Roethlisberger passed Terry Bradshaw with his fourth career postseason game with 300-plus yards passing. Roethlisberger also passed Dan Marino for sixth-most passing yards in NFL playoff history.

But at the end of the day, it was disappointment as the team lost to the Patriots, 36-17.

"Only one team is going to end the season the way they want to," said Roethlisberger. "And it's not us this year. I told the guys afterwards I was proud of them. We went from 4-5 to the championship game. If there is going to be any silver lining, it's that. I am really proud of the guys and there is a lot of love. I think the Lord has blessed me to be a on a great football team, a great organization. It's disappointing we couldn't get this one for Mr. (Dan) Rooney. I really wanted to do it for him."

Missed opportunities: The Steelers were stopped twice near the goal line against the Patriots. Near the end of the first half Jesse James had what was originally ruled a 19-yard touchdown, but after reviewing the play he was ruled down at the one-yard line. The Steelers had first-and-goal from the one-yard line, but lost yards on two consecutive plays. After an incomplete pass they had to settle for a field goal.

In the fourth quarter the Steelers had first-and-goal from the six-yard line. Ben Roethlisberger hit Landry Jones for a two-yard touchdown, but Hamilton drew a penalty for an illegal touch because he went out of bounds, and then returned to make the catch. The Steelers failed to convert on fourth down and turned it over on downs.

"The red zone trips need to turn into seven points," said Roethlisberger. "They were better than us.