Steelers/Cardinals postgame results

[SD2042]

http://news.steelers.com/article/108012/

The Steelers started the 2009 preseason with a 20-10 victory over the Arizona Cardinals at Heinz Field, with most of the scoring coming from the team’s reserves.

The game gave some rookies their first shot to impress in game action and they fared well as running back Isaac Redman scored on touchdown runs of three and five yards, defensive end Ziggy Hood had a sack and cornerback Joe Burnett an interception that he returned 42 yards.

The starters didn’t see a lot of action as they played just two series, with Ben Roethlisberger completing four of six passes for 33 yards.

“Overall without looking at film I think it was okay,” said Roethlisberger of the performance of the offense. “I think we had a couple plays with few breakdowns, but it just felt good to go against someone other than your own guys.”

The Steelers opened the game on offense with Rashard Mendenhall getting his first carry since suffering a season-ending shoulder injury last season. Mendenhall was knocked for a one-yard loss on the carry, but would come up big two plays later when he had a three-yard run on third-and-one.

Tight end Heath Miller had a three-yard reception and Mendenhall came back with a four-yard carry to set up a third-and-three. Roethlisberger wasn’t able to connect with Santonio Holmes and the Steelers were forced to punt. Punter Dan Sepulveda saw his first game action in over a year, after being placed on injured reserve last year during training camp. Sepulveda was met with cheers when his 46-yard punt was fair caught at the 15-yard line.