Know Thy Enemy: Week 2-Jets vs. Steelers

September 9 2012; Denver, CO, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison (92) in the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field. The Broncos defeated the Steelers 31-19. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-US PRESSWIRE

We all know that famous saying, “Keep your friends close, keep your enemies closer”. Well, with that said, we bring you the week 2 edition of “Know Thy Enemy”. As we do each week, we sit down with the editor of our opponent’s fansided site for a brief interview about our upcoming battle. This week, we sit down with Craig Gottschalk, editor of Pittsburgh Steelers site, nicepickcowher.com, to discuss our week two matchup:

THE JET PRESS:What is James Harrison’s status? Do you think the Jets will have to contend with his immense talent on Sunday?

NICE PICK COWHER:James Harrison is still listed as questionable. His recovery from his scoped knee surgery has been a little slower than they would like. Older guys take longer to heal. If he does play, I only see him playing a minor role in the defense on Sunday. His greatest asset is his explosiveness off the snap. If he doesn’t have that, he won’t be doing much. If he doesn’t play, Cris Carter will continue to fill in.

TJP:Big Ben likes to get that ball down the field, what do you think of the matchup against the Jets secondary? Is all of Steeler Nation praying that Darrelle Revis can’t go on Sunday?

NPC:Revis can only cover one person at a time. The Steelers have numerous fast and skilled receivers at their disposal. The Jets have a fairly decent secondary even without Revis. I see the Steelers trying to work the middle of the field more than working the corners. But I also expect to see Wallace and Brown getting open if Roethlisberger starts to scramble out of the pocket.

September 9 2012; Denver, CO, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jonathan Dwyer (27) runs for a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-US PRESSWIRE

TJP:It seemed like the running game had a tough time getting going against Denver. The Jets are a tough team to run against, do you think your Steelers will be up to the task?

NPC:I think so. I expect Jonathan Dwyer to get more touches than he did against Denver. In fact the running game did very well with Dwyer taking carries – that didn’t happen until the second quarter and then they had to stop the run in the 4th quarter once they fell behind. As battered as the offensive line has been, they are sealing off blitzes to give the backs a chance to bounce outside for a positive gain.

TJP:Is there anyone on the Jets offense you see being a tough matchup for the Steelers?

NPC:I can see Shonn Greene being problematic for the Steelers defense. If the Steelers are forced to play a more spread zone defense with the Jets going 3 or 4 wide, then he could be trouble. Currently, the defensive line and inside LB’s are having a tough time eating up blockers and making holes for our OLB’s and safeties. If they can’t be up to that task on Sunday, Greene could have a big day of 100+ yards and an average of over 5 YPC.

TJP:How about a prediction for the game?

NPC:I think it stays close the whole game. Each team has at least one big offensive play for a score, but for the most part are kept in check and struggle to get anything together. The Steelers defense finds a good blitzing formula and gets to Sanchez AND Tebow early and often.

Steelers 13 Jets 10

We thank Craig for sitting down and talking about the game. Please check out his website, nicepickcowher.com, as he and his team do a great job covering the Steelers.