Santonio Holmes: Jets winning SB would be slap in Steelers' face

[mesaSteeler]

Santonio Holmes: Jets winning SB would be slap in Steelers' face
03:29 PM
http://content.usatoday.com/communit...teelers-face/1

New York Jets WR Santonio Holmes says there's nothing personal about this weekend's AFC Championship Game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, with whom he won a Super Bowl MVP award in 2009 before being traded in April.

He says the grudge-match went down in December, when the Jets earned a 22-17 Week 15 victory in Pittsburgh.

Yet in comments Wednesday, Holmes appeared to still harbor frustration over a trade that came in the wake of a lawsuit filed by a woman who alleged Holmes threw a glass at her in a nightclub in March.

"The personal game is out the way," Holmes said. "I got a chance to beat them the first time around. This time it means everything. This game is about getting to the Super Bowl. I don't care about the Steelers right now... If we win the Super Bowl, then everything is personal. That's a slap right back in those guys' face for trading me. But right now, its not a focus of mine."

Asked if he thought he was treated unfairly by the Steelers, Holmes said the trade was a learning experience.

"I don't know," he said. "I had to learn the business aspect of this game which entitles things like this to happen. Things like this happen to big-time players."

Jets receivers Braylon Edwards (17) and Santonio Holmes.
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By Al Bello, Getty Images
Holmes added that the key to beating the Steelers this time around would be limiting turnovers and getting the ball to New York's playmakers, specifically 'The Flight Boys.' That's what Holmes calls the trio of Braylon Edwards, Jerricho Cotchery and himself, a group that has combined for 20 catches and 293 yards in two playoff games.

Jets coach Rex Ryan, conservative in his comments Wednesday, said games like this are why he wanted Holmes to be a Jet.

"Is it added excitement to him? I don't know if there could possibly be any more energy," Ryan said of Holmes' homecoming. "We're playing for the AFC Championship. One of the reasons we brought 'Ton in is for times like this. AFC Championship time is 'Ton time."

WR/KR/QB Brad Smith, who Holmes called a member of the Flight Boys' 'Secret Service', returned to practice Wednesday but was limited with a groin injury. He is expected to play but there has been no official word from the Jets either way.

-- Robert Klemko

See photos of: NFL, New York Jets, Rex Ryan, Santonio Holmes

[SH-Rock]

I'm pretty sure many Steelers want to beat him too so the feeling is mutual.

[wutchy]

letting santonio go was a huge mistake. No one could tell me any different.

William Gay is going to have his hands full. Size wise, they match up well. But Santonio is a good leaper. Gay is going to have to give him a cushion and keep him in front of him. Santonio sets up that double move better than anyone, except Larry Fitzgerald maybe. Gay will be lucky if he only gives up 2 TD's. Santonio could beat Revis and Cromartie. Ike too.

Braylon Edwards is 6'3", so Ike, 6'2", is going to have to cover Edwards.

[SH-Rock]

You're a really pessimistic person.

[43Hitman]

First of all, what the hell makes you think Gay is going to be covering Holmes? Ike took care of him last time. Secondly, the more you post the more you show that you have no idea what you're talking about.

[Sixburgher]

Originally Posted by wutchy

William Gay is going to have his hands full. Size wise, they match up well. But Santonio is a good leaper. Gay is going to have to give him a cushion and keep him in front of him. Santonio sets up that double move better than anyone, except Larry Fitzgerald maybe. Gay will be lucky if he only gives up 2 TD's. Santonio could beat Revis and Cromartie. Ike too.

Crack kills.

[zulater]

Originally Posted by SH-Rock

You're a really pessimistic person.

I'd guess troll.

[LegendSteel]

The Browns, Ravens, or Bengals winning...now THAT would be a slap in the face. The Jets? Not so much.

[Jetsfan115]

what did the 5 fingers say to the steelers face?

[SCMom]

Originally Posted by Jetsfan115

what did the 5 fingers say to the steelers face?

There's another ring on the other hand?