The Steelers, 28-20 winners over Detroit, got three sacks from 2008 Defensive Player of the Year James Harrison, whose season total is up to six quarterback takedowns.
Steelers WR Limas Sweed was active for Sunday’s win, but played sparingly and didn’t catch the one pass thrown his way.
Rookie Mike Wallace, who beat out Sweed for the third receiver job, dropped a would-be touchdown bomb from QB Ben Roethlisberger and had a delay-of-game penalty for kicking the ball.
Steelers offensive coordinator Bruce Arians expressed regret for “getting greedy” and resorting to the pass despite having a lead in the second half of Sunday’s win.
Making his first start of the season, Lions QB Daunte Culpepper looked noticeably trim and rushed for 32 yards on a first-quarter scramble, but also took seven sacks.
Lions QB Matthew Stafford (knee), who was questionable on the Week 5 injury report, did not even work out in pre-game warmups to see if he could try to play.
With Lions WR Calvin Johnson (knee) leaving the game early, slot man Dennis Northcutt led the team in receiving yards and scored Detroit’s lone offensive touchdown.
The Lions benched yet another defensive back on Sunday, with Phillip Buchanon replacing Anthony Henry at left corner after Henry was beaten for big passing plays.
For more on the Steelers-Lions game, check out Mike Florio’s full Morning Aftermath.
