Jets Fall In Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh, PA (WIBX) - The Steelers rushed out to a 24-0 first half lead and that deficit was too much to overcome for Rey Ryan and the Jets. Pittburgh is headed to the Super Bowl after a 24-19 in the AFC Champship Game.

New York rallied for 19 unanswered points but couldn't stop Pittsburgh on third-down in the final two minutes and never gave quarterback Mark Sanchez a chance to lead a game winning drive. Sanchez threw for 233 yards and two touch-downs.

The Jets pushed the ball inside the one-yard line with under eight-minutes remaining in the game, but failed on fourth-down to cross the goal line. It lead to a Ben Roethlisberger fumble and safety on the next play, however, the missed opportunity for New York proved to be the difference in the game.

It's the second consecutive year the Jets have come up short in the AFC title game.

For Pittsburgh, it means an eighth trip to the Super Bowl. Despite his struggles against the Jets (133 yards and two interceptions), Roethlisberger is headed to his third Super Bowl, where he'll face Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers. Roethlisberger did have a 2-yard touchdown run.

Green Bay earned a tough road win in Chicago, beating the Bears 21-14.

Rodgers had his own difficulties in the NFC Championship Game, throwing two interceptions. He did run for a score in the first quarter.

Bears quarterback Jay Cutler left the game in the second half with a knee injury. Third stringer Caleb Hanie lead both Chicago TD drives after back-up Todd Collins was pulled after two series. However, Hanie also threw two interceptions, the last of which sealed the outcome.