My Take on Jets @ Steelers

Normally, I wouldn't do a game preview that didnt involve the Dolphins but I think this is an exceptionally interesting game.

For starters, as much as I hate the Jets, they are in the midst of a potentially historic run. Forget that they were a 5th seed which in itself is an accomplishment for them to have progressed this far but has any team ever knocked off three Hall of Fame QB's in one playoff run? Cause if the Jets win Sunday dont look now but thats something we may have to hear about for a while. Brady and Manning are virtual locks at this point and Roethlisberger has two Super Bowls and two additional AFC title game appearances on his resume as well as a few pro bowl births. If the Packers and Jets play in the Super Bowl they may get a crack at a 4th elite QB in Rodgers which could make this one of the historic Super Bowl runs of all time whether you hate the team (as I do) or not.

From the Steelers side, there is the motivation of having lost to the Jets in Pittsburgh already, albeit without Heath Miller and Troy Polamalu. The win by the Jets after having losses to New England and Miami probably saved their season. There is also the fact that the Steelers have the opportunity to re-emerge as the dominant force in the AFC with their third Super Bowl win in four years and re-create another dynasty.

My three keys to a Jets win:
1) Attack Pittsburgh's secondary deep
Pittsburgh's corners are banged up (Bryant McFadden) and pretty bad in general. Ryan Clark is no sure thing in coverage either. The Jets roasted the Colts but Sanchez missed about 4 TD's (2 to Holmes, 1 to Keller and 1 to Edwards). They should have had a couple more vs New England last week. Obviously mistake free football is important but Sanchez has to make the Steelers respect their big play ability.

2) Do not try and play a grind it out game with the Steelers.
The Jets played them effectively a month and a half ago but they were aggressive in attacking the perimeter of Pittsburgh's defense. Shonn Greene did go over 100 yards in that game but it wasn't on up the gut type runs. It was more aggressive play-calling then I have seen from the Jets then at almost any other point in the season. the Jets need to get the ball in the hands of their wide receivers and tight end and let them make plays to have a chance.

3) Do not let Roethlisberger escape the pocket or extend plays.
When Big Ben snaps the ball hes a different animal then Brady or Manning. Those guys are experts in reading defenses and making exceptionally great calls at the line. Whereas Manning and Brady will hit a QB in stride Roethlisberger will let the routes end if no one is open and thats where the fun begins. Ben Roethlisberger is not a runner but he can move in the pocket and outside of the pocket. When he is pressured he will let you hit him and keep the play alive where Manning or Brady will just turtle. Ben specializes in what I like to call "schoolyard football". Keeping Ben from extending plays may be even harder then defending Manning or Brady because really even if you get to him hes stronger and bigger then most of your linebackers.

If the Jets handle those three things and take care of the football they will be in the game...otherwise it could be ugly in my opinion.

For the Steelers they have to:
1) Attack the Jets front 7
The Jets probably have the best secondary in the NFL along with Green Bay, especially at the corners so getting big plays can be a problem unless Cromartie isnt in a press cover two situation. Their corners are not just going to get lost on a receiver when a play breaks down and Ben goes in to "schoolyard mode". Making the Jets LB's cover a lot puts them at a liability. Heath Miller and Matt Spaeth are keys here as is someone like a Mewelde Moore if he gets a LB matched up on him in coverage.
2) Make the Jets 1 dimensional
take away their running game but blitzing up the middle. Farrior, Timmons and Foote are all run stuffing MLB's with Timmons being the best in coverage. The Steelers OLB's get penetration in the backfield like no one elses. They should run blitz the balls off the Jets OL and make Sanchez make the throws. I dont believe he can do it and theres no indication otherwise.
3) Get Rashard Mendenhall around 100 yards
The Steelers OL is in a bit of shambles but they are all pretty respectable run blockers. If Mendenhall shortens the game and controls time of possession the Jets already thin defensive line becomes even thinner. The media will have you believe the Jets need to play a run oriented game which is just the opposite of the truth in my opinion. The Steelers excel in that area because eventually they know their defense will get a series of stops and takeaways as they did last week vs Baltimore.
4) Polamalu has to be the difference defensively.
The Steelers had an incredibly difficult time stopping the Jets the first time around. The Jets moved the ball with relative ease. The Steelers clearly missed their playmaker. Polamalu is the ultimate X factor...a guy who can make a play on any play whether the ball is thrown his way or run his way or not. We've seen him strip-sack flacco for a fumble that turned in to a TD and a steelers win. He has to do something to change the complexion of the game.

Prediction: Steelers 27 Jets 20

Looking forward to a good game though.