Jets Game Day: Cornerbacks will be key against Steelers in AFC title game

Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger Sittsburgh Steelers Jerseys threw for 264 yards and a touchdown the last time he played the Jets, on Dec. 19. But he couldn't complete a touchdown pass in the final seconds, as the Jets won, 22-17.THIS GAME REVOLVES AROUND ...Antonio Cromartie and Darrelle RevisJets defensive coordinator Mike Pettine said its streetball-style rules once Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger escapes the pocket, scrambles and looks to throw. The standard defense would be to find the nearest man around and stick to him as tight as possible. If theres two, always lock on to the one farther down the field to prevent bigger gains. Its a part of what the team has called plastering their man. But it may be more difficult than advertised, especially for Revis and Cromartie. As the teams top two corners, the onus will be placed on their backs to shut down a rotating corps of Steeler wideouts that are chock full of big-play potential. On every play, theyll have to plaster the best the team has to offer. Oh, its hard for secondaries to do that, Revis said of plastering the Steelers offense. Weve been practicing it all week, and were going to continue to. So its very tough. Youve got to make sure you have good eyes and locate your receiver when hes going off his route.The last time the two teams played, Roethlisberger threw for 264 yards and a touchdown. It was the scoring pass he didnt complete, batted away as the seconds ticked off the clock, that made all the difference. And in a game both coaches expect to be close, look for the crucial passing touchdown from the Steelers to be the make-or-break factor. THREE THINGS THE STEELERS DON'T WANT THE JETS TO KNOW1. Troy Polamalu is backNot that they arent already aware. This week, every player with a stake in the offensive game plan has been asked about his game-breaking potential. Many of the Jets defensive players have been asked to admire it, or place it in perspective. But the truth remains: Troy Polamalu, who did not play in the teams last matchup, a narrow 22-17 Jets win, is perfectly healthy and ready to run. Rex Ryan said Polamalus strength is his precise knowledge of the Steelers defense. Hes able to line himself up anywhere on the field scrabbling the opposing quarterbacks pre-snap read than return to the normal coverage without a hiccup. The Star-Ledger previews AFC Championship game Star-Ledger reporters Jenny Vrentas and Conor Heath Miller Jersey Orr preview this Sunday's AFC Championship game between the Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers. Video by John Munson/The Star-Ledger Watch video 2. Theyve had success running the ball against the JetsDuring their last matchup, Rashard Mendenhall was one statistical glitch short of being the first 100-yard rusher given up by the team all season long. And though the Steelers are clipped at the wing as far as their offensive line corps goes, look for them to try to offset their pass-heavy expectations with a strong dose of Mendenhall once again. In the last meeting, the Jets had a hard time bringing him down as he rumbled on, creating more time and space for Roethlisberger to work. The added attention also set up the possibility of a few play-action options with Pittsburghs speedy receiving unit, who as we all know are not strangers to making big plays by throwing or running. 3. They have the most experienced defensive mind in footballDick LeBeau, 73, has been honing his craft since the early 70s. The team has won the division four times since his arrival in 2004 and has been to the playoffs in five of those years. Two have yielded Super Bowl titles. THE SAVVY FAN IS WATCHING ...The Jets pass rush. Throughout their playoff run, the Jets have made do with four down linemen going at the quarterback, and relying on their confounding coverage schemes to frustrate Peyton Manning and Tom Brady. But the last time the Jets beat the Steelers, they also had some success blitzing from the corners. Nickel back Drew Coleman had two sacks, forcing a fumble on one.ONE MORE THING ...Take note of how many players ignore the weather, Hines Ward Jersey opting for bare arms. Forecasts are calling for a game-time temperature of about 14 degrees, but it could feel about 10 degrees colder. The coldest playoff game in NFL history was the 1967 Ice Bowl between the Packers and Cowboys, when the temperature was minus-13 degrees (minus-43 wind chill).POSITION BREAKDOWNQuarterbackBen Roethlisbergers size and mobility might make him more dangerous than Peyton Manning and Tom Brady.