This is yet another rematch of a regular season game. If you were able to watch the first one, you saw a banged-up Steelers team slowly wear down the Jets for 2-1/2 quarters, then physically dominate them for the rest of the game for a 17-6 victory. As I watched that game I came to the conclusion that, if the Steelers are playing well, nobody can beat them.
The Jets were impressive at San Diego and they are an excellent team. But they just can't match the Steelers physically. Pittsburgh just pounds away with the running game and throws a few well-timed passes. Staley and Bettis, and now even Parker, are big punishing runners that just wear you down.
Defensively, the Steelers are big, fast, and very aggressive. There has been much said and written about Pittsburgh's offense, but I really believe the defense is responsible for their success this year. It was the defense that stopped the Eagles, with TO, and the Patriots from getting into their games. The Steelers are the #1 defense in the league, 1st against the run, 4th against the pass, 1st in scoring, and 5th in takeaway/giveaway ratio!
When you mix the top defense in the league with one of the best running games in the league, you end up with a Super Bowl team. That's what the Jets are up against this week. I would expect the Jets to play well and hang close to the Steelers in the first half again, but I think Pittsburgh will dominate the 2nd half and come away with a big victory.
For the Jets to win, they must have their running game working and be able to complete some short passes to move the chains. The offense cannot afford to turn the ball over. With Curtis Martin and Lamont Jordan, New York should have some success running the ball. The real challenge will be to complete long, time-consuming drives with TDs. They will have to be patient against the Pittsburgh defense.
Defensively, the Jets must slow down the Steelers' running game. Pittsburgh averages 4.0 yards/carry. If they don't force Pittsburgh into some 3rd-and-long situations, the Jets are in for a long day. They must slow down the run and force Pittsburgh into some passing situations. If the Jets don't come up with a couple of turnovers, it will be nearly impossible to win.
And finally, the Jets can't have Eric Barton, or any other player, making bonehead mistakes. Bill Cowher's teams live off those mistakes!
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