Leftwich has played about two halves of football and helped lead them to victory in each. He played the entire second half in Washington Nov. 3 with the Steelers clinging to a 10-6 halftime lead of a game they won 23-6.

He entered late in the second half against Cleveland last Sunday after Roethlisberger left with a concussion and a 7-0 Pittsburgh lead. Leftwich led them to a 31-0 victory.

Leftwich has completed 21 of 36 passes with two touchdowns, no interceptions and a 104.3 passer rating.

"I'd be ready to roll," Leftwich said if needed. "The fortunate thing for me with Ben having the injury, I had a chance to practice this week and we'll see about next week.

"I've never been in the huddle a lot with these guys so they're not knowing what I'm thinking. With practice time, we get those opportunities and I had that this week."

Leftwich throws a much different ball than does Roethlisberger, who has a softer touch. Leftwich comes over the top and the ball comes out much harder. Receivers say it does take a little time to adjust to it.

"Any time you have two individuals playing the same position, there are going to be differences in both," Leftwich said. "It's not about what's better or what's worse, it's more about just the understanding."

--Given the toughest schedule in the NFL this season, the Steelers went 12-4. But that rating (.598 winning percentage by their opponents) was based on 2007 results. Based on their 2008 results, the Steelers had only the seventh toughest schedule, and third toughest in their own division.

The Cleveland Browns, whose opponents were a combined 145-108-3 (.572), had the toughest schedule in the league. The Bengals' opponents went 141-114-1 (.553). The Steelers' were 133-120-3 (.525).

--The Steelers did not allow a 100-yard individual rusher this season and have allowed just two the past three seasons - Thomas Jones of the Jets with 117 yards and Fred Taylor of Jacksonville with 147 yards, both in 2007.

--Pittsburgh's defense allowed 1,284 yards rushing in 2008, their second fewest in a 16-game season to the 1,195 in 2001. Their 2,511 yards allowed passing are the third-fewest in a 16-game season behind 2,394 in 1978 and 2,500 in 1990.

BY THE NUMBERS: 50 -- Number of linebackers the Steelers have placed in the Pro Bowl since the NFL merger in 1970, most in the NFL. James Harrison and James Farrior were chosen this year.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "Experience is only good if you get better. We were one-and-done a year ago and we're trying not to be that this year." -- Coach Mike Tomlin, on how his first playoff season as a rookie coach might help him this time.