Saturday, January 22, 2011

Know your game - Part 2

Now that you're pretty much a pro when it comes to the NFC Championship game, get a look into the AFC game: New York Jets vs. Pittsburgh Steelers. Hopefully now you won't feel like the know-nothing-loser on Sunday!

AFC Championship Game
Sunday, 6:30 E.T.

Unlike the match up in the NFC, these teams have been feeding each other endless amounts of praise leading up to Sunday's game. Both defenses are incredibly physical and we should expect a defensive battle well into the 4th quarter. Jets have a young QB, while the Steelers have an experienced one who has not only been to the Super Bowl, but won twice. The Jets were most definitely the underdogs in the AFC playoffs, but have been knocking out prestigious, tough teams in recent weeks. These two teams met earlier in the season and with a few key Steelers players injured, and playing on home turf, the Jets won the game 22-17. The Steelers are known to be backed up by a huge fan base, sure to be waving the famous "terrible towels". This off-the-field distraction will be an extra boost for Pittsburgh. For this Sunday's game in Pittsburgh, players & fans should expect temperatures at a comfortable 10 degrees, plus a wind chill. Better stock up on hot chocolate and Snuggies if you'll be in The Steel City!

Jets QB - Mark "Babe of ALL babes" Sanchez 
photo via Sports Fan 4

New York Jets - The Jets were a wildcard contender in the playoffs this year, with a regular season record of 11-5. They have a gorgeous 2nd year QB on their side, Mark Sanchez, who has been pretty strong in tough situations and away playoff games. Sanchez will have to be on his A-game Sunday though, with the Steelers defense able to put major pressure on. Jets have a creative running game with LaDainian Tomlinson and Shonn Greene, but will have to work extra hard against the leagues top run defense (Steelers). The Jets also have a pretty impressive Special Teams (kick offs, punts, punt returns, etc.), who produce regularly. 

Bottom Line: Jets have a young, but capable QB, who will along with the rest of the team/coaches, have to be extra clever to beat the brutal Steelers.

Steelers QB - Ben "Big Ben" Roethlisberger
photo via Chicago Now 
*if you don't know much about Big Ben's past, you may want to check this out

Pittsburgh Steelers - Pittsburgh had a strong regular season (12-4) and clinched their division, getting them into the playoffs. Steelers QB, Ben Roethlisberger (roth-lis-burger - say it slow) is a big dude, and is a quarterback that can get the job done and take hard hits. Steelers solid defense can usually shut it down and are hoping to dominate the Jets running game. Long haired (you've probably seen him in this commercial), Troy Polamalu is set to play this Sunday, after injuries had kept him out of some games (and the last match up vs the Jets). This monster of a safety is usually a big boost for the Steelers and something the Jets offense needs to be fully prepared for. Steelers are also home to leading wide receivers Mike Wallace & Hines Ward, who will be covered by one of the Jets talented corner backs (Antonio Cromartie or Darrelle Revis - both ballers). The matchup of those four players will be fun to watch. 

Bottom Line: Steelers are Super Bowl experienced and come with a QB and defense package a bit above the Jets. 

Steelers are picked to win this one by most, which would add another possible Super Bowl trophy to their dynasty. Personally, I'm hoping my all time favorite player, LaDainian Tomlinson & the Jets get a shot at the bling (but if I hear the ever so annoying J-E-T-S chant one more time, I may be picking up a terrible towel and singing to this!)

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