Let’s assess today’s Jets-Steelers matchup at Giants Stadium.
The Steelers’ defense is ranked No. 1 in the NFL in fewest points (14), yards (229.4), rushing yards (72), passing yards (157.4) and first downs (13.4) per game.
The Steelers’ offense is led by QB Ben Roethlisberger, ranked second in the NFL in passing, and RB Willie Parker, who leads the AFC in rushing.
The Jets’ offense is borderline anemic, ranked 29th. Their defense is ranked 30th.
If you’re thinking this sounds like a daunting task, you’re not alone.
“Everybody has a weakness,” Jets LB David Bowens said. “They do have a lot of strong points, but to get to their weaknesses you have to break down the strong points.”
The following is a breakdown of how this game will unfold:
BEST BATTLE
Jets LB Davis Harris vs. Steelers RB Willie Parker. Parker is second in the NFL in rushing; Harris has 34 tackles in the past two games. The Jets have to slow the Steelers’ running game to have a chance to win.
RUN TO VICTORY
The Jets’ rushing game has been inconsistent and – at times – nonexistent. Though Thomas Jones (606 yards, 3.8-yard average) is seventh in the AFC in yards, it’s the quietest 606 yards you have seen. He has two 100-yard games this season and hasn’t scored a touchdown as a Jet. Leon Washington, for all of his explosiveness on kickoff returns, averages 3.3-yards per carry and has not broken any big plays. The Steelers have the No. 2-ranked rushing offense in the NFL with 1,363 yards and a 4.4-yard average. Parker’s backup, Najeh Davenport, has a 5.3-yard average.
The Jets’ inconsistent running attack will face the Steelers’ top-ranked run defense, which allows 72 yards per game. The Jets’ run defense is last in the NFL, allowing 1,370 yards, a 4.4-yard average, and 10 touchdowns.
HERE’S THE KICKER
Steelers PK Jeff Reed is 14-of-15 on field goal attempts this season with his miss coming on a 65-yarder. Reed, who makes his living kicking in one of the toughest places in the league to make field goals, has made 18 consecutive kicks on the road. Jets’ Mike Nugent, who has missed five of 18 attempts, has settled down of late, making eight of his past nine attempts, with the miss a 54-yarder.
MARATHON, NOT A SPRINT
Though the Jets have been an abysmal fourth-quarter team, the Steelers have been dominant then. The Jets have been outscored 91-38 in the fourth quarter, and the Steelers have outscored their opponents, 76-38. The Jets, losing leads to the Redskins, Bengals and Giants, have been outscored 142-65 in the second half after outscoring opponents 94-83 in the first half. The Steelers have outscored their opponents 124-65 in the second half.
NUMBER TO KNOW
19 1/2. That’s the number of sacks the Steelers’ linebackers have posted. The team has 25.
FOE FACT
The Steelers have controlled the ball for almost 10 minutes more per game than their opponents (34:59-25:01).
JETS FACT
The Jets’ average of 4.0 penalties per game is the third fewest in the NFL.
CANNIZZARO’S CALL
STEELERS – 27
JETS – 13
This, quite simply, is a terrible match-up for the Jets – everything the Steelers do well the Jets don’t handle well. The Jets’ run defense will struggle to stop Willie Parker. Thomas Jones will struggle to gain yards on the Pittsburgh defense. The Jets’ weak pass rush (nine sacks) will not pressure Ben Roethlisberger.