SBNation.com - Steelers Beat Jets To Win AFC Title, Will Meet Packers In Super Bowl XLVhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/46737/sbn-fave.png2011-01-24T10:55:54-05:00http://www.sbnation.com/rss/stream/17031112011-01-24T10:55:54-05:002011-01-24T10:55:54-05:00VIDEO: Steelers Presented With AFC Championship Trophy After Beating Jets
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/DZVeAriPWccCRFErxceBxV0sPWY=/0x27:400x294/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828145/large_sb_nation_final.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>The Pittsburgh Steelers beat the New York Jets on Sunday in the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2011/1/16/1939070/afc-championship-game-jets-vs-steelers-schedule-pittsburgh">AFC Championship game </a>earning the right to play in the 2011 Super Bowl against the Green Bay Packers. The Steelers victory was followed by the presentation of the Lamar Hunt AFC Championship trophy.</p>
<p>On the stage were Steelers greats Franco Harris and Rocky Bleier to present the trophy. Harris said:</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/gdPO0S6Ytc0" height="390" width="480" type="text/html" class="youtube-player" title="YouTube video player"></iframe> <br id="1295884414443"></p>
<blockquote>
<p>This is a great victory. We love it when it goes down tot he end. Hold onto your seat. It was fantastic. Once again we're going to the Super Bowl. For the 8th time, the AFC Championship trophy will be presented to Art Rooney II his father Dan Rooney.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Head coach Mike Tomlin also spoke and declared Pittsburgh fans as the greatest in the world to a rousing ovation. As Harris said, this is the (record) 8th time the AFC Championship has been in Pittsburgh. The Steelers have won a record six Super Bowls.</p>
<p>The Steelers will play the Packers in Super Bowl XLV on Feb. 6. Check out <a target="_blank" href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com">Behind The Steel Curtain</a> to see what Steelers fans are saying about the game. </p>
https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2011/1/24/1953061/steelers-afc-championship-trophy-jets-videoJoel Thorman2011-01-24T08:40:12-05:002011-01-24T08:40:12-05:00Steelers Put Up Best Half Of 2010 Season In Victory Over Jets
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/DZVeAriPWccCRFErxceBxV0sPWY=/0x27:400x294/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828145/large_sb_nation_final.0.png" />
</figure>
<p><span style="line-height: 16px;">If you watched the first half of the game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Jets in the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2011/1/16/1939070/afc-championship-game-jets-vs-steelers-schedule-pittsburgh">AFC Championship game</a> on Sunday, then you might have been tempted to turn the game off. The Steelers lead the Jets 24-0 at halftime and appeared on their way to their eighth Super Bowl.</span></p>
<p>SB Nation's Behind The Steel Curtain said, after the first half, they were <a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2011/1/23/1952388/steelers-hold-off-furious-second-half-rally-by-jets-advance-to-eighth">ready to book their ticket to Dallas.</a> The Jets put up 19 second half points to make it interesting but that ticket to Dallas is still good for Steelers fans.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>When the Steelers took a 24-3 lead into intermission, I felt confident booking my flight to Dallas and declaring it a game. That said, I thought all week that this game would be close and that the <a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">New York Jets</a> would play a really good game. And they did. Even in the first 30 minutes, the Jets didn't necessarily play awful football. It's just that Pittsburgh pieced together it's absolute best half of the 2010 season. And wow, what a time to do it. </p>
</blockquote>
<p>What a time is right. At one point late in the second half, the Jets had the ball, down five points, with a chance to win. But, like it's been all season, the Steelers defense stepped it up sending the Jets back to New York.</p>
<p>So the Steelers will be headed to Dallas to face the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, Feb. 6. Check out <a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Behind The Steel Curtain</a> to see what Steelers fans are saying about the game. </p>
https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2011/1/24/1952769/steelers-2010-season-jets-super-bowlJoel Thorman2011-01-23T21:52:31-05:002011-01-23T21:52:31-05:00Jets Vs. Steelers Final Score: Super Bowl XLV To Feature AFC Champion Pittsburgh
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/DZVeAriPWccCRFErxceBxV0sPWY=/0x27:400x294/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828145/large_sb_nation_final.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Pittsburgh Steelers</a> held off a comeback rally by the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">New York Jets</a>, taking a 24-19 <span class="caps">AFC</span> Championship Game win to earn a trip to Super Bowl <span class="caps">XLV</span>. The Steelers dominated the first half, giving themselves just enough of a cushion to keep the Jets from overtaking them.</p>
