HERO

Rashard Mendenhall apparently changed his name to Jim Brown just before kickoff, because the Steelers’ power back put on a display worthy of No. 32. Breaking tackles left and right, Mendenhall made the Jets look like bowling pins while racking up 121 yards and a touchdown on 27 punishing carries. Mendenhall’s running set the tone for Pittsburgh’s 24-19 win.

UNSUNG HERO

Backup center Doug Legursky ended up playing a huge role for the Steelers. Pressed into emergency duty when Pro Bowl rookie Maurkice Pouncey hurt his ankle on the game’s opening series, Legursky had one glaring mistake — a snap that produced a safety — but was otherwise impressive. The Steelers really didn’t miss a beat with Pouncey out.

BOX SCORE

PHOTOS: JETS LOSE TO STEELERS, 24-19

COMPLETE JETS COVERAGE

ZERO

What in the world was that play-calling in the fourth quarter, Brian Schottenheimer? The Jets’ much-maligned offensive coordinator will have a hard time living down his decisions after getting first-and-goal from the Pittsburgh 2. Two passes and then throwing undersized LaDainian