STEELERS NOTEBOOK From Heinz Field

Expansion struggles: Since 1970, the Steelers have had their hands full when they've played expansion teams. In 1976, the Steelers easily defeated Tampa Bay, 42-0. In 1995, the Steelers became the first team to lose to the Jacksonville Jaguars (20-16). Pittsburgh won the second game, 24-7 at Three Rivers Stadium. In 1999, the Steelers welcomed the Cleveland Browns back to the NFL with a 43-0 shellacking. The Browns exacted their revenge at the Three Rivers Stadium with a last-second 16-15 upset that helped cost Pittsburgh a playoff berth.
Remaining games: The Steelers have the easier schedule in their race with the Browns for the AFC North Division title. The Steelers will play the Carolina Panthers (5-8) on Sunday at Heinz Field, travel to Tampa to play the Buccaneers (10-3) on Dec. 23 and finish at home against the Baltimore Ravens (6-7) on Dec. 29. The Browns also play twice at home: Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts (8-5) and on Dec. 29 against the Atlanta Falcons (8-4-1). The Browns also play at Baltimore on Dec. 22.
Race for the byes: The Oakland Raiders (9-4), New England Patriots (8-5), Colts and Tennessee Titans (8-5) have the edge over the Steelers (7-5-1) in the playoff bye race. Miami is 7-5 and plays the Bears tonight. The two division winners with the best records will sit out the first week of the postseason while the other two play at home against wild-card teams.
Injuries: Steelers tight end John Allred suffered a concussion in the first quarter. Tackle Wayne Gandy injured his calf in the fourth quarter. Houston wide receiver Jermaine Lewis sprained an ankle in the fourth quarter.
Area ties: Texans coach Dom Capers is a Mount Union College graduate. Chris Palmer, his offensive coordinator, was the Browns coach in 1999 and 2000. Running back Jonathan Wells ran for Ohio State a year ago. Former Steelers on the Houston roster include kicker Kris Brown, quarterback Mike Quinn and cornerback Jason Simmons. Wide receiver JuJuan Dawson was on the Browns last year.
More than 1,000 again: Steelers wide receiver Plaxico Burress caught six passes for 83 yards, giving him 1,026 yards on the season. It's Burress' second-straight season with more than 1,000 yards (1,008 in 2001).
Most catches: Hines Ward caught nine passes to give him 98 for the season, breaking his 2001 record of 94.
Halftime deficit: The Steelers' 14-3 deficit at halftime was their first since their game in New Orleans on Oct. 6.
Not much rushing: The Texans were limited to 37 yards rushing on 26 carries. James Allen had 19 of them on 13 carries. Amos Zereoue led the Steelers with 69 yards on 11 carries. Jerome Bettis had 30 yards on 14 tries.
Sack man: Linebacker Jason Gildon sacked Houston quarterback David Carr twice and forced a fumble on the Texans' opening drive. With 68 career sacks, Gildon is second on the Steelers' all-time list, trailing L.C. Greenwood by 5 1/2. Gildon made seven tackles Sunday.
Inactives: Defensive tackle Kendrick Clancy and guard Keydrick Vincent led the Steelers' inactive list. Also scratched were: cornerback Chidi Iwuoma, center Jeff Smith, defensive tackle Chris Hoke, tackle Mathias Nkwenti and linebacker Justin Kurpeikis. Not playing for the Texans were cornerback Demarcus Faggins, safety Ramon Walker, guard Milford Brown, wide receivers Atnaf Harris and Avion Black, defensive tackle Shawn Worthen and defensive tackle Willie Blade.
-- Tom Williams