<p>They’ll play the <span class="caps">NFC</span> champ <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Green Bay Packers</a> in Arlington, Texas on Feb. 6. The game will be broadcast on <span class="caps">CBS</span> and 6:30 pm <span class="caps">EST</span>.</p>
<p>It was a tale of two halves, but ended up being a very even game overall. The teams gained virtually the same amount of yardage and turned the ball over the same number of times. Jets QB <span>Mark Sanchez</span> threw for two touchdowns and 233 yards, while Steelers RB <span>Rashard Mendenhall</span> put together 153 total yards from scrimmage.</p>
<p><b><i>Stay tuned to <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2011/1/16/1939070/afc-championship-game-jets-vs-steelers-schedule-pittsburgh">this StoryStream</a> for updates. And for further reading, be sure to check out our Steelers blog, <a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com">Behind The Steel Curtain</a>, and our Jets blog, <a href="http://www.ganggreennation.com">Gang Green Nation.</a></i></b></p>
https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2011/1/23/1952383/jets-vs-steelers-score-super-bowl-xlvJason Kirk2011-01-23T21:39:21-05:002011-01-23T21:39:21-05:00Jets Vs. Steelers Score: Jerricho Cotchery Touchdown After Nick Mangold Injury
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/DZVeAriPWccCRFErxceBxV0sPWY=/0x27:400x294/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828145/large_sb_nation_final.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>Previously injured <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">New York Jets</a> WR <span>Jerricho Cotchery</span> caught a short touchdown from QB <span>Mark Sanchez</span> to pull the Jets within a touchdown of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Pittsburgh Steelers</a>. Whether they’re able to complete the job or not, this has been an amazing comeback by a team that looked completely buried at halftime.</p>
<p>Jets OL <span>Nick Mangold</span> had to leave with an injury, meaning both teams are now down a Pro Bowl center. Guard <span>Robert Turner</span> slid to the side to take over snapping duties.</p>
<p>After being outgained 213 to 50 in the first half, the Jets have come back to take the lead in the yardage game. Pittsburgh has only 29 yards in the second half.</p>
<p>Communication was again a problem near the goal line. At one point Sanchez called for his team to huddle, apparently against his will.</p>
<p><b><i>Stay tuned to <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2011/1/16/1939070/afc-championship-game-jets-vs-steelers-schedule-pittsburgh">this StoryStream</a> for updates. And for further reading, be sure to check out our Steelers blog, <a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com">Behind The Steel Curtain</a>, and our Jets blog, <a href="http://www.ganggreennation.com">Gang Green Nation.</a></i></b></p>
https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2011/1/23/1952365/jets-vs-steelers-score-jerricho-cotchery-nick-mangoldJason Kirk2011-01-23T21:24:21-05:002011-01-23T21:24:21-05:00Jets Vs. Steelers Score: New York Safety Follows Pittsburgh Goal Line Stand
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/DZVeAriPWccCRFErxceBxV0sPWY=/0x27:400x294/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828145/large_sb_nation_final.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Pittsburgh Steelers</a> still had a 24-10 lead late in the <span class="caps">AFC</span> Championship Game despite a long <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">New York Jets</a> drive. The Jets had four chances to score inside Pittsburgh’s five-yard line, with a tipped pass to <span>Santonio Holmes</span> and a stuffed run by Ladainian Tomlinson ending the series. On the next play, Ben Roethlisberger bobbled a snap from Doug Legursky, who's playing in relief of Pro Bowler Maurkice Pouncey. The Steelers recovered, resulting in a safety. Thus, your score: Pittsburgh 24, New York 12.</p>
<p>The Jets will now get the ball back again.</p>
<p>On that Jets drive, WR <span>Jerricho Cotchery</span> has returned from a hamstring injury that had him questionable for the rest of the game. He took a screen for a first down inside Pittsburgh’s five.</p>
<p>The Jets converted a fourth-down conversion in the red zone earlier in the drive, clearly interested in trying to win the football game rather than apply cosmetics to the scoreboard. RB Shonn Greene took a handoff off right guard, barely crossing the marker. The Jets experienced some communication issues toward the end of the drive, with Sanchez needing to run all the way back to New York’s sideline to get a playcall.</p>
<p><b><i>Stay tuned to <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2011/1/16/1939070/afc-championship-game-jets-vs-steelers-schedule-pittsburgh">this StoryStream</a> for updates. And for further reading, be sure to check out our Steelers blog, <a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com">Behind The Steel Curtain</a>, and our Jets blog, <a href="http://www.ganggreennation.com">Gang Green Nation.</a></i></b></p>
https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2011/1/23/1952345/jets-vs-steelers-scoreJason Kirk2011-01-23T20:44:48-05:002011-01-23T20:44:48-05:00Jets Vs. Steelers: Santonio Holmes Score Follows Jerricho Cotchery Hamstring Injury
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/DZVeAriPWccCRFErxceBxV0sPWY=/0x27:400x294/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828145/large_sb_nation_final.0.png" />
