Since 1994 the Steelers are 2-4 in AFC Championship games at home (they are 1-0 on the road). Granted Blitzburgh won the last one, so the monkey is off their back to a degree....
Why is home field not a bigger deal for Steelers? In the old grind it out games, they could ill afford to fall behind by much and that happened a few times. Against the Chargers and Colts (in '94 & '95) they allowed inferior teams to stay alive by not executing early and this was a regular rap on Cowher's teams in the playoffs. Tomlin on the other hand is 1-0 in home playoff games and his teams do seem more at ease "in the moment".
Ultimately though I think the biggest problem for the Steelers historically is one of match ups. Had the Pats won last week, they would have been in the same boat. The Jets on the other hand offer the type of team Pittsburgh plays best against... those who wish to run to set up the pass. The Jets are not a passing offense ESPECIALLY if their ground game gets stymied.
I like the Steelers to win going away, probably with a pick six in the 4th to close it out.
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