New York Jets vs. Pittsburgh Steelers: Keys to Victory

Oct 13, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback

(7) and New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan shake hands after the second half at MetLife Stadium. The Steelers won the game 19-6. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Tomorrow afternoon, Ben Roethlisberger, Antonio Brown and the rest of Mike Tomlin’s Pittsburgh Steelers head to MetLife stadium to take on Michael Vick, Eric Decker and Rex Ryan’s New York Jets. We all know the Jets record, 1-8, while the Steelers head into the game tied with the Browns for the AFC North lead with a 6-3 record.

The Jets will have their hands full, as we know how “great” the Jets are when the defending good passing attacks. None may be better than the Steelers as of late, with 12 passing touchdowns for the Steelers’ quarterback .

However, there the upset can take place. The Jets can win this one. Here are some keys to the game.

Nov 2, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; New York Jets running back

(33) on the sidelines before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

RUN THE FOOTBALL: The Pittsburgh Steelers have averaged 47 points per game over the last two, and we know that most of that scoring has been done through the air. In case you forgot during the week, the Jets have a problem stopping a good passing team.

OK, the Jets stink at it in 2014.

What is the best way to keep the Steelers from scoring? Keep them off the football field. The Jets are going to have to win the time of possession game to have any chance of winning this one. It’s going to take a heavy does of the running game, and the Steelers can be run on a bit. They are allowing almost 103 yards per game which isn’t a lot, but there are opportunties as they allow 4.4 yards per carry as well. Don’t get too cute Marty. A heavy does of Chris Ivory, a side order of Chris Johnson and Bilal Powell, and keep Big Ben off of the football field.

Nov 2, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) gestures at the line of scrimmage against the Baltimore Ravens during the first quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 43-23. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

CONTAIN BIG BEN: We talk a lot about putting pressure on the quarterback. The trouble is, Roethlisberger is as tough to bring down as any quarterback in the league. He can throw it on the run. His passer rating actually goes up from 104.4 when not under pressure, to 133.9 when he is under pressure. When forced to scramble, Ben improves.

So the Jets are going to have to keep him in the pocket. Don’t let him improvise, let Big Ben win it solely on his arm. The Jets might have a chance in this scenario.

Oct 16, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New York Jets kicker

(2) reacts after missing a field goal at the end of the game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. The New England Patriots defeated the New York Jets 27-25. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

FINISH DRIVES WITH TOUCHDOWNS: This one is pretty obvious. I love to watch Nick Folk kick, but if we see a great deal of him on Sunday, it means losing. The Jets are going have to take all of their scoring opportunities and turn them into touchdowns. Scoring three points each time will not get it done. It never will in the NFL. The Steelers score far too much.

What are some of your keys to the game?