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Will The Jets Have Any Answers For The Pittsburgh Steelers?

By Tyson Rauch

Just when you think that things could not get any worse for the New York Jets (1-8), the team faces a red hot Pittsburgh Steelers team (6-3) at MetLife Stadium this Sunday. The Steel Curtain have won their last three games in a row and feature a quarterback in Ben Roethlisberger that is playing the best football of his career.

Air Ben

The ground and pound days of the Pittsburgh Steelers are gone as the offense is built around the high-flying passing attack. Ben Roethlisberger has thrown 12 touchdown passes over the past two weeks while wide receiver Antonio Brown is putting together a Pro Bowl caliber season (71 catches, 996 yards, 8 touchdowns). With a struggling, injury depleted secondary it is hard to identify ways where the New York Jets can slow down the Pittsburgh pass offense.

Tough against the run

The Pittsburgh defense is not what it once was in terms of the physical, dominating group that would intimidate opponents. But the Steelers defense remains stout against the run, ranked 11th, and can get after the quarterback when necessary. The Jets will have to stick to their run oriented offense and try to find ways to get Percy Harvin and Chris Ivory going in the ground game. Quarterback Michael Vick will have to continue to use his legs when the pocket collapses, which should keep the defense honest and slow down the pass rush.

Home field advantage?

It is safe to assume that MetLife Stadium will resemble a Pittsburgh Steelers home game on Sunday as the Jets losing ways have infuriated the fan base. The scene and environment will be embarrassing and frustrating for the diehard Jets fans that pay their hard earned money on season tickets.

9 in a row?

At this point it is very hard to find ways for the New York Jets to win on Sunday as the team appears to be at a disadvantage on both sides of the football. Gang Green will have no answers for the Steelers passing game while the offense could struggle to establish their running game. If the Jets lose their 9th game in a row, the bye week could spell the end for some members of the organization.

For more Jets news and updates, visit Jets Central.

Tyson Rauch is a freelance writer covering all things NFL. His work can be found on Examiner.com.

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