NFL Week 2 Preview - Steelers vs. Jets - Intagibles / Prediction



Steelers vs Jets - As Big as a Week 2 Matchup
Can Be...


Sometimes things pop up and change plans.  My plans were to record a podcast today for everyone's listening enjoyment.  However, I won't have time, so you'll have to read my article on the Jets and Steelers "Intagibles" and settle for a Podcast that will recap the game between the Jets and Steelers on Monday.  Here goes nothing:

- Home Sweet Home - The Steelers have always played well at Heinz Field, and they always seem to win their home opener in their stadium.  The Jets bring a new challenge to the table as the NFL world is now calling the Jets the best offense on Earth considering they beat a weak Bills team in Week 1.  The Steelers feed off of their home crowd, and rowdy just wouldn't do the crowd justice.  Terrible Towels will be waiving, "Renegade" will be playing, and you better believe they all want the same thing...a Steelers victory.

- Special Teams Advantage - Its very difficult to kick at Heinz Field, but its September and not January.  Kicking will be much more reasonable for both sides of the field, but unlike when Jeff Reed handled the kicking duties for the Steelers, Shaun Suisham doesn't seem solid at home.  He is still shaky outside of 40 yards.  Kickers are "streaky", and hopefully Suisham gets hot this season.  In the return game, the Steelers looked stellar against the Broncos.  Look for more opportunities for BOTH teams to handle potential kickoffs out of the endzone.

- Coaching Heavyweights...Kinda - Mike Tomlin has been to 2 Superbowls while Rex Ryan has been to 2 AFC Championship games.  Big difference, but both of these coaches know how to motivate their teams.  You don't think Ryan has put Lamarr Woodley's "We will not go 0-2" quote on the team's bulletin board?  No one has control over their locker room more than these two coaches.  When it comes to big games though, Mike Tomlin seems to have that edge to get his team the 'W'.  This is a big game for the Steelers, and I expect Tomlin and the Black n' Gold will be ready.

- Injuries Could Be HUGE - James Harrison is reportedly OUT for Sunday's game, and now Troy Polamalu is on the bubble due to a "calf strain".  Either one of these players being out is a huge loss for the Steelers, but both of them out could be a crushing blow.  Fortunately, the Jets have their own injury concerns as their superstar CB Darelle Revis has yet to be cleared after suffering a concussion vs the Bills.  Either one of these players missing the game will be a huge advantage in the opposition's favor.  I expect both Polamalu and Revis to both be suited up and playing for their respective teams.  I don't think Steelers fans will see Harrison until after the bye week.

- Turnover Battles - Both QBs in this game have a tendency to throw a costly INT (Steelers fans just had to watch last week).  I have a feeling there will be a few turnovers to be had Sunday evening, but which QB will make the big mistake?  That is a tough question to answer, but if the Steelers can win the turnover battle, I like their chances of winning the football game.

- PREDICTION - This game will be alot closer than people think, but I feel that the Steelers defense will bring the Jets back to Earth after they throttled the Bills last week.  The Jets will get their points, but I think Tebow will be used too much, and that will hurt the Jets' chances of winning.  The Steelers match up well with the Jets from and O v D mentality, but lets look at the grand picture:

Offense             Defense       Special Teams                   Coaching
Steelers              Push               Push                                Steelers

Surprise Surprise!  I like the Steelers to win this game and move to 1-1 on the season. 

FINAL SCORE PREDICTION - Steelers - 23 / Jets - 16