Sports C Monday, Jan. 24, 2011 Sports Editor Margaret Gallardo, 546–6360,
[email protected] Two to tango in Texas Steelers dominate first half, then hold on By Barry Wilner Associated Press PITTSBURGH — Ben Roethlisberg- er and the Pittsburgh Steelers found a fitting way to shut down the New York Jets’ season. What started with “Hard Knocks,” ended with hard knocks. For the third time in six seasons, Ter- rible Towels will twirl at the Super Bowl, where the Steelers will meet Green Bay after silencing Rex Ryan’s wild bunch in a 24-19 victory for the AFC championship Sunday. Look out Big D, here comes another Big D — in black and gold, and with an unmatched history of carrying off the Lombardi Trophy. The Steelers (14-4) also will challenge the Packers, who are 2Â-point fa- vorites, with a versatile attack led by their quarterback and running back Rashard Mendenhall. The defense, led by James Harrison, had a fumble return for a touchdown and a goal-line stand that shut down the Jets’ comeback in the fourth quarter. It will certainly test Aaron Rodgers in the title game in Dallas on Feb. 6. GENE J. PUSKAR / ASSOCIATED PRESS That smothering defense set the tone New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis, right, breaks up a pass intended for Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Mike Wallace during the AFC for most of a frigid night at Heinz Field Championship game in Pittsburgh on Sunday. to end the Jets’ stunning postseason run. Ryan slammed down his headset when Antonio Brown caught a pass for a first down that allowed Pittsburgh to Rodgers, Green Bay eliminate Chicago hang on and run out the clock.