Jets' quarterback Mark Sanchez could be in for a long day

[mesaSteeler]

Pittsburgh Steelers roundup: Jets' quarterback Mark Sanchez could be in for a long day
Published: Tuesday, January 18, 2011, 3:15 PM Updated: Tuesday, January 18, 2011, 3:32 PM
DUSTIN HOCKENSMITH, The Patriot-News By DUSTIN HOCKENSMITH, The Patriot-News
http://blog.pennlive.com/patriotnewssports//print.html

Polamalu was inactive when the Steelers and Jets squared off in Week 15.

The New York Jets return to Heinz Field this weekend for an AFC Championship date against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Less than a month ago, the Jets won in Pittsburgh for the first time since 1970 (1-7), narrowly holding off a late Ben Roethlisberger comeback attempt in the final seconds of a 22-17 victory.

In many ways, that win saved the Jets' season. New York had lost its previous two games in self-destructive fashion, turning the ball over five times in beatdowns by the New England Patriots and Miami Dolphins.

Sanchez protected the ball, even ran for a touchdown in Pittsburgh, snapping out of a funk and keeping the Jets in the hunt for a playoff berth.

There will be at least one major difference in Sunday's rematch, though:

Sanchez, as error-prone as any quarterback in the NFL, has never faced the Steelers' secondary at full-strength. Playmaking safety Troy Polamalu, who had the second-most interceptions in the NFL (seven) this season, missed the Week 15 contest with a sore ankle.

Polamalu's presence in the Steelers' defensive backfield is a boost in all facets of the game. He plays run defense and in pass coverage, pressures the quarterback, makes plays on the ball and delivers big hits all over the field.

He's a big part of the formula for a Pittsburgh win: Contain the Jets' running game, which the Steelers did in their previous meeting, force Sanchez to throw from the pocket, unleash the NFL's best pass rush, and let Polamalu ball-hawk in the secondary.

[eifmp]

Pittsburgh Steelers roundup: Jets' quarterback Mark Sanchez could be in for a long day
Published: Tuesday, January 18, 2011, 3:15 PM Updated: Tuesday, January 18, 2011, 3:32 PM
DUSTIN HOCKENSMITH, The Patriot-News By DUSTIN HOCKENSMITH, The Patriot-News
http://blog.pennlive.com/patriotnewssports//print.html

Polamalu was inactive when the Steelers and Jets squared off in Week 15.

The New York Jets return to Heinz Field this weekend for an AFC Championship date against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Less than a month ago, the Jets won in Pittsburgh for the first time since 1970 (1-7), narrowly holding off a late Ben Roethlisberger comeback attempt in the final seconds of a 22-17 victory.

In many ways, that win saved the Jets' season. New York had lost its previous two games in self-destructive fashion, turning the ball over five times in beatdowns by the New England Patriots and Miami Dolphins.

Sanchez protected the ball, even ran for a touchdown in Pittsburgh, snapping out of a funk and keeping the Jets in the hunt for a playoff berth.

There will be at least one major difference in Sunday's rematch, though:

Sanchez, as error-prone as any quarterback in the NFL, has never faced the Steelers' secondary at full-strength. Playmaking safety Troy Polamalu, who had the second-most interceptions in the NFL (seven) this season, missed the Week 15 contest with a sore ankle.

Polamalu's presence in the Steelers' defensive backfield is a boost in all facets of the game. He plays run defense and in pass coverage, pressures the quarterback, makes plays on the ball and delivers big hits all over the field.

He's a big part of the formula for a Pittsburgh win: Contain the Jets' running game, which the Steelers did in their previous meeting, force Sanchez to throw from the pocket, unleash the NFL's best pass rush, and let Polamalu ball-hawk in the secondary.

Note: Steelers did NOT do that the first game as effectively as they wanted to. Steelers only allowed 63 rushing yards per game for the regular season. But 2 of them ran for over 100 yards Jets (106) & Patriots (103).

But...they were done in different ways. Patriots were so dominant with the pass that it loosened up the box. While the Jets still faced 7 & 8 men in the box.

The NFL's best pass rush had 48 sacks this season...an average of 3 per game. But they only got to Sanchez once, and Sanchez has only been sacked 2 times in the last five games. The offensive line is doing a spectacular job and I hope it continues all the way through the Superbowl.

[KingsOfTheGridiron]

Note: Steelers did NOT do that the first game as effectively as they wanted to. Steelers only allowed 63 rushing yards per game for the regular season. But 2 of them ran for over 100 yards Jets (106) & Patriots (103).

But...they were done in different ways. Patriots were so dominant with the pass that it loosened up the box. While the Jets still faced 7 & 8 men in the box.

The NFL's best pass rush had 48 sacks this season...an average of 3 per game. But they only got to Sanchez once, and Sanchez has only been sacked 2 times in the last five games. The offensive line is doing a spectacular job and I hope it continues all the way through the Superbowl.

Don't you think part of the reason the Jets had over 100 yards is because Polamalu was out? I don't know why most Jets fans think Polamalu is an overrated player.

[MasterOfPuppets]

Don't you think part of the reason the Jets had over 100 yards is because Polamalu was out? I don't know why most Jets fans think Polamalu is an overrated player.
i seen earlier on espn stats with and without troy p. the last 2 years
16 -4 with .....6 - 7 without
60 something yards with
i think it was 97 yds without.

the point difference was huge as well

[nycdan]

Don't you think part of the reason the Jets had over 100 yards is because Polamalu was out? I don't know why most Jets fans think Polamalu is an overrated player.

I don't think any of us underrate him. He is, when healthy, the best safety in the game and always a game-changer. The question is...how healthy is he going to be Sunday? I'm pretty sure we're not going to know until after the first snap.

[KingsOfTheGridiron]

i seen earlier on espn stats with and without troy p. the last 2 years
16 -4 with .....6 - 7 without
60 something yards with
i think it was 97 yds without.

the point difference was huge as well

Absolutely. He's one of the most incredible athletes I've ever seen. The way he can creep to the line and show blitz and then drop back and cover the best WR's/TE's. The way he can go from playing coverage to blowing up a run play in the backfield. His instincts to make that big play when it's needed. His abilities are mind boggling. It's a pleasure to watch him play every sunday he's out there.