A random sampling of numbers about the Pittsburgh Steelers and New England Patriots, who just so happen to be playing for first place in the AFC through eight weeks tomorrow afternoon at Heinz Field. Just like when someone says 'I've got good news and bad news' and you ask to get the bad news out of the way first, let's start with the Patriots.
New England Patriots By The Numbers:
4: Number of interceptions by CB Kyle Arrington, tops among Patriots defenders.
5: Number of QB's in NFL history to have led their team to 3 conference title game appearances in their first five seasons. Tom Brady and Ben Roethlisberger both make the list along side Roger Stabauch, Bernie Kosar and Donovan McNabb,
7: Number of division titles and playoff appearances since 2002.
11: Difference in regular season win totals between New England (131) and Pittsburgh (120) since 2000.
13.5: Average yards per reception on the team's 160 total receptions through 6 games.
30: Number of points Patriots have reached in 13 of their past 14 games.
69: Number of 3rd down conversions the Pats' offense has faced through 6 games, the lowest number of any team in the NFL.
70: Differential in seconds between the Patriots (29:25) and their opponents (30:35) average time of possession.
104.8: Tom Brady's QB rating in seven career starts against the Steelers (6-1)
116: Number of wins by Tom Brady and Bill Belichick, tied with Dan Marino and Dan Shula for the most games won by a QB-coach duo in the SB era.
322.5: Number of passing yards per game allowed by the Pats' defense, dead last in the NFL.
423.7: Number of yards per game allowed by the Pats' defense, the worst mark in the NFL.
474.5: Number of yards per game averaged by the Patriots offense, the best mark in the NFL.
Pittsburgh Steelers By The Numbers:
1: Steelers ranking in win-loss record since the 1970 merger (389-248-2, .610), 9 1/2 games clear of the second place Miami Dolphins.
2: Number of interceptions for Dick LeBeau's defense through seven weeks, tied for the fewest league wide with Miami and Cincinnati
6: Consecutive games that Mike Wallace has registered a catch of at least 40 yards, tied for most in NFL history with Isaac Bruce (2000)
7: LaMarr Woodley's sack total through seven games, the most of any AFC defender.
9: Number of rushing touchdowns for Rashard Mendenhall in his past 10 games at Heinz Field.
13: Number of home sacks for the Steelers in 2011, the most in the NFL.
13.3: Average yards per reception on the team's 149 team receptions through 7 games.
17: Total sacks for the Steelers in 2011, the 4th most in the AFC and 8th most league wide.
75: Number of career regular season wins Ben Roethlisberger will have if the he's able to lead the Steelers to a win on Sunday.
80: Number of receiving yards Hines Ward (11,960) trails Derrick Mason (12,040) heading into Week 8.
114.1: QB Rating for Ben Roethlisberger in his three home games in 2011, the third highest home rating in the NFL (Aaron Rodgers 129.4, Drew Brees 124.4).
171.9: Passing yards per game allowed by the Steelers defense, best in the league.
188.9: Passing yards per game allowed by the Steelers defense since Mike Tomlin took over as head coach of the Steelers in 2007, the fewest of any team in that time span (Jets are 2nd at 196.5)
306: Differential in seconds (5:05) between the Steelers (32:33) and their opponents (27:27) average time of possession.