The Pittsburgh Steelers notched their first win of the 2013 season, beating the New York Jets 19-6. It will be difficult for Pittsburgh to recover from their early-season failings, while it's unclear if the Jets can regain their status in the AFC East following the loss.
Steelers vs. Jets 2013: Mike Tomlin is almost perfect after the bye
The first win of the season and an ugly loss. Two teams are feeling very differently on Monday.
Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
James Dator has been covering a wide range of sports for SB Nation for over a decade, with a special focus on the NFL.
Over at Behind the Steel Curtain Neal Coolong pointed out just how dominant the Steelers have been under Mike Tomlin when the team is coming off a bye week.
A week to clear one’s head is beneficial more than it’s not. And with the way the last three Steelers’ seasons have started - 2-2 in 2011 and 2012 and 0-4 this year - the bye week could trigger something bigger. The Steelers won five of six games after the bye in 2011 and six of their final seven games coming after their Week 11 bye.
Perhaps it’s a sign of things to come, especially considering their 0-4 mark is the worst start they’ve had in nearly 50 years. Their game against the Jets, though, was the best they’ve had in quite a while.
The mood was very different at Gang Green Nation where fans are growing weary of the Jets’ up-and-down performances this season.
So the Jets now stand at 3-3 and continue their Jekyll and Hyde act of win one, lose one. The good news: by this pattern, the next game should be a win. The bad news: the next game is against the Brady Bunch, and we have not fared well in second games against his Tomness. Next week is a big week. Bouncing back with a win would go a long way toward setting this team up for a run at the playoffs. Lose and we’re facing an away game against a tough Cincinnatti team and a home game against one of the best teams in football in New Orleans. 3-6 is a distinct possibility.
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