Cardinals...21 Steelers...14
GLENDALE, Ariz. -- The Pittsburgh Steelers were beaten Sunday at their own game by their old offensive coordinator and might-have-been coach.
Rookie Steve Breaston returned a punt 73 yards for a touchdown and the Arizona Cardinals’ defense shut down Pittsburgh’s high-scoring offense most of the day to hand the Steelers their first loss this season, 21-14.
Breaston’s burst up the middle for the go-ahead score early in the fourth quarter was the Cardinals’ first punt return for a touchdown in 14 years.
The Cardinals (2-2) ended Willie Parker’s string of four consecutive 100-yard rushing games, limiting him to 37 yards in 18 carries.
The Steelers (3-1) had scored 97 points in their first three games.
Arizona first-year Coach Ken Whisenhunt and top assistant Russ Grimm were leading contenders to replace Bill Cowher in Pittsburgh after last season. Instead the job went to outsider Mike Tomlin.
Both teams were without top receivers because of injuries, Arizona’s Anquan Boldin and Pittsburgh’s Hines Ward.
Quoteworthy: “It’s obviously a special win for me to beat the Steelers.” -- Ken Whisenhunt, Cardinals coach
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