Steelers @ St. Louis: The Matchups

In his weekly press conference Mike Tomlin said that the Steelers have to "live in a tunnel," and "cannot ride the emotional rollercoaster" that comes with playing in the National Football League. While the players ponder just what all that means let them consider this: Of the six games played on Thursdays this season (i.e. excluding the opening game of the season -- we're trying to get a look at what the short week does to teams) the home team has a 4-2 record; and one of the visiting teams that won was Indianapolis visiting Atlanta.

With that in mind here's a look at some numbers:

St. Louis Offense v. Steelers Defense
Average total yards per game: St. Louis offense 23rd (300.7) v. Steelers defense 1st (258.00).

Average net rushing yards per game: St. Louis offense 21st (97.3) v. Steelers defense 3rd (83.4) Note: Steven Jackson had over 100 yards in the first half against Green Bay last week.

Average net passing yards per game: St. Louis offense 16th (203.4) v. Steelers defense 3rd (174.6)

Average points per game: St. Louis offense 29th (15.71) v. Steelers defense 1st (15.57)

Steelers Offense v. St. Louis Defense
Average total yards per game: Steelers offense 18th (325.0) v. St. Louis defense 17th (329.4)

Average net rushing yards per game: Steelers offense 3rd (139.4) v. St. Louis defense 19th (111.1)

Average net passing yards per game: Steelers offense 26th (185.6) v. St. Louis defense 17th (218.3)

Average points per game: Steelers offense: 8th (23.64) v. St. Louis defense 27th (24.93)

Special Teams
Average yards per punt return: St. Louis 3rd (12.1) v. Steelers 29th (6.5)
Note: Dante Hall is now on injured reserve with a high ankle sprain. In the game against Green Bay the Packers were forced to punt once, and that went for a touchback.

Average yards allowed per punt return: St. Louis 18th (9.7) v. Steelers 17th (8.9)

Average yards per kick return: St. Louis 18th (22.9) v. Steelers 26th (21.3)
Note: Dante Hall is now on injured reserve with a high ankle sprain. In the game against Green Bay rookie Derek Stanley returned six kicks for a total of 121 yards.

Average yards allowed per kick return: St. Louis 32nd (28.2) v. Steelers 13th (22.2)

Net yardage punting average: St. Louis 7th (38.7) v. Steelers 10th (37.7)

Opponent net yardage punting average: St. Louis 31st (39.9) v. Steelers 24th (38.1)

Miscellaneous
Turnover differential: St. Louis 23rd (-7) v. Steelers 12th (+3)

Time of possession: St. Louis 8th (31:01) v. Steelers 1st (33:48)

Red Zone touchdown efficiency: St. Louis 26th (41.7%) v. Steelers 10th (56.3%)

Red Zone defense (touchdowns): St. Louis 26th (57.4%) v. Steelers 19th (53.1%)

Sacks allowed: St. Louis 17th (27) v. Steelers 24th (38)

Sacks: St. Louis 18th (27) v. Steelers 8th (33)

Some Individual Numbers
Passer rating: Marc Bulger 71.1 (7 TDs, 11 INTs) v. Ben Roethlisberger 100.5 (29 TDs, 11 INTs)

Leading rushers: Steven Jackson 862 yards (4.2 yards per carry, 5 TDs) v. Willie Parker 1,317 yards (4.1 yards per carry, 2 TDs)

Leading receiver: Torry Holt 83 receptions (1,055 yards, 12.7 yards per catch, 7 TDs) v. Hines Ward 66 receptions (677 yards, 10.3 yards per catch, 7 TDs)