NFL: Robert Griffin III finds it tough going as Redskins go down in Pittsburgh

Ben Roethlisberger: threw for three touchdowns as Pittsburgh moved to 4-3 for the season

The Pittsburgh Steelers shut down Robert Griffin III and the Washington Redskins to record a dominant 27-12 victory at Heinz Field.

Rookie quarterback Griffin, who has been a revelation in his debut campaign, was restricted to just 177 yards passing, though he did through a touchdown to Santana Moss, and a mere eight yards on six rushing attempts.

On the other side Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger enjoyed an excellent day under centre, completing 24 of his 33 attempts for 222 yards and three scores.

Roethlisberger hit Leonard Pope from a yard out to break the deadlock midway through the first quarter before the Steelers stretched their lead with a 48-yard field goal from Shaun Suisham.

The Redskins briefly threatened to make a game of it when Griffin found Moss in the end zone, though Pittsburgh simply responded with a further 10 points before half time.

Roethlisberger hit tight end Heath Miller on a seven-yard TD and Suisham's second field goal of the contest, this time from 27 yards out, gave the hosts a healthy advantage.

Indeed, Pittsburgh scored on their opening four possessions on their way to winning consecutive games for the first time this season. They added one more touchdown in the second half, courtesy of receiver Will Johnson.

All the Redskins managed after the break was a pair of field goals from Kai Forbath, as they slipped to 3-5 on the year.

Pittsburgh's Jonathan Dwyer rushed for 107 yards rushing in just his second NFL start in the absence of fellow tail-backs Rashard Mendenhall and Isaac Redman.