Steelers 31, Browns 28

Great teams overcome adversity. And that is exactly what the Steelers did on Sunday. Down 21-6 at one point in the first half, the Steelers then went on a 25-7 run to turn misery into triumph against the hated Cleveland Browns. Going into the half down 21-9, Ben Roethlisberger looked at head coach MIke Tomlin and said "I'm gonna get this one for you." And he stuck to his word. Coming off one of his best performances of his career against the Ravens, Big Ben struck again. He was 23-34 for 279 yards, 2 passing touchdowns and 1 INT. But, maybe the most important off all his stats was that he had 5 carries for 49 yards, and a stunning 30 yard touchdown run (right). The Steelers had to overcome Browns kick returner Joshua Cribbs, who returned a kick 100 yards for a touchdown and another kick down to the 4 yard-line, leading to a Browns touchdown. The defense was actually very good, holding the Browns to only 169 total yards of offense. In the final minute, the Steelers were forced to punt the ball away, which was returned to Phil Dawson's kick range by (yet again) Joshua Cribbs. Unfortunately (not!) for the Browns, they were holding and the play was moved back. After a coiuple of plays to advance the ball by Derek Anderson, Phil Dawson lined up for a 52-yard field goal. In the cold rainy conditions, the ball went on a line to be good, but ducked a couple feet short of the crossbar, giving the Steelers the comeback win. The Steelers moved on to 7-2, and 4-0 in the division. The Browns fell to 5-4, and 2-2 in the division. Oh, and Willie Parker went over 100 yards rushing...again.

Next up for the Steelers is one of the NFL's worst teams this season, a trend that will be repeated in the next couple of weeks. The play the New York Jets at Giants Stadium. The Jets are currently 1-8, and in next to last place in the AFC. As big of a mismatch this looks on paper, I have some worries. The Jets have nothing to lose, and I am afraid that a cheap shot might be in line. Also, I am afraid that the Steelers are getting overconfident, and may underestimate the struggling Jets, as they did against the Browns. The Jets have one of the more struggling pass defenses in the NFL, which should leave the gates open for Big Ben. If he can play well, and they can establish the run (surprise surprise!) i think the Steelers should handle the Jets, but don't be surprised if the Jets put up a bit of a stink. And on a personal note, I will be there to experience it myself. Pictures to come.
Prediction: Steelers 33, Jets 17