NOTEBOOK \ Steelers vs. Patriots

Steelers injuries: Cornerback DeShea Townsend was poked in the eye in the first quarter but returned.
Patriots injuries: Safety Rodney Harrison left midway through the first quarter with a leg injury. Harrison got leg-whipped while defending a running play and was taken off the field on a golf cart. He did not return. The Patriots also lost cornerback Duane Starks on the first play of the game, leaving them with just five healthy defensive backs. In the fourth quarter, safety Guss Scott went down after tackling Verron Haynes. Patriots left tackle Matt Light, who suffered a leg injury in the second quarter, also was carted off and did not return.
One streak ended, another extended: Jeff Reed missed a 52-yard field goal attempt wide left in the second quarter, ending his streak of 22 consecutive field goals made. It also extended to six the number of field goalsmissed from at least 50 yards in the history of Heinz Field. In the third quarter, Adam Vinatieri missed wide left from 53 yards, extending that streak to seven.
I love that man: New England tight end Christian Fauria couldn't contain how he felt about quarterback Tom Brady after the game. "I love that guy," he exclaimed. "I wish he didn't have a girlfriend." Realizing immediately what he had just said, he added, "Did I say that out loud? I did, didn't I?"
Pre-game inactives: Steelers -- cornerbacks Bryant McFadden and Willie Williams, running back Jerome Bettis, linebacker Rian Wallace, offensive guard Chris Kemoeatu, offensive tackle Trai Essex and wide receiver Sean Morey. Charlie Batch was the third quarterback. Patriots -- wide receiver Andre' Davis, cornerbacks Randall Gay and Tyrone Poole, safety James Sanders, offensive tackle Brandon Goin, defensive lineman Dan Klecko and linebacker Wesly Mallard. The third quarterback was Matt Cassel.
Roster move: On Friday the Steelers signed wide receiver Nate Washington and released running back Noah Herron.
Myron in the house: Former Steelers radio announcer Myron Cope made a return to the press box. He wasn't in the radio booth but sat in the back of the writers' area.
Big crowd: Sunday's attendance of 64,868 marked the fourth-largest home game total in Steelers history.
Looking ahead: The Steelers have their bye week before heading to San Diego Oct. 10 for a Monday night game. The Patriots play host to the Chargers next Sunday.
Rob Todor