Fans predict win Sunday
The New York Jets? No problem.
That's the consensus of a sampling of Butler County Steelers fans as they get ready for Sunday night's AFC championship game at Heinz Field.
The inexperience of second-year Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez and a healthy Steelers defense are among the biggest reasons for fans' confidence.
“Our defense is healthier than it was the last time (a 22-17 Jets win Dec. 19 at Heinz Field),” said Ed Bilowich of Center Township. “Pittsburgh has the better team. We just have to come out more pumped up.
“If we play hard, we'll win.”
If the Steelers avoid turnovers, they'll avoid defeat, Slippery Rock resident Dave Murdick said.
“Defense should be the difference. The Pittsburgh defense can be dominant,” he said.
Ann Marie Koczynski of Butler Township believes home-field advantage can play a factor.
“We'll do pretty good. We're the hometown team and they won't beat us here again,” she said. “The Steelers will have plenty of time to practice and prepare this time.”
Brandon Jurysta of Butler Township points to Sanchez as being a factor in the Steelers' favor.
“He's still a young quarterback and Ben (Roethlisberger) has a lot more playoff experience,” he said. “That's the biggest difference between these two teams.”
As for Sanchez's 4-1 record in AFC playoff games thus far, all on the road?
“Could be beginner's luck,” Jurysta offered.
Mark Hartley of West Virginia said the Steelers defense will “rattle Sanchez and force mistakes.”
Dustin DeFrancisis of Center Township believes the Jets' victory in Pittsburgh a few weeks ago will work against them Sunday.
“The Steelers will hold a grudge. They're not going to let that happen twice,” he said.
Only Jacksonville has defeated the Steelers twice at Heinz Field in the same season.
The Jaguars defeated the Steelers 29-22 Dec. 16, 2007, before returning to nip Pittsburgh with a last-minute field goal, 31-29, in the wild-card playoff round that season. That was Mike Tomlin's first year as Steelers head coach.“That was a long time ago,” said longtime fan Daniel of Butler. “No way that's happening again.”In fact, Daniel said the Steelers “are far superior” and need only avoid turnovers to secure victory.“We can't have that Baltimore thing happening again,” he said.Bob Miller of Parker said the better team will win.“Pittsburgh will win this game. I don't know if it will be a blowout, but we'll win,” he said. “I'm a Steelers fan and I believe. Just play hard, play smart —just play.”There are a few fans who aren't quite so sure of Pittsburgh securing the eighth Super Bowl berth in franchise history.“Anything can happen,” Hartley said. “This (Steelers) team has won a lot of very close games. And (the Jets) have Santonio Holmes, who's won about four games for them with big catches this year.”“On any given Sunday ...,” Vincent Bonyak of Butler Township said. “Both teams have great defenses.”Mary, a Meridian resident, is worried about Sunday's outcome and believes her presence may be necessary.“I think the Jets are a little better on defense and we can be shaky on third down. ... Can you get me in? I think they need me there as a cheerleader.”