</figure>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">New York Jets</a> WR <span>Jerricho Cotchery</span> left the game with a hamstring injury in the third quarter, and is questionable to return. New York’s passing game struggled to get it going throughout the first half, with WR <span>Santonio Holmes</span> and <span>Braylon Edwards</span> being held catchless. Holmes changed all that in a hurry on New York’s first drive of the second half, catching a 45-yard <span>Mark Sanchez</span> pass for a touchdown.</p>
<p>New York is now down 24-10 with 12 minutes left in the third quarter. Holmes has also scored in an <span class="caps">AFC</span> Championship Game for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Steelers</a> in his day. He made a great diving catch to pull the Jets within two scores.</p>
<p>This 10-0 run by the Jets won’t amount to much if they can’t do something about Pittsburgh’s running game.</p>
<p><b><i>Stay tuned to <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2011/1/16/1939070/afc-championship-game-jets-vs-steelers-schedule-pittsburgh">this StoryStream</a> for updates. And for further reading, be sure to check out our Steelers blog, <a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com">Behind The Steel Curtain</a>, and our Jets blog, <a href="http://www.ganggreennation.com">Gang Green Nation.</a></i></b></p>
https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2011/1/23/1952290/jets-vs-steelers-santonio-holmes-score-jerricho-cotchery-injuryJason Kirk2011-01-23T20:24:09-05:002011-01-23T20:24:09-05:00Jets Vs. Steelers Score: AFC Championship Game Won't Be A Shutout, At Least
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/DZVeAriPWccCRFErxceBxV0sPWY=/0x27:400x294/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828145/large_sb_nation_final.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">New York Jets</a> have made a mark on the scoreboard, and Phil Simms just cracked up a portion of America by marveling at the silenced and stunned Heinz Field crowd. Somebody get Wiz Khalifa back out here!</p>
<p>Getting the ball back after a <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Pittsburgh Steelers</a> fumble return touchdown, the Jets hurried down the field in about a minute. <span>Nick Folk</span> made the 42-yard field goal to put the Jets back within three scores. New York does get the ball back to start the second half, so all isn’t yet lost for Jets fans.</p>
<p>Something’s gonna have to change, though, as Pittsburgh has outgained New York 231 yards to 50. QB <span>Ben Roethlisberger</span> and RB <span>Rashard Mendenhall</span> have both put up more than twice the yardage of the entire Jets attack. The Steelers have scored more points than the Jets have run offensive plays.</p>
<p><b><i>Stay tuned to <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2011/1/16/1939070/afc-championship-game-jets-vs-steelers-schedule-pittsburgh">this StoryStream</a> for updates. And for further reading, be sure to check out our Steelers blog, <a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com">Behind The Steel Curtain</a>, and our Jets blog, <a href="http://www.ganggreennation.com">Gang Green Nation.</a></i></b></p>
https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2011/1/23/1952257/jets-vs-steelers-score-afc-championship-gameJason Kirk2011-01-23T20:10:15-05:002011-01-23T20:10:15-05:00Mark Sanchez Injury And Steelers Score On Same Play Puts Jets In Trouble
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/DZVeAriPWccCRFErxceBxV0sPWY=/0x27:400x294/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828145/large_sb_nation_final.0.png" />
</figure>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">New York Jets</a> QB <span>Mark Sanchez</span> suffered an injury to his arm after being hit from behind by <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Pittsburgh Steelers</a> CB <span>Ike Taylor</span>. The ball came loose and was picked up by Steelers CB <span>William Gay</span>. He spent some time on the bench in clear pain, being looked at by medical personnel, but then warmed up on the sidelines and returned to action.</p>
<p>Taylor swiped at the ball as Sanchez coiled to fire, swatting the quarterback’s throwing arm and driving him to the ground.</p>
<p>The fumble was reviewed by replay officials, as it wasn’t clear whether Sanchez’ arm was moving forward at the moment of contact. The ruling stood, and Pittsburgh has a 24-0 lead with 31 minutes left in the <span class="caps">AFC</span> Championship Game. Needless to say New York’s offense isn’t designed to work from four scores down, but if they can get a quick score here, they’ll have a chance again soon as they get the ball to start the second half.</p>
<p><b><i>Stay tuned to <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2011/1/16/1939070/afc-championship-game-jets-vs-steelers-schedule-pittsburgh">this StoryStream</a> for updates. And for further reading, be sure to check out our Steelers blog, <a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com">Behind The Steel Curtain</a>, and our Jets blog, <a href="http://www.ganggreennation.com">Gang Green Nation.</a></i></b></p>
https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2011/1/23/1952238/mark-sanchez-injury-steelers-jets-scoreJason Kirk