"Unbelievable" The Jets Won!
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"When that final kick went through," Kellen Clemens said with a smile, "that was one of the best feelings we've had in a while."
The Jets felt joy, and were happy. Getting a victory against the Steelers, whom happen to be a playoff contender is great.
Its late for a playoff push, but feeling confident could help. Malfunctioning throughout the season wasn't enjoyable, but the Jets feel appreciated now.
"I was hoping it was straight," Mike Nugent said. "That's what you're looking for. I could've hit it a lot better."
Nugent was the hero, because he got the Jets the victory. Kicking the game winning field goal surprised many Jet fans.
"We did a great job in the bye," said Shaun Ellis. "We just broke everything down and came out and executed today. We came out, made up our minds and said, 'Enough is enough.' We just wanted to play a full game."
The Jets were controlling the game with a comfortable lead. Seeing them leading throughout the game, and being able to compete with the Steelers was great. They were competitive, and the Steelers weren't expecting it.
"We needed to come out and try to get a win, not try to play spoiler," Jets safety Kerry Rhodes said. "If you try to play the role of spoiler, that kind of depicts you as a loser. You don't want to say we want to spoil their season because they're having a good season and we aren't. We have to try and get a win because we want to win and we needed this win."
The Steelers made the Jets feel productive by making huge mistakes. Their defense wasn't producing, and that's surprising.
"Quite simply, we missed tackles," Mike Tomlin said. "We missed more tackles than I've ever seen us miss. That's the story."
The Steelers weren't successful, and couldn't get motivated. Getting embarrassed by the Jets isn't acceptable from the Steelers, because they were expected to win.
"We've got to come out and play Steelers football," Ben Roethlisberger said. "I don't feel we did that today. They were probably the more physical team. I think it showed."
They didn't play 100 percent, and it showed against the Jets. The Steelers needed to win, because their competing in the AFC. Losing to non-playoff contending teams could hurt their chances of competing in the post-season. This can't continue; losing to the New England Patriots, the Indianapolis Colts, or the San Diego Chargers are acceptable, but not the Jets.
"I don't want to take anything away from the New York Jets, but in all three phases, we fell below the line of what is acceptable," Tomlin said. "We didn't tackle well and we didn't protect our quarterback."
The Jets didn't win, because the Steelers lost. The Steelers couldn't excel, and it caused their failing effort. It won't happen again, because the Steelers learned from their mistakes.
"The football gods are always kind to you," Tomlin said. "When you're struggling in an area, we get presented with the opportunity to defend against the best guy in the world at returning kicks right now. This game is about challenges and about responding, and I look forward to see what we're willing to do in that area this week."
The Steelers will turn everything around, because they have the telant. Their players will understand that they'll compete against competitive teams, and it'll take progress.
"All I ever hear is about Brady and Peyton (Manning), but this guy we have here is very special," Brett Keisel said. "He makes plays those guys don't make and that's what makes him so special. He can get out of the pocket, he can create, he's a beast and we're glad he wears black and gold."
Tom Brady and Peyton Manning can defeat the Jets, but Roethlisberger showed he'll struggle. Roethlisberger plays great football, and he improved since last season. He needs to play more consistent, and he'll be successful.
"Maybe someday I'd like it if I feel I'm up there with them," Roethlisberger said. "But for now, let people talk about them. I'd rather talk about the Steelers." Smart comment, because it doesn't put pressure on Roethlisberger.
Roethisberger wasn't impressive; he was sacked seven times. The Steelers offensive line wasn't productive enough, and it caused his "horrible" performance.
Kellen Clemens was effective, and he'd contributed to his teams success. He was 14-31 with 1 touchdown past, and 162 yards.
The Jets should enjoy this victory, because it won't happen again.
