The Jets will win if...
1) ...they rush for at least 100 yards. Pittsburgh has as good a run defense as there is in football; they allowed 63 rushing yards per game and 100 yards total twice all year. One of them was against the Jets, when Troy Polamalu did not play. But the Jets o-line has to block that front seven of Keisel, Hampton, Hood, Timmons, Farrior, Harrison, and Woodley. Not expecting 10 yards or any long runs, but Greene and LT need to pick up a good 4-5 yards per run.
2) ...Mark Sanchez keeps them in the game early. In both of these playoff wins, Sanchez has throw inaccurately in the first quarter. If he misses a few passes, that's one thing, but he cannot turn the ball over. The Steelers secondary is shaky and if the Jets can protect Sanchez, I think a quick start can play a major role.
3) ...Rashad Mendenhall does not turn the corner. In Week 15, Mendenhall ran for 99 yards on the Jets and he gained most of his yards when he ran outside the tackles. The Jets have to limit that.
The Jets will lose if...
1) ...the Steelers secondary receivers beat the Jets DB's. Sanders, Brown, and Miller have to be watched by, I would guess, Coleman, Cole, Lowery, and Pool. The Jets covered the Patriot receivers exceptionally well last weekend and they need to do a great job again.
2) ...they don't knock Ben Roethlisberger down. Unlike Manning and Brady, Big Ben seems to thrive on getting hit. So when the Jets hit the 345-pound girl beater, they better hit him flush and knock him down.
3) Nick Folk attempts a kick longer than 25 yards. I pray if it comes down to him kicking in the 4th quarter that he is kicking to the north end zone.
And I get to pick Danielle up and drive her in, that should be quite a trip!OK, I am going with my heart. Jets 23, Steelers 17. The Lamar Hunt trophy is coming to NYC!
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