Point Park University's Student-Run Newspaper

Point Park Globe

Point Park University's Student-Run Newspaper

Point Park Globe

Point Park University's Student-Run Newspaper

Point Park Globe

Sanchez, the Jets only hope for victory

The only team that can beat the Steelers on Sunday is the Steelers.The New York Jets accomplished what many people, including myself, considered impossible this season: they defeated the New England Patriots in Foxboro.The Jets Head Coach Rex Ryan was the engineer behind his team’s playoff success against New England by billing their game on Sunday as “the second-biggest game in the history of this franchise.” He put all of his energy into willing his team to defeat their biggest rival. His team would follow him into battle any day of the week, with Ryan putting his first foot forward.But after such an emotional and energetic win, can the Jets regroup and refocus to beat the Steelers? After a huge, 45-3 loss to the Patriots on Dec. 6th, the Jets hoped for a chance at redemption against the team that embarrassed them on national television.They got their chance and accomplished their goal. Too bad they will have nothing left in the tank for the Steelers.The Jets barely beat the Steelers earlier in the season, but the latter is much healthier than on Dec. 19th. Strong safety Troy Polamalu and tightened Heath Miller will be prepared for the rematch on Sunday and after losing on the last play of the game the first time, their addition to the lineup will allow the Steelers to come out on top.The Jets have not faced a defense like that of the Steelers in the playoffs. The defenses of the Indianapolis Colts and New England Patriots cannot even hold a candle to the Pittsburgh Steelers defense.New York’s biggest offensive strength is running the ball and they proved in their last meeting against the Steelers that they cannot do so against Pittsburgh. No team in the league can run the ball against the Steelers.So Pittsburgh’s Defensive Coordinator, Dick LeBeau, will force quarterback Mark Sanchez to try and beat the Steelers yet Sanchez is nowhere near talented enough to accomplish that feat.New York finished 22nd in the NFL in passing yards per game during the regular season, despite having talented playmakers like wide receivers Braylon Edwards and Santonio Holmes, running back LaDainian Tomlinson and tight end Dustin Keller. It was the quarterback play that prevented the Jets from having a dangerous passing attack.Mark Sanchez is the Jets only hope of defeating the Steelers. The Jets will have to put the ball in his hands and trust him, play by play, to account for Troy Polamalu, a player he has not seen this season. He needs to be wary of linebacker James Harrison attacking his blind side and linebacker LaMarr Woodley attacking from the front. He needs to watch the blitz schemes of the Steelers because any player on the field could be coming after the quarterback.Joe Flacco could not do it, and Mark Sanchez most definitely cannot.

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