It was over when ...
Steelers WR Hines Ward had seven catches for 85 yards and a TD.
(Duane Burleson / Associated Press)
Pittsburgh's defense came through with three straight sacks on Detroit's final drive, setting up an incomplete Hail Mary attempt by Lions QB Daunte Culpepper.
Game ball
Going into the season, Ben Roethlisberger was a career 63 percent passer. The Steelers have increased his attempts this season and with that Big Ben has increased his percentage to 74 percent after completing 23 of 30 attempts for 277 yards and three touchdowns on Sunday.
Key Stat
The Steelers made the most of their trips inside the red zone, coming away with three touchdowns on all three of their trips.
Noteworthy
The Steelers have scored eight touchdowns in their last eight trips into the red zone. ... The Lions lost their top offensive threat, WR Calvin Johnson, in the first quarter. He left with a thigh injury and did not return. ... Culpepper performed admirably in place of injured rookie QB Matthew Stafford, passing for 281 yards, a TD and one pick. ... Steelers RB Rashard Mendenhall rushed for 77 yards and a TD in his second straight start for injured Willie Parker. ... The Lions led in time of possession (32:35-26:55) and first downs (21-18).
