Steelers vs. Jets: What Are Experts Saying About New York?
The next few weeks will reveal the level of competitive spirit on the New York Jets roster. The postseason is realistically out of the picture—players are playing for pride and potential roster spots for the following year.
Week 10 brings a red-hot Pittsburgh Steelers team to MetLife Stadium for a showdown between two teams going in opposite directions. One aspect both teams have in common are questions in pass defense. These concerns will be compounded by notable injuries for both clubs that can affect the complexion of the game.
A majority of NFL experts are leaning toward the team that is currently streaking, but the consensus isn’t unanimous.
Are the Steelers going to stay hot? Will Gang Green’s losing streak linger? The experts weigh in on the matchup.
Jane McManus: Darrin Walls Availability Unclear
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According to ESPN New York reporter Jane McManus, the status of cornerback Darrin Walls is unclear. The coach and player have two completely different perspectives. Rex Ryan was more doubtful about Walls’ availability Sunday.
"The fact that he's not practicing again today leads you to believe it might be a stretch," Ryan said.
McManus later quoted Walls portraying a more optimistic chance of playing against the team he grew up watching in Pittsburgh.
"I've heard it's day to day, hopefully by the end of the week I'm good enough to go," Walls said.
The fourth-year cornerback further explained that it’s possible Ryan hasn’t witnessed the progress he has made despite not practicing Wednesday.
Walls has been on the field for the most snaps among Jets cornerbacks with minimal impact. He defended five passes in eight starts, but failed to force a turnover, while allowing 449 yards and four touchdowns this season.
New York will need all the help possible from its secondary defending Ben Roethlisberger's hot hand. Walls seems to be the cornerback least embarrassed this season in coverage.
Michael David Smith: Jets Should Take Advantage of Steelers' Depleted Defense
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ProFootballTalk writer Michael David Smith raises a poignant question about the Jets’ sluggish offense—if not now, then when?
He further expounded on his stance:
"The good news for the Steelers is that they’re facing a Jets offense that hasn’t been able to do much of anything all season. If there’s ever going to be an opportunity for Michael Vick, Percy Harvin and Co. to put up some big numbers, it might be this week against a depleted Steelers defense.
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The question stems from news that both Troy Polamalu and Ryan Shazier sustained injuries in Pittsburgh’s win over the Baltimore Ravens last week. Both players will be inactive. Smith highlights the opportunity for the Jets to take advantage of a defense that has given up 80 points within their three-game win streak prior to the injuries.
The Steelers are outscoring teams, but they aren’t shutting them down defensively. Gang Green can be competitive and end their losing streak if the offense doesn’t turn the ball over and capitalizes in the red zone.
Cortez Allen was the No. 4 cornerback last week per Steelers.com's Bob Labriola via twitter.
His replacement, Brice McCain, struggled against speedy receiver Torrey Smith. McCain could be matched against Percy Harvin, who had the most productive game of any Jets receiver this season. Harvin finished with 11 catches for 129 yards against the Kansas City Chiefs' No. 1-ranked pass defense.
Brian Costello: Rex Ryan Too High on Struggling Offense
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Ryan is known for selling high on his team, but New York Post reporter Brian Costello felt the need to place Ryan’s praises back into perspective:
"At one point in his press conference Wednesday, coach Rex Ryan sounded like he may have been inhaling plane fumes.
Ryan, speaking about his offense, said he feels good about the personnel the team has right now.
“I’m not so sure I’d want to try to defend against this offense,” Ryan said. “It presents a lot of problems for you. And I think our thing, I feel good that our identity would be we’re able to run the football but we’re also able to put pressure on you on the outsides. I think now so more than ever.”
That offense scored 10 points last week in Kansas City. It is ranked 25th in the NFL in total offense, 32nd in passing offense.
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Costello’s stats are accurate, but the team has changed over the past two weeks. A new quarterback is taking the snaps and a new dynamic wide receiver is catching the passes.
The offense has slightly improved from three weeks ago, but Marty Mornhinweg has yet to get all the parts working together consistently. This includes Chris Johnson and Chris Ivory contributing out of the backfield in the same game and developing young rookie tight end Jace Amaro into a reliable target.
The Steelers' depleted defense could be the best shot for an offensive outburst from Gang Green. The No. 2 cornerback is a glaring weakness, and reserves are playing in starting roles. This game could be Michael Vick's best audition for an opportunity elsewhere.
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NFL Live Pick: Steelers
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NFL Live crew analysts Brian Dawkins and former Jets head coach Herman Edwards picked the Steelers in this matchup. Roethlisberger’s hot streak alone was enough for both analysts to lean toward Pittsburgh. However, Edwards offered one small caveat: The Jets have the talent up front to pressure Big Ben.
Half of the Jets defense is playing decent football. If the pass defense doesn’t allow an absurd amount of yardage and touchdowns, Gang Green has a chance to prove Edwards' point. Phillip Adams didn’t play a snap and Antonio Allen was eventually benched last week as Ryan further experimented with his defensive backs.
New additions Marcus Williams and Josh Thomas saw significant time on the field against the Chiefs. Kansas City’s 29th-ranked pass offense makes it difficult to figure out if Williams and Thomas were effective in their debuts. If Walls is unable to play, it will be interesting to see what combination Ryan starts on Sunday against an offense performing at its best.
Bleacher Report Consensus Pick: Steelers (Two Upset Picks)
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Bleacher Report's Expert Consensus heavily favors the Steelers. However, there were two strong points made in favor of a Jets upset. The first coming from NFL East Lead Writer Brad Gagnon:
"The Steelers are red-hot and the Jets are as cold as it gets, but this is a crazy league and New York still has a very strong defensive front. Pittsburgh hasn't been very good on the road, and I have a feeling it'll overlook Gang Green.
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The second from NFL National Writer Ty Schalter:
"What goes up must come down, and physics dictates Ben Roethlisberger stops throwing six touchdowns a game very, very soon. The Mike Vick Experience ended prematurely against Kansas City, and he’s set to start against the less-intimidating Steelers defense. If Rex Ryan’s got any magic left up his sleeve, he’ll pull it out for this home stand.
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Both writers understand the Steelers' offensive run is a bit of an anomaly and the law of averages eventually takes over. An upset is an unlikely scenario based on how the Jets have played up to this point. Nevertheless, an improved Jets offense could take advantage of the voids created by the absence of Polamalu and Shazier.
Notwithstanding a weakened defense, Gang Green needs to improve their offense in scoring opportunities.
The red zone has been a barrier for the Jets. According to Teamrankings.com, New York has a 48.15 red-zone touchdown scoring percentage. The offense lacks a prominent target or rotation of effective plays inside the 20-yard line, which falls on the shoulders of the offensive coordinator.
Prediction: Steelers 34 – Jets 20
Advanced statistics provided by Pro-Football-Reference.com
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