The Steelers have taken a 17-10 lead against the New York Jets in the third quarter on a rushing touchdown by Rashard Mendenhall. That’s good, because the early games didn’t go particularly well – the Ravens won, the Colts beat the Jaguars, and the Chargers won on Thursday, so the only way for the Steelers to clinch a playoff spot this week is to beat the Jets. The Steelers also will not clinch a first-round bye this week, thanks to the Ravens’ victory – although the one silver lining so far is that because the Jaguars lost, the Ravens will be the only other team keeping the Steelers from getting one if the Steelers can pull out a win today.
Anyway, Mendenhall has 78 yards rushing so far this evening in addition to the touchdown, and Ben Roethlisberger is 17-for-27 with 157 yards and a touchdown pass to Matt Spaeth. Mark Sanchez has been surprisingly effective for the Jets, going 13-for-18 with 117 yards.