Join us at 12PM EST for a chat about all things Jets, and their upcoming opponents this weekend, the Pittsburgh Steelers.

One of my favorite NFL games ever was from the lost 2003 season, when the Jets shut out the Steelers 6-0 in a snowy classic played at the Meadowlands. In white-out conditions, Pittsburgh native Curtis Martin had a big day for the Green and White — 30 carries for 174 yards, including a memorable 56-yard run. (Fittingly, Martin will be honored at halftime of this week’s contest at the Meadowlands.)

This was one of few shining moments against the Steelers, who are 15-2 lifetime versus the Jets; the last time they met in the regular season (2004), the Steelers won 17-6 at Heinz Field. They hooked up again in the playoffs, an ugly affair that I think we’re all still trying to forget. (Saying “Doug Brien” aloud still pains me.)

The Steelers haven’t missed a beat under first-year head coach Mike Tomlin, and are the number one defense across the board — points allowed (14), rushing yards allowed (72), passing yards allowed (157.4) and total yards (229.4).

This one may be uglier than Jack Lambert’s dental work.

Cheerleader check: Well, they used to have them back in the day.

Record: 7-2, currently first in the AFC North.

Barometer: Rising, as last week’s comeback win over the vastly improved Browns has vaulted the Steelers into the discussion for “best team after those jerkwads in Foxboro.”

Questions: Will running back Fast Willie Parker break the 100-yard barrier in the first quarter or the second? Will the Steeler defense pitch a shutout against the woeful Jets offense? Can the Steelers special teams contain Neon Leon Washington? Does Big Ben still ride his motorcycle without a helmet?

Key injuries: Parker has been slightly hindered by a hip injury, but is expected to play. Starting free safety Ryan Clark was just placed on injured reserve (spleen).

Old friends: Linebacker James Farrior blossomed into a Pro Bowler after leaving the Jets for the Steelers in ‘02. Defensive back Tyrone Carter is a back-up safety.

What to expect from the Steeler offense: Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger showed again last week that he’s overcome his post-Super Bowl slump and evolved as a quarterback, passing for 278 yards and 2 TDs, rushing for 49 yards (including a rumbling 30-yarder for a TD), and leading his team to a win, all en route to be naming AFC Offensive Player of the Week. His improved play has given the offense a nice balance, although the Steelers are more than happy to run Parker (873 yards) behind All-Pro guard Alan Faneca and the rest of the very physical line; the Steelers tote the rock to the tune of 151.7 yards per game, 2nd in the NFL. When Big Ben puts the ball up in the air, it seemingly comes down in the capable hands of Hines Ward (35 receptions) or, ever-increasingly, in the mitts of second-year receiver Santonio Holmes (589 yards, 6 TDs). At the goal line, tight end Heath Miller is a weapon, having snagged 6 TD. With their vast amount of talent, especially on the line, the Steelers tend to keep it simple: They just line up and run over opponents.

Jersey watch (offense): The #39 of Parker as he becomes the latest back to shred the Jets run defense.

What to expect from the Steeler defense: A shutout? Seriously, currently this is the best unit in the NFL, and according to Randy Lange, is the only team to be ranked 1st in the four top defensive categories since the merger in 1970. Built the way a 3-4 should be, the solid line is anchored by nose tackle Casey Hampton, while the linebackers are among the best in the league in getting pressure on ball carriers and quarterbacks, lead by Farrior (5 sacks), Clark Hagans (4 sacks) and the seemingly omnipresent James Harrison (6.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles and a pick). The secondary features steady corner Deshea Townsend and playmaking Pro Bowl safety Troy Polamalu. Anthony Smith steps in for the injured Grant at the other safety spot. Coordinator Dick LeBeau is one of the best in the league at mixing and disguising coverages and rushes, and will apply lots of pressure to rattle young Kellen Clemens — hey, they don’t call them Blitzburgh for nothing.

Jersey watch (defense): The hair and #43 of Polamalu are what catch eyes, but the #92 of Harrison is what catches quarterbacks.

What to expect from the Steeler special teams, especially since they don’t have Mike Westhoff: The chink in the armor, the Achille’s heel, as the Steelers special teams got torched last week for a pair of 90+ yard kick returns, one for a TD. (Leon, are you ready?) Kicker Jeff Reed has become one of the most accurate in the league (currently 14/15, 93%) despite kicking at Heinz Field, while punter Daniel Sepulveda is having a nice season (44 average; 38.5 net), including 17 punts inside the 20. The always-dangerous Allen Rossum returns both punts (6.5 average, long of 49) and kicks (25.7 average, 1 TD).

What to expect from the broadcast booth: How first year head coach has this team back in Super Bowl form, including getting Big Ben back on track.

What’s being said in the very, very active Steeler blogosphere:

• Behind the Steel Curtain wonders why Heath Miller is so underrated.
• AOL Fanhouse Steelers says the Jets don’t have a chance this week.
• Steelers Gab alleges the opposite, that the team isn’t taking the Jets lightly.
• Stillers.com is singing the glories of the Steeler offense.
• Die Hard Steel goes in depth on Ryan Clark’s season-ending injury.
• Mondesishouse.com says “In Ben We Trust.”
• Steelers Football Blog says James Farrior is showing no signs of slowing down.

The pressure is on: The Steeler special teams to not give the Jets any chance to compete in this game.

Bottom line: Don’t let the children near the TV, and avert your own eyes.

Pittsburgh Steeler Quick Ranks:
Overall offense – 5th (357.8 yards/game)
Passing – 18th (206.3 yards/game)
Rushing – 2nd (151.4 yards/game)
Scoring – 5th (28.1 points/game)

Overall defense – 1st (229.4 yards/game)
Passing – 1st (157.4 yards/game)
Rushing – 1st (72 yards/game)
Scoring – 1st (14 points/game)

Turnovers: +6
11 giveaways (8 interceptions, 3 fumbles)
12 takaways (7 interceptions, 10 fumbles)

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