PITTSBURGH -- The Steelers enter Sunday's contest with New England at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, with an 8-3 record, tied for second in the AFC, but the black and gold's recent history against the Patriots hasn't been as flattering.

Since defeating the Patriots 34-20 at home during the 2004 regular season, the Steelers have lost three consecutive games to the defending AFC champs.

"They're the New England Patriots. The name speaks for itself. There's really not much pep talk you need," said wide receiver Hines Ward.

This time the Steelers will be facing first year starter Matt Cassel at quarterback instead of former league MVP Tom Brady.

Brady was placed on injured reserve following a serious knee injury during the Patriots' season opener against the Kansas City Chiefs.

"They're still the New England Patriots," said quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. "Byron [Leftwich] said, 'I don't think I've ever beaten the Patriots.' I started thinking about it and I've only won once. That's just who they are. They're a great football team. Just because the names and faces are a little different in certain positions, doesn't mean anything's changed for them."

Cassel, who hadn't started a game since high school, has guided the Patriots to a 7-4 record, second best in the AFC East, since taking over for Brady.

He's thrown for 400 yards and three touchdowns in each of his last two games -- something Brady has never done.

"Nothing surprises me in this league," said Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. "I was part of a team that won a world championship with a guy that didn't start at quarterback in college named Brad Johnson who's 40 and still playing in the NFL."

While the Patriots air attack has taken off in recent weeks, it's not the only way they're winning games.

"I think you can get enamored by the fact that this guy's thrown for 400 yards a game the last couple of games and miss the fact that they're seventh in the league in rushing," said Tomlin. "They average 130 yards per game rushing and have a committee of backs led by Kevin Faulk, who's a jack of all trades."

If the Steelers are going to change their losing trend against the Patriots, they'll have to do it with a banged up team and a ground game struggling without running back Willie Parker.

Defensive end Brett Keisel could miss three games with a sprained medial collateral ligament. Tomlin also doesn't know if cornerback Deshea Townsend (hamstring, doubtful), and left tackle Marvel Smith (back, doubtful) can play.

Smith has missed six games due to persistent back pain and Tomlin says he remains "status quo." Wide receiver Santonio Holmes sat out part of the Bengals game with a concussion, but is expected to play.

Cornerback Bryant McFadden is also expected to return from an arm injury.

Parker is questionable due to left knee inflammation. He missed four games earlier because of a sprained knee and another with a shoulder injury, and the Steelers were 3-2 without him.

Cassel could be without left tackle Matt Light when the Patriots face the Steelers.

Light could face a suspension following a fourth quarter scuffle with Miami's Channing Crowder in which punches were thrown during the Patriots 48-28 win over the Dolphins on Sunday.

The Steelers have allowed a league-low 168.8 passing yards per game this season.