're the No. 1 defense. If we play like we've been playing, and our offense comes around and has a good game, and we're clicking on all cylinders, we're going to win the game."

--Pittsburgh has won 24 straight games when it rushed for more than 200 yards and is 102-6 since the NFL merger. Their top total this season is 183 in their 38-17 opening victory against Houston.

--The Steelers have allowed just 66.5 yards rushing per game on defense, which would blow away their single-season record of 74.7 in 2001 if it continues.

BY THE NUMBERS: 37 -- Sacks by the Steelers, one more than they had all of last season.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "Mitch, when we made the decision to go to Paul, I characterized it as not up to snuff. Obviously, not up to snuff is relative." -- Coach Mike Tomlin, who re-signed punter Mitch Berger and cut punter Paul Ernster, three weeks after he cut Berger in favor of Ernster.