EA: AB is going to get some catches, but you limit him by playing excellent team defense. The Jets will mix up looks in the back end and everyone in coverage has to handle their roles. Ten people playing the right coverage can result in a touchdown at any point. Brown is going to move all over the field and QB Ben Roethlisberger will force the ball to AB even if it appears he is not open. Before you even look to the back end, I think it all starts up front. If Muhammad Wilkerson, Shelden Richardson, Leonard Williams and Steve McLendon can wreak havoc and the Jets bring just four rushers, that means you can load up with seven in coverage. With CB Darrelle Revis doubtful (hamstring), rookie Juston Burris could step into the spotlight for the Jets on the outside. The Green & White love his competitiveness and I don't expect the NC State product to be intimidated by the moment at hand. In sub packages this week, the Green & White may line up Marcus Williams and Burris on the outside with Buster Skrine inside.
EA: They both should factor into the equation Sunday. In the Steelers' lone loss of the season, Eagles RB Darren Sproles recorded six catches for 128 yards with a 73-yard TD. Offensive coordinator Chan Gailey said this week the Steelers are designed to make you move the ball methodically down the field and Sproles' score came as a result of a nice step-up from rookie QB Carson Wentz. It's a copycat league and the Eagles torched the Steelers with their screen game. In the Steelers' 24-16 triumph over the Bengals back in Week 2, Cinci RB Giovani Bernard hauled in nine receptions for 100 yards. The Steelers are an aggressive defense and both Forté and Powell are tough covers for any NFL linebacker. Depending on the package, Gailey could use both backs at the same time in the slot, outside the numbers or employ one at receiver and have the other in the backfield. We also might see the debut of TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins against the Steelers.
EA: The Jets will wear white jerseys and green pants in Week 5 action. And you didn't ask, but the Steelers are donning their bumblebee throwbacks at Heinz Field.
EA: Coach Bowles is going to do whatever is in the team's best interest. At the present time, Ryan Fitzpatrick gives the Jets their best chance to win. While Fitz has acknowledged forcing things at times, WR Brandon Marshall called Fitz the offense's "anchor" and also said the wide receivers were responsible for four or five of the QB's 10 turnovers.
"This is a we thing," said offensive coordinator Chan Gailey this week. "I can pin some blame on me, having something better for him to go to in certain situations, but communication is the key for us to be on the same page all the time. That's where the we part comes in. We all have to be on the same page and do a better job of putting Ryan not in a bad situation sometimes."
With WR Eric Decker (shoulder) out of the lineup a second consecutive game and RG Brian Winters (head) ruled out as well, the Green & White need players to step up offensively. Marshall played very well last week against CB Richard Sherman and the Steelers will likely try to blanket him as much as they can. So the Jets need contributions from rookies Robby Anderson and Charone Peake as well and they might have a package or two in place for gifted athletic TE Seferian-Jenkins.
