WHEN THE BUCCANEERS HAVE THE BALL
Buccaneers offense
Second-year quarterback Josh Freeman hasn’t been spectacular but has been successful, winning four of his last five starts overall and completing 29 of 52 passes for 360 yards and four touchdowns with a 95.0 passer rating. He threw for two scores last week with a 102.4 rating against Carolina and has five two- TD games in his career, two so far in 2010.
Carnell ‘Cadillac’ Williams has re- emerged, too, carrying the ball at least 22 times in both games this season. The Bucs are 13-0 when his workload reaches 22 of more.
On the outside, rookie receiver Mike Williams aims for a third straight game with a TD after scoring on a 35-yarder last week.
Meanwhile, veteran tight end Kellen Winslow is back to All-Pro performance as well with an NFL-best eight catches for 115 yards on third down. He caught four balls for 83 yards when last playing the Steelers – while with Cleveland in 2007.
Steelers defense
The Steelers woke up their traditional defensive echoes in the meeting with the Titans, holding the hosts to just a fourth-quarter touchdown and 238 total yards while creating a menacing seven turnovers – three interceptions, four forced fumbles.
Linebacker James Harrison had two sacks in that game and now has three for the season, tied for third in the league. Pittsburgh is 9-0 when the reigning AFC Defensive Player of the Week records at least two sacks in a game.
And speaking of streaks, linebacker LaMarr Woodley has had at least a half-sack in 10 consecutive games.
In the backfield, cornerback Bryant McFadden had an interception in his last game against the Bucs and safety Troy Polamalu looks for a third game this season with a pick. His two interceptions so far are tied for first in the league.