While I agree with that in general, Harrison/Polamalu at 50% are better than MANY NFL players. Revis is dealing with a concussion which, if he played with it, presumably wouldn't actually affect his play, just his risk of serious reinjury
I read the Dilfer film study and it points to a key thing about Sanchez: keep a clean pocket and he should be good Togo. If he's having to mov around we'll be in trouble. On the other side, if that first wave of rushers. An't get Ben down, then he'll have th chance to extend the play which will be bad for the Jets. Jets need to get That running game going, slow the game down a bit.
Adam Schefter @AdamSchefter Steelers' James Harrison will not play Sunday, despite earlier comments.… One down
This is certainly a winnable game for Gang Green. We have the corners to cover their receivers, and should be able to get a good pass rush on Ben. The question is how will the offense do against that defense. This isn't the Bills, and I have no expectation of hanging 48 points on them. I don't believe the offense will be able to sustain many drives against them, to be honest. We're gonna need big plays to beat these guys, and in all 3 phases of the game.
If Revis doesn't play, we're probably going to lose. If he plays, we have a great chance. Spare me the 3-0 run in 2010 without him as the Jets didn't play one team with the amount of weapons Pittsburgh presents.
Normally I'd prefer a team to be full strength, but Harrison is a dirty fuck. Glad to see he'll be off the field.
I expect Polamalu will play... but if he doesn't... Steelers O would need to step up in a big way. The Jets really need to pull this one out.
I was approaching this game as an "I doubt we win but it would be a nice bonus if we do" but that was assuming Harrison and Polamalu were playing. Harrison is out, that's a start, if Polamalu is out too then my mind switches into a "we should win this game" and I'll be pissed off if they lose, not taking advantage of key injuries to an opponent. Even without Revis I have a lot of faith in our defense, with fewer road blocks for our offense there would be little excuse for a loss, barring additional injuries of our own.
The Steelers are tough to gauge... the things they do well they're still very elite at... but they're no longer balanced due to injuries. For all the things they do really well, they also do some things pretty poorly. The Jets need to be able to take advantage of their weaknesses while containing what they do well... namely the passing game. I know that's a very generic statement to make but it seems to be very applicable this week considering the problems the Steelers are having. It'd be really nice to see our blitz packages actually make a significant impact this game. Hope the offense jumps the team out to an early lead again this week.
That Pitt team we saw lose to Denver was not your typical Pitt team. They have now lost their next game after that, and are looking to rebound. But how deep are their problems? Normally you would not have playoff implications being considered in the second game of the season, but Pitt has to be wondering. Many predicted them to win their division, but right now I would have to give the edge to the Ravens. This in turn makes one wonder whether even a wild card would be a sure thing. They've got to be thinking going 0-2 is a huge problem for them. How this plays out, whether they gather strength from it or press and fail, along with the Jets injury report, seem to be the two big factors in this game.
I read a Pitt article late last night that said Troy and Harrison despite saying they are optimistic about being out there both most likely won't be out there. Now we hear Harrison is being sat I wouldn't be surprised if Troy does too. Harrison being out is huge though I don't want to see Mark getting late hits or anything on him. Troy not playing would be huge and would cancel out Revis not playing (if he in fact doesn't play).
I've never bought into this nonsense about " these guys know they can't lose again"...." they're gonna be fired up" blah blah. Its the Francessa/Russo prediction mentality. Teams lose " must wins" ALL the time. That's why/how every tesm doesnt make the playoffs you know? I think if we're ever gonna beat these guys, its this week. I just don't think its the sam team. I seriously think they'r eon the decline. At least for a year cuz we know theyll be back. Their not having Harrison is hug because to be honest, I think Sanchez is a little intimidated by him. Like he is by some of the Ravens. No crazy weather to deal with......call me crazy but I think teh Jets are gonna win by a TD....17-10 Jets
Patriots Broncos Ravens Texans Jets Chargers Bengals Steelers. Those are most likely the teams fighting for playoff spots and I wouldn't be surprised if Steelers missed out. I think Ravens are the clear favorite for that division and they swept Pitt last year.
This isn't really a quantitative way of thinking about things but you really have to believe the Steelers will come out swinging being that their backs are up against a wall. They're going to play like they have nothing to lose because they have everything to lose this week. Whichever team loses this game is really going to be in an early season hole. The Steelers more than the Jets because the expectations are higher.
The Pittsburgh D has three players the Jets need to be concerned about; Lamarr Woodley : 9 sacks last year. Coming off hamstring injury. Made little impact against the Broncos in Week 1 (3 tackles, 1 solo, no other stats). James Harrison: 9 sacks last year. Had knee surgery in mid-August. Did not play Week 1 (knee). Did not practice as of 9/13. If he plays will be limited. Troy Polamalu: Sustained calf injury in Broncos game. Did not practice as of 9/13. Questionable for Week 2. Chris Carter will probably replace James Harrison in this game. Carter played in 8 games last year, had 2 solo tackles, one assist, no sacks. Polamalu won't be as fast coming off the calf strain, he went from 7 INT's in 2010 to just two in 2011. The rest of the Steelers D doesn't scare me. With their three best players either slowed by injury or out completely I think the Jets should have very good luck moving the ball against them. If the Jets come out ready to take it to this D, I think the Jets should be able to hang a few points on them and come away with a win.
That's not necessarily true... Steelers have climbed out of an early hole before (last time they started 0-2 they finished 10-5-1). It's more the fact that if they end up competing for a wildcard the head to head tiebreaker could end up being very important. Schedule wise this will be a quality win for whichever team wins. As far as playoff importance goes for the Jets: Steelers >>>>>>>>>>> Texans >> 49ers
