Steelers Should Be More Like Jets, Less Like Chargers and Colts

I am not a big fan of the Jets or Rex Ryan. But there are lessons for the Steelers to learn from their success in the playoffs. There are also lessons that the Steelers should learn from teams like the Chargers and the Colts. The sad part about these lessons are that the Steelers already knew them, but seem to have forgotten them.

What have the Steelers forgot? That teams that go far, are teams that run well and have tough defenses.  It is the very definition of Steeler football. Look at the Jets. They are at the top of the heap in both running and defense. Is it any wonder they beat both Cincinnati and San Diego? They beat them both on the road no less. Nothing shuts down a loud crowd like a smash mouth running game and a smothering defense. 

The Jets have taken a page right out of the old Steeler play book. It should not be lost on Mike Tomlin. He should go back with Bruce Arians and re-learn the old lessons.  Stop the empty backfield on 1st down and 3rd and one.  Run the ball and let your defense stop the other guy.

There are other lessons to be learned from this years playoffs too. Look at the Chargers. They had a great run and were the 2 seed in the AFC. But they were near the bottom of the league in running. When push came to shove (literally) at crunch time, they couldn't get it done. The Jets hung tough and one broken tackle on a run and a few defensive turnovers let them win.

Based on that here is another prediction. Who is the one team with a lower rated running game than the Chargers? None other than the Indianapolis Colts. As great as Peyton Manning is, my money says that the Jets running game and defense are going to beat Indy next week.

So Mike Tomlin and Bruce Arians take note. If you want to see the Steelers playing in conference championship games again, learn the lesson that other teams have from watching the old Steelers.  Running the ball and big defense wins Lombardi Trophies!