One win away. The anticipation is unbearable. All of Steelers Nation is feeling it. All we have to do is beat the Jets, and we are Super Bowl bound for the 8th time. That's right, the 8th time. We lost to Dallas in 1996, although most of us would rather forget that one. Thanks Neil O'Donnell. Anyway, Steelers Nation is on edge for Sunday's game. A victory over the Jets sends the Steelers to Super Bowl XLV.
But let's not forget something, the Jets beat the Steelers in Pittsburgh in week 15 of the regular season. This game will not be easy. Jet's QB Mark Sanchez is no pushover. Everyone seems to forget that this kid is in his second year, and he is good. He looks rough at times, but he steps up in clutch situations. And Steelers fans know first hand that a second year QB can win a Super Bowl. Our boy Big Ben did it in Super Bowl XL. Sanchez went 19 of 29 for 170 yards in week 15 against the Steelers. He looked great. But something was missing that day. What was it? Let me think. Oh yeah! Troy Polamalu!
That's right, Troy wasn't playing. Young Sanchez hasn't faced the leagues greatest safety yet. I look forward to watching Polamalu terrorize the Jets second year QB.
Another aspect will be affected by Troy's return, the running game. LaDainian Tomlinson and Shonn Greene of the Jets combined for 29 carries and 89 yards in Week 15, but not this time. With Troy back, the Jets run game will be shut down.
Actually, when it comes to defense, these teams are evenly matched. In the regular season, the Steelers were second in total defense, the Jets third. The Steelers were first in rushing defense, the Jets third. No one is running the ball in this game. And I expect it to be a low scoring game. So does Vegas, the over/under is 38.5 and the Jets are getting 3.5.
On a side note, I figure the Chicago Bears must be pretty pissed off right now. They are getting 3.5 at home in a playoff game at home. They won their division, and even earned a bye in the playoffs. Getting 3.5 to a number 6 seed visiting team is just insulting. And with that, 71% of the Vegas money right now is going on Green Bay. These two teams also have great defenses. This will be a low scoring, smash mouth game. I give the edge to the Bears. I think Green Bay is over confident, and will lose to Chicago in the end.
Back to the Steelers. Big Ben will be busy in this game. Rex Ryan will throw crazy blitz schemes at him. And the Steelers half baked offensive line will fold quite a bit as usual. Just like last week against the Ravens, Ben will be forced to run out of the pocket and make plays. And unfortunately for the Jets, he is good at it. The money in Vegas is on the Steelers right now, 61%. And they should win a very close game, which makes the Jets getting 3.5 an attractive bet.
So one of two things will happen on Sunday. Either we will all be ecstatic that we are on our way to our 8th Super Bowl appearance.
Or we will all retire our Steelers jerseys for the season, and put on our Penguin Jerseys. Go Steelers, Go Pens!!!!
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