NOTEBOOK FROM HEINZ FIELD

Tributes: Steelers defensive players wore Lions throwback jerseys with defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau's name. "It was a tribute to our coach," Steelers linebacker James Farrior said. "We love him to death and we wanted to show him a little appreciation for what he has done for this organization." Tailback Willie Parker wore a Jerome Bettis jersey from when he was with the Rams.
Respect: The Steelers (11-5) enter the postseason with a four-game winning streak while the Bengals (11-5) have dropped two straight, including Sunday's 37-3 loss to the Chiefs in Kansas City. The Steelers chose to ignore the Bengals' recent stumbles. "They kicked our butt," said defensive end Kimo von Oelhoffen of the Steelers' 38-31 loss to Cincinnati at Heinz Field. "They are a helluva football team." Safety Troy Polamalu said it didn't matter whether the Steelers opened against the Bengals or AFC East champion Patriots (10-6). "We have unfinished business with both teams and we can only take care of one." On Sept. 25, the Patriots defeated the Steelers, 23-20, at Heinz Field. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger admitted that the Bengals own the AFC North Division title, "but this is a new season. Everyone starts 0-0 and one loss and you go home. We don't want to be that team. They'll be fired up, they'll be ready. It will be loud, it will be exciting. We just have to make sure we come out and play our football and take everything in stride."
Bus thoughts: Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward said he made sure he was on the field when Bettis was announced as a starter. "If this was the last time to see him run through the tunnel, I wanted a front-row seat," Ward said. "Jerome Bettis had a helluva career and I'm just glad to be a part of it. I was blessed to play with him for eight years and I've become close friends with him on and off the field. It's great being Jerome Bettis, there's no question about that -- who he is, what he represents, what he brings to this city. It's a big honor." Ward admitted he was glad the Steelers finally secured a playoff berth after Bettis chose not to retire last spring. "And that's really all Jerome asked for coming back this year, a chance to go to the Super Bowl. Now we have to go out and capitalize."
Limited offense: Parker rushed for 135 yards on 26 carries. Roethlisberger completed six of 17 passes for 135 yards. Ward caught one pass for a 40-yard reception. He finished the season with 975 yards on 69 receptions, something that disappointed Roethlisberger. "Not getting the ball more to Hines Ward to get him a 1,000 yards -- that kills me because it's my fault."
-- Tom Williams