Steelers Beat Jets 24-19 for AFC Title
- Posted on January 23, 2011 at 10:05pm by
Scott Baker
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PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pittsburgh Steelers found a fitting way to shut down the New York Jets’ season.
What started with “Hard Knocks,” ended with hard knocks, too.
(AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
For the third time in six seasons, Terrible Towels will twirl at the Super Bowl. The Steelers silenced Rex Ryan’s wild bunch with a fumble return for a touchdown and a goal-line stand in a 24-19 victory for the AFC championship Sunday. They will face Green Bay in Dallas in two weeks.
Look out Big D, here comes another Big D – in black and gold, and with an unmatched history of carrying off the Lombardi Trophy.
You can bet that unit led by James Harrison, which shut down the Jets’ comeback in the fourth quarter, will test Aaron Rodgers. That overwhelming defense set the tone for most of a frigid night at Heinz Field to end the Jets’ stunning postseason run. Ryan slammed down his headset when Antonio Brown, also a hero last week, caught a pass for a first down that allowed Pittsburgh to hang on and run out the clock.
And the Steelers (14-4) will challenge the Packers’ defense with a versatile attack led by running back Rashard Mendenhall and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.
The Steelers ended the Jets’ season with a dominant first half for a 24-3 edge. Mendenhall had 95 of his 121 yards and a touchdown.
Roethlisberger has moved on from a four-game suspension at the beginning of the season to take Pittsburgh to its eighth Super Bowl; the Steelers own the most titles, six. He scrambled time and again for key gains, often against shoddy tackling.
At game’s end, he kneeled on the field, his face buried in an AFC championship T-shirt.
The cocky Jets seemed to have left everything they had in New England last Sunday. There was little trash talking all week and even less fire early in their biggest game since winning the championship 42 years ago. They haven’t been back to the Super Bowl.
The Steelers are regulars, including titles for the 2005 and 2008 teams, both led by Roethlisberger and a fierce defense sparked by playmaking safety Troy Polamalu.
Polamalu, his hair pouring from under his helmet as the black-and-gold signature towels flowed throughout Heinz Field, didn’t have to do a whole lot this time. Not with the way his teammates whipped the Jets at the line of scrimmage before a spirited New York surge in the second half.
And too often, New York’s defense was like a swinging gate that Roethlisberger and Mendenhall ran through with ease.
New York (13-6) failed for the fourth time in the AFC title game since 1969, when the Jets won perhaps the most significant of all Super Bowls. It was a devastating finish, particularly after the Jets beat Peyton Manning and the Colts, then Tom Brady and the Patriots on the road to get to Pittsburgh.
The Steelers snapped New York’s hopes of making the Super Bowl a sixth-seed spectacular; the Packers are the NFC’s No. 6 seed.
Coach Mike Tomlin had his Steelers eager for the fight from the outset, while Ryan’s guys were flat until it was too late. The Jets did get a 45-yard TD pass from Mark Sanchez to Santonio Holmes – the hero of Pittsburgh’s Super Bowl victory two years ago – and a safety after Pittsburgh’s goal-line stand.
But the early hole was too deep.
© 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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Comments (55)
ChazzArtist
Posted on January 24, 2011 at 10:20amKnock, knock, knockin on Seven’s door!
Report Post »5410amh
Posted on January 24, 2011 at 9:23amGo STEELERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Report Post »Sugabee
Posted on January 24, 2011 at 8:50amMy Grandpa from WV, may he rest in peace, was a diehard Steelers fan. So, therefore, if the Saints can’t make it, GO STEELERS!!! Especially Palomalu – what a class act he is! :)
Report Post »true capitalism
Posted on January 24, 2011 at 8:30amBeing a Patriots fan, you all can guess what I think of the Jets Losing…
The sight of Mr. Ryan throwing down his headset with a few choice words was priceless. And so was the Steelers celebration afterwards.
Report Post »:)
darlenekay
Posted on January 24, 2011 at 8:27amHooray for the Steelers! This will be a great super bowl. We have two fantastic teams playing. I can’t wait but will savor every day until Feb. 6th. I know they are celebrating in my home town and I’m celebrating here. As for the comment by Noodle Fish…while it is true I was sitting in my rocking chair watching the game and cheering on my Steelers, I have NOT forgotten that Obamination exists in this country and that Obama and his Marxist revolutionaries are trying to destroy everything I hold sacred. I am one voice crying out in the desert and I will not be silenced. I am fighting for the Constiution and this country. That being said: GO STEELERS.
Report Post »jdubbya77
Posted on January 24, 2011 at 8:14amSteeler Nation is a happy nation
Report Post »ing Saddle
Posted on January 24, 2011 at 7:46amHopefully this will keep obama’s ass AWAY from Texas. Bad enough to have those damn Steelers & Packers’ in town.
Report Post »Thanks Jerry, next time spend your money on football players and not your frickin’stadium.
Cuthalu
Posted on January 24, 2011 at 7:26amWhy is the Blaze even bothering with useless articles on sports? What a waste of time with all the info they could be bringing to us here.
Report Post »sr0981
Posted on January 24, 2011 at 10:52amWhy are you reading it? I thought the Blaze was a news blog and for many of us this is News and Good News to boot. How much good news are we seeing lately? You simply cannot bury yourself 24-7 in the muck you have to take a break every once in a while and try to focus on something else. You will go crazy otherwise. If you don’t like football or sports just scroll to the next story and ignore this one! It is that simple.
Have a great day!
Report Post »Old Vermonter
Posted on January 24, 2011 at 7:24amNOO YAWK teams cannot LOSE enough games!
Report Post »But wait. They’re GAMES. Just some games a bunch of millionaires who work hard at their jobs play. The fate of the world doesn’t rest in the outcomes. It is, however, a good escape from Obamaland for a while.
Today it’s minus 25 outside with a wind chill of minus 42. The woodstove is cranking!
emertz8413
Posted on January 24, 2011 at 7:38amAin’t that the truth – Life is more than politics 24/7, at least it should be!! Not that cold here in Cincy, but the fireplace will be on today!
Report Post »emertz8413
Posted on January 24, 2011 at 7:18amCrap- Sorry no Steelers fans around here (Cincinnati). After they mangled our quarterback a few years ago, he’s never been the same!!! Bunch of lousy dirty players in my book!
Report Post »Decade of Greed
Posted on January 24, 2011 at 9:08amIf the Steelers lose, they suck, if they win their dirty…Boo Hoo
Report Post »Knock knock knockin’ on sevens door! Here we go!
Cherbear
Posted on January 24, 2011 at 2:22amWe love our Steelers!! Football….yes, really, especially when it’s in the headline of which you are posting on. As far as the unions, we’re all finally catching on to that. “Commies,” we’re friendly Americans in this town.
Report Post »brliantedj
Posted on January 24, 2011 at 12:29amHey Rex, next time you want to motivate your team make sure you don’t mention “you’ll be meeting the president” to them, they might not be interested. {as in this case}
Report Post »SHOESHINEBOY
Posted on January 24, 2011 at 12:15amDilligaf
Report Post »felina g
Posted on January 24, 2011 at 7:23amWhat is that ?
Report Post »Angeld
Posted on January 24, 2011 at 12:12amWe are Steeler Nation!
Report Post »Angeld
Posted on January 24, 2011 at 12:04amWe are The Steeler Nation!
Report Post »Angeld
Posted on January 24, 2011 at 12:01amWe are “Steeler Nation”!
Report Post »niagra
Posted on January 23, 2011 at 11:40pmthis i nice
Report Post »jedi.kep
Posted on January 23, 2011 at 10:42pmOh yeah baby! Steelers going to DALLAS to win another superbowl. What a bitter pill for Cowboy fans! Mwahahaha
Report Post »SimpleTruths
Posted on January 24, 2011 at 1:30pmRodgers is going to pick the Steeler’s secondary apart and then ram the running game down their throat. 27-20 Packers win.
Report Post »HippoNips
Posted on January 23, 2011 at 10:30pmWho cares? This isn’t ESPN is it?
Report Post »DevotedDad
Posted on January 23, 2011 at 10:30pmI have been a Steeler fan since I am a kid. I thought I was gonna have cardiac arrest tonight watching the second half of that game.
If you are utterly destroying your opponent by doing one thing, why in the world do you change the whole philosophy and just try and ride out a victory. For the love of Jesus, can we get 60 minutes of the same team.
Preferably the one that played the first 30 minutes!
Report Post »huntee
Posted on January 23, 2011 at 10:26pm@192ER
Have to agree, that was an incomplete pass, just ask Tom Brady he would know.
Report Post »dealer@678
Posted on January 23, 2011 at 10:19pmRex has that Buddy Ryan blood in him and even being down 24-0 I really thought they would win
Report Post »912er
Posted on January 23, 2011 at 10:14pmBeat them with a forward pass recovery… that was no fumble… NFL wanted Pit-GB SB. No bout a doubt it.
Report Post »frw501
Posted on January 23, 2011 at 10:21pmSour grapes
Report Post »Ryan Beaulieu
Posted on January 24, 2011 at 12:21amHas nothing to do with the 24-0 start… Nope the NFL conspiracy set them up. Give me a break.
Report Post »toyguytn
Posted on January 24, 2011 at 6:37amDear Jets fans complaining about the fumble return. The ball went backwards as it left Sanchez’s hand. Therefore it doesn’t matter if it was a pass. If it WAS a pass attempt it was still a lateral and therefore a fumble.
Report Post »GeauxAlready
Posted on January 24, 2011 at 7:48amRex was to busy thinking about his after the game “TOE JOB”…………………….
Report Post »WSGAC
Posted on January 24, 2011 at 8:27amLook again rube! While facing down field, Jets QB releases the ball while straddling the 20 yard line. The ball hits the turf on the 17 yard line. In case you are confused that isn’t a forward pass!
Report Post »encinom
Posted on January 24, 2011 at 10:15amAgree, it is clear from the video tape the forward motoin. NFL wanted the sex offender to win another ring.
Report Post »dealer@678
Posted on January 23, 2011 at 10:13pmBigtime Jets fan since Rex took over and im from Dallas. Go figure
Report Post »RobertCA
Posted on January 23, 2011 at 10:06pmit’s good to watch sport & not watch corrupted politicians :) :) :)
Report Post »CatB
Posted on January 23, 2011 at 10:13pmLooks like the “working towns” took out the (oops is that not civil enough?) liberals cities.
Report Post »dhert
Posted on January 23, 2011 at 10:38pmThis just in: Unconvicted rapist makes it to the Super Bowl.
truthbetold11
Posted on January 23, 2011 at 10:59pmphew being from pats land jets losing was awesome!!!! but 100 times better was the pack winning cause i would have seriuosly not watch the super bowl knowing the usurper would be attending with all the puppy press following him
Report Post »niagra
Posted on January 23, 2011 at 11:39pmyea its great
Report Post »The Noodle Fish
Posted on January 23, 2011 at 11:46pmWho cares?!? This is why I can’t stand football fans. The country is going to hell and you sit there in your fat-a$$ chair eating nachos and watching fat guys in silly uniforms jump on top of each other. Seriously?
Report Post »click4cheapandeasyweb
Posted on January 24, 2011 at 12:03amSteelers are on their way to another Super Bowl victory!
Report Post »RobertCA
Posted on January 24, 2011 at 12:30am@ THE NOODLE FISH
Yeah seriously , we know that the country is in bad shape so what’s wrong in watching football ?
Report Post »GONESURFING
Posted on January 24, 2011 at 12:46amYes it is nice to forget the mess for awhile. Back to the grind tomorrow.
Report Post »LSX
Posted on January 24, 2011 at 6:12amAnyone but the NJ Jets!
*
Report Post »gobluebuckeye
Posted on January 24, 2011 at 7:38amGo Steelers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Report Post »Highland
Posted on January 24, 2011 at 7:54amDhert, he’s “unconvicted” because he wasn’t charged.
Report Post »Back To Reality
Posted on January 24, 2011 at 10:16amI guess DHERT forgot that Mark Sanchez actually was arrested for raping a college girl, was found to be intoxicated in public and underage…and he was punished less-harshly that Ben Roethlisberger.
dhert
Posted on January 24, 2011 at 10:17amHighland, I’m aware. He likes paying off the women he rapes.
Report Post »Back To Reality
Posted on January 24, 2011 at 10:26amAnd if that’s true, those women like getting money more than justice.
Personally, I don’t believe it, especially since the first accuser never called the police, waited a year, and then went for money instead of prosecution.
The second chick was breaking the law herself; underage drinking and public intoxication. Yeah..that’s a reliable accuser.
Drunk college girls have regretful sex with men all the time…but it’s interesting that they only ask for money when the dude is rich.
I always thought prostitution was illegal.
Report Post »