Steelers blank Rams without Big Ben

Pittsburgh, PA – The Steelers didn't need Big Ben to beat the down defense was more than enough.

Mendenhall rushed for 116 yards and a touchdown and Charlie Batch played well in place of Ben Roethlisberger, leading Pittsburgh to a 27-0 victory over St. Louis on Saturday.

The playoff-bound Steelers (11-4) also got rushing touchdowns from John Clay and Isaac Redman, bouncing back from a loss to San Francisco on Monday to win for the fifth time in six games.

Despite playing without Roethlisberger, who was finally sidelined by a high ankle sprain he suffered two weeks ago, Pittsburgh locked up a 7-1 home record for the season.

Batch had thrown just two passes this season before Saturday, but was 15-of-22 for 208 yards with an interception, hitting seven receivers in the win.

Sam Bradford missed his fifth game of the season for the Rams (2-13) because of a high ankle sprain and Kellen Clemens got his second straight start, passing for just 91 yards.

St. Louis has lost six games in a row since its last win November 13 over Cleveland.