Steelers, 27, Jets 10
PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers didn't get Tebowed this time around.
The Steelers rode a 275-yard, two-touchdown performance by Ben Roethlisberger to a 27-10 victory over the New York Jets and Tim Tebow -- the most famous backup quarterback in the NFL -- on Sunday at Heinz Field.
Tebow sent the Steelers home for the season in January by throwing an 80-yard touchdown pass on the first play of overtime to give the Denver Broncos a 29-23 victory in an AFC wild card playoff game.
However, Tebow was hardly a factor this time. He was on the field for just five plays and two of them were as an up back on punts.
Tebow had one run for 22 yards and the Jets gained 28 yards rushing during his three plays from scrimmage, all of which came with him under center.
Roethlisberger completed 24 of 31 passes without an interception and finished with a passer rating of 125.1.
Roethlisberger also won his ninth consecutive start following a Steelers' loss. They dropped a 31-19 decision at Denver in their opener.
The Steelers outgained the Jets 331-229 in total yardage and held a commanding 36:36-23:24 edge in time of possession.
Both teams were without star defensive players. Cornerback Darrelle Revis (concussion) missed the game for the Jets while linebacker James Harrison (knee) and safety Troy Polamalu (calf) sat out for the Steelers.
The Jets' offense stalled repeatedly, which was in stark contrast to their 48-28 season-opening victory over Buffalo. Quarterback Mark Sanchez had a miserable day, completed just 10 of 27 passes for 138 yards and one touchdown.
The Jets were shut out in the second half while the Steelers scored two touchdowns to take control.
Mike Wallace made a nice grab of a 37-yard pass from Roethlisberger in the right side of the end zone with 8:44 left in the third quarter to extended Pittsburgh's lead to 20-10. Isaac Redman added a 2-yard scoring run with 3:34 left in the fourth quarter. The Steelers took a 13-10 halftime lead as tight end Heath Miller hauled in a 1-yard touchdown pass from Roethlisberger with 1:03 left in the second quarter. That capped an 11-play, 80-yard drive.
Until then, Pittsburgh was forced to settle for a pair of 45-yard field goals by Shaun Suisham.
The Jets drove 90 yards in eight plays for their lone touchdown as Santonio Holmes caught a 14-yard pass from Mark Sanchez. Nick Folk kicked a 38-yard field goal for New York.
Notes: Jets tight end Dustin Keller (hamstring) and linebacker Bryan Thomas (hamstring) also missed the game. Fullback John Conner (knee) left in the third quarter and did not return while running back Shonn Greene suffered a head injury in the second quarter, though he returned to action on the first possession of the third period. ... Roethlisberger had thrown three touchdowns and seven interceptions in his career against the Jets coming into Sunday's game. ... The 17-point margin of victory went against recent history as the last four games between the two teams were decided by five points or less.
