Balance beaming for Pittsburgh
Steelers on offense -- Rookie quarterback Ben Roethlisberger wasn't spectacular (2,621 passing yards, 22d in the NFL) but he was unbeatable, winning 13 straight games after getting a starting opportunity in Week 3. Roethlisberger doesn't have to be great; running backs Jerome Bettis and Duce Staley pounded out enough yards on the ground to keep the Steelers rolling. The redoubtable Hines Ward is as good a blocker as he is a receiver, and versatile receiver Antwaan Randle El is dynamic after he catches the football.
Jets on defense -- An Eric Barton forearm smash almost led to a meltdown, but the Jets survived a 10-point Chargers fourth quarter and won in overtime. Even without John Abraham (out with a sprained right knee), the Jets can stuff an offense. End Shaun Ellis had 11 sacks, tackle Dewayne Robertson is a force in the middle, and linebacker Jonathan Vilma was the Associated Press NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Jet on offense -- When the NFL's leading rusher, Curtis Martin, was shut down in last Saturday's playoff game by the Chargers, quarterback Chad Pennington took over. Pennington (23 of 33 for 279 yards) threw two touchdown passes, including a pinpoint 47-yard strike to Santana Moss in the third quarter, en route to the Jets' 20-17 win. Backup running back LaMont Jordan played a significant role, rushing for 50 yards on seven carries, which included a critical 19-yard run in OT that set up Doug Brien's winning field goal.
Steelers on defense -- With three Pro Bowlers -- linebackers James Farrior and Joey Porter and safety Troy Polamalu -- the Steelers were the top-ranked unit in the league, allowing 258.4 yards per game. More important, Pittsburgh allowed the fewest points in the NFL (251). The Steelers were No. 1 against the run and No. 4 against the pass. Polamalu is a spark, with 96 tackles and a team-leading five interceptions.
Special teams -- Brien's 28-yarder in overtime against the Chargers atoned for a missed 33-yard attempt in the first quarter. Moss is a dangerous punt returner. The Steelers' Randle El does everything but kick the ball, which Jeff Reed handled to the tune of 124 points, the third highest total in the NFL.
Miscellany -- The Steelers defeated the Jets, 17-6, at Heinz Field in Week 14 and are on a franchise-record 14-game win streak . . . In 12 seasons under coach Bill Cowher, the Steelers have advanced to the AFC Championship game four times (winning once). Pittsburgh has won at least one postseason game in six consecutive seasons, and is 7-4 in the playoffs under Cowher . . . The Jets were one of the least penalized teams in the NFL . . . Last week's win was the first road playoff victory by the Jets since 1982 . . . The Steelers are 15-2 all-time vs. the Jets, and 6-0 in Pittsburgh.
Compiled by Jim Hoban
