LOOKING AHEAD
Steelers vs. Browns, 1 p.m. Sept. 29, Heinz Field. TV: KDKA. Radio: WBGG-AM (970), WDVE-FM (102.5) and the Steelers Radio Network. After a bye week, the Steelers take on their archrival.
WHO'S HURTING
Mike Schneck, Steelers LS, left the game early in the third quarter with an elbow injury and did not return. TE John Allred took over as long snapper.
NEWS & NOTES
The Steelers deactivated LB Kendrell Bell (ankle), CB Hank Poteat (toe), TE Matt Cushing, OT Mathias Nkwenti, G Keydrick Vincent, DL Chris Hoke and DE Brett Keisel. The Raiders deactivated WR James Jett (calf), G Mo Collins (knee), P Shane Lecher (calf), OT Chad Slaughter, CB Clarence Love, DE Kenyon Coleman and DT Junior Ioane.
The Steelers and Oakland Raiders held a moment of silence before last night's kickoff in honor of Johnny Unitas, who died Wednesday. Unitas, a Pittsburgh native, was a ninth-round draft choice of the Steelers in 1955. They cut him in training camp, he hooked on with Baltimore a year later and owned 22 NFL records when he retired in 1973. A moment of silence was held before each game yesterday.
After last year's attack on the World Trade Center, S Lee Flowers pledged to help families impacted by the terrorism by donating $91.01 for every tackle he made in 2001. The families of two victims -- New York firefighter Salvatore Calabro and carpenter Daniel Rosetti, who was working in the WTC South Tower that day -- were each presented a $10,000 check by Flowers at the Steelers' team hotel Saturday night. Then they attended last night's game as Flowers' guest. Those families were selected because each victim was a Steelers fan.
Before the game, the Steelers recognized all 18 of the Quecreek miners, including the nine who were part of the dramatic rescue that captured the world's attention in late July. Gov. Mark Schweiker, who oversaw the rescue operation, introduced the men to the crowd. "These are the strongest teammates you'll ever know," Schweiker said, drawing a loud ovation.
The colors presented for the national anthem were from the Somerset Pennsylvania State Troopers Color Guard, the unit which assisted at the crash site of Flight 93 and the Quecreek rescue.
At halftime, the Steelers recognized WR John Stallworth for his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in July. John Bankert, the Hall's executive director, presented him with his ring, and a video tribute was shown on the scoreboard. "I'd like to thank you again for letting me be a part of the greatest fans in football history," Stallworth told the crowd. "You are our 13th man. You make it happen."
FOR THE RECORD
Steelers RB Jerome Bettis needs 48 yards to become the 12th player in NFL history with 11,000 rushing yards.
Raiders WR Jerry Rice has caught at least one pass in an NFL-record 242 consecutive games. He made an 8-yard catch on the game's first play from scrimmage.
NUMBERS
Of the 18 previous times the Steelers have opened a season 0-2, they have finished with a winning record only five times.
Under Bill Cowher, the Steelers are 5-6 in home openers, 5-4 in Sunday night games.
RB Chris Fuamatu Ma'afala's blocked punt late in the second half was the Steelers' first since Oct. 26, 1998, when CB Lance Brown blocked and RB Fred McAfee returned it 1 yard for a touchdown in a 20-13 victory at Kansas City.
Steelers LB Joey Porter's interception early in the second quarter was the second of his career, his first since Nov. 5, 2000. He had another pick in the third quarter.
Raiders FS Rod Woodson had three fumble recoveries, giving him 17 for his career.
The Steelers have committed 18 turnovers in their previous five games, including last season, and had five last night.
The Steelers' record against the Raiders is 9-11, 4-4 in games played in Pittsburgh.
FOURTH-AND-SHORT
It hasn't rained much in Pittsburgh this summer, but there's something about major sporting events which seems to attract precipitation.
It rained throughout the day yesterday, making the Steelers 1 for 1 in home games. The Pirates have had rain delays for 19 of their 70 home dates, a total of 20 hours, three minutes.
The message?
Bring your umbrella to the Penguins' home opener Oct. 10.
Steelers Report: 9/16/02 
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