Cards contain Steelers' attack

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Arizona's defense shut down Pittsburgh's high-scoring offense most of the day for a
21-14 victory.

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Ken Whisenhunt will admit it now. This game meant a little more than usual to Arizona's first-year coach.

So imagine his joy as the Cardinals "out-Steelered" Pittsburgh in a rugged 21-14 stunner Sunday.

Rookie Steve Breaston returned a punt 73 yards for a touchdown and Arizona's defense shut down Pittsburgh's high-scoring offense most of the day to hand the Steelers their first loss.

"It's obviously a special win for me to beat the Steelers," Whisenhunt said, "but I don't have any animosity toward that football team. ... The thing that I'm the proudest about is that our football team beat a good football team that nobody gave us a chance to do."
Long drought broken

Rare punt return for TD

Breaston's burst up the middle for the go-ahead score early in the fourth quarter was the Cardinals' first punt return for a touchdown in 14 years. It came after the initial Pittsburgh punt was called back by one of the Steelers' 11 penalties.

"I kind of felt it coming," the former Michigan standout said. "I've started feeling comfortable back there."

The Cardinals (2-2) ended Willie Parker's string of four consecutive 100-yard rushing games, limiting him to 37 yards in 18 carries.

"That had all the makings of a typical loss," Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said. "By that I mean we weren't able to run the ball successfully, the turnovers that we acquired, we gave up a big play and we had way too many penalties. When you do that, you lose."

Roethlisberger sacked

Arizona sacked Ben Roethlisberger four times, three by Darnell Dockett, and intercepted him twice, once by Adrian Wilson when Pittsburgh was third-and-goal at the 2.

"I think all week, even people in my family, they wouldn't give us a chance," Dockett said, "and I took it to heart and kind of personally."

The Steelers rallied behind Roethlisberger, whose second TD pass to Santonio Holmes, a 7-yarder, cut it to 21-14 with 1:49 to play.

However, Larry Fitzgerald recovered the onside kick attempt for Arizona. The Steelers got the ball one last time at their 9 with 46 seconds to play. They made it to the 40, but Dockett sacked Roethlisberger, then Ralph Brown intercepted to seal the victory.

The first interception was the one that really hurt, though.

"This loss is on me," Roethlisberger said. "I can't throw a pick in the end zone. The defense gives you an opportunity, and you throw it away. It's disappointing. It's frustrating. You feel like you let guys down."

The Steelers (3-1) had scored 97 points in their first three games.

Monday, October 1, 2007