Steelers "controlling the ball" through the air a sign of things to come?

PITTSBURGH _ Ben Roethlisberger has long yearned to throw on every down.

Steelers management, though, has always wanted its offense to center around ball control.

Sunday, both sides got what they wanted, merging their wishes into a pivotal 25-17 victory over the New England Patriots at Heinz Field. The win enabled the Steelers (6-2) to pass the Patriots (5-2) for the best record in the AFC.

The Steelers pounded away at the Patriots' defense and kept long-time nemesis Tom Brady off the field. The Steelers had 72 plays from scrimmage to the Patriots' 36, handily won the time of possession battle by a 39:23-20:37 margin and held a 29-19 edge in first downs.

Yet the Steelers also unleashed Roethlisberger, allowing him to throw 50 passes.

It certainly seemed incongruous on the surface to throw so hard and control the ball but it certainly worked as the Steelers got a rare win over Brady. He had been 6-1 in his career against the Steelers, including victories in the 2001 and 2004 AFC Championship Games at Heinz Field.

Roethlisberger easily outshone Brady as he threw for 365 yards and two touchdowns while completing 36 of his 50 throws. Brady was 24 of 35 for 198 yards and two scores.

"We kind of showed what we can do without running the ball," Roethlisberger said.