1.) The Pittsburgh Steelers Offensive Line- Honestly, this is a problem that for whatever reason people aren't talking about enough about. Maybe it's because no one wants to talk about the hog mollies. The other reason they don't talk about is due to Big Ben being like Iron Man and shake off defenders like he once did investigators. Their offensive line is a disaster unit, and it amazing it didn't cost them last week. I expect a steady blitz from all angles.
2.) Troy Polomalu's Health- Everyone says he is the greatest defensive player in the NFL, and it's very hard to dispute that. He makes some unbelievable plays and is a game changer in all facets of the game. But against the Baltimore Ravens, I didn't really think he made that much of an impact. He will be needed in the rush defense if they want to win on Sunday. Honestly, I don't think the reason the Jets won in late December was because Polomalu didn't play, they were the better team that day.
3.) Mike Wallace- I personally think that Wallace is one of the most underrated wideouts in the game right now. He reminds me of Steve Smith, an undersized speedster than can spread the field leaving the underneath routes open. The Jets secondary is a mixed bag; they have an excellent corner, a good corner, but two average safties. I said last week that Wallace would hit one over the top, and got the wrong receiver because that's exactly what the Steelers did with Antonio Brown. Don't be surprised if they try a couple vertical throws to Mr. 60 Minutes.
4.) Jets Running Game- The Steelers have been damn near impossible to run on. The Jets are built on running the football. In the first matchup, they rushed for overall 106 yards with 3.9 average. Honestly, do you really trust Mark Sanchez to carry the Jets to the Super Bowl? He played better last week, made key throws, and all of that good stuff yet I picture him overthrowing every receiver like he did against Indianapolis. Not to mention, the Steelers' front seven is the best one he has faced in the playoffs
5.) Kicking Game- You might wonder why this is final point, but let's be real here. Heinz Field is one of the hardest places to kick a field goal in the NFL. Add to the fact, it will be bitter cold outside, and two unproven kickers. Nick Folk has a leg, but he is susceptible to shanking one or two. Shaun Suisham was picked off the scrap heap to replace Jeff Reed. I could totally see one of them costing their team a chance to play in the Super Bowl.
My prediction is the Jets prevail on the road winning 13-10. It will be a defensive struggle, but the game will turn when Roethlisberger will be shrugging defenders off and the ball gets stripped from his blindside. The Steelers were underrated sloppy last week, but the Ravens ended up being more sloppy. The Jets have that swagger back, and Sanchez can do just enough to give them the victory.
-Charlie.
4.) Jets Running Game- The Steelers have been damn near impossible to run on. The Jets are built on running the football. In the first matchup, they rushed for overall 106 yards with 3.9 average. Honestly, do you really trust Mark Sanchez to carry the Jets to the Super Bowl? He played better last week, made key throws, and all of that good stuff yet I picture him overthrowing every receiver like he did against Indianapolis. Not to mention, the Steelers' front seven is the best one he has faced in the playoffs
5.) Kicking Game- You might wonder why this is final point, but let's be real here. Heinz Field is one of the hardest places to kick a field goal in the NFL. Add to the fact, it will be bitter cold outside, and two unproven kickers. Nick Folk has a leg, but he is susceptible to shanking one or two. Shaun Suisham was picked off the scrap heap to replace Jeff Reed. I could totally see one of them costing their team a chance to play in the Super Bowl.
My prediction is the Jets prevail on the road winning 13-10. It will be a defensive struggle, but the game will turn when Roethlisberger will be shrugging defenders off and the ball gets stripped from his blindside. The Steelers were underrated sloppy last week, but the Ravens ended up being more sloppy. The Jets have that swagger back, and Sanchez can do just enough to give them the victory.
-Charlie.
