Week 15: Game Insider

[mesaSteeler]

Week 15: Game Insider
http://www.timesonline.com/sports/sp...e-insider.html
By: Mike Bires
Beaver County Times

Sunday December 19, 2010 12:04 AM

ON THE AIR

SITE 1 p.m. at Heinz Field (65,050)

TV CBS (locally KDKA-TV, Channel 2) Jim Nantz, play-by-play; Phil Simms, analysis

RADIO Steelers Radio Network (WDVE-FM, 102.5, WBGG-AM, 970; WBVP-AM, 1230, WMBA-AM, 1460); Bill Hillgrove, play-by-play; Tunch Ilkin, analysis

SERIES HISTORY

The Steelers lost to the Jets the last time they played (19-16 in overtime at the old Meadowlands Stadium in New Rutherford, N.J. on Nov. 18, 2007). Over the years, however, the Steelers have dominated the Jets with a 16-3 lead in the series. That includes an AFC divisional round playoff win in 2004 … Of the 19 times the Steelers have played the Jets, only seven of those games have been played in Pittsburgh. In those seven home games, the Steelers are 7-0 vs. the Jets including 3-0 at Heinz Field.

STORYLINE

Regardless of what happens to any other AFC playoff contender, the Steelers will clinch a playoff spot with a win … They can also clinch the AFC North title with a win and a Baltimore loss to New Orleans and the Steelers can clinch the strength of victory tiebreaker … The Jets and Steelers rank third and fourth in the NFL in total defense, so today’s game could be a low-scoring affair.

Steelers SS Troy Polamalu, who’s been bothered by a leg injury that started out as an Achilles’ tendon strain, is out. The Steelers have been listing the injury lately as a ankle-related issue although there’s speculation that his calf is hurt, too. Polamalu is officially listed as doubtful but will not play. TE Heath Miller, who sustained a concussion in the Dec. 5 win in Baltimore, is listed as questionable. Miller missed last week’s home win against Cincinnati and may sit out again this week.
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Jets Starting OT Damien Woody (knee) and S Eric Smith (concussion) won’t play. Backup DE Trevor Pryce (hip) is also out.

INJURY REPORT

Steelers SS Troy Polamalu, who’s been bothered by a leg injury that started out as an Achilles’ tendon strain, is out. The Steelers have been listing the injury lately as a ankle-related issue although there’s speculation that his calf is hurt, too. Polamalu is officially listed as doubtful but will not play. TE Heath Miller, who sustained a concussion in the Dec. 5 win in Baltimore, is listed as questionable. Miller missed last week’s home win against Cincinnati and may sit out again this week.

Jets Starting OT Damien Woody (knee) and S Eric Smith (concussion) won’t play. Backup DE Trevor Pryce (hip) is also out.

QUOTEWORTHY

“Obviously Pittsburgh is trying to close out the division and we’re trying to scrap our way back into the playoffs. We’ve had two bad losses in a row, so we know we are going to get each other’s best shot in more ways than one. I’m looking forward to it.” Rex Ryan, Jets coach on what today’s game means

THE LINE

Steelers by 5.5

PREDICTION

Steelers 17, Jets 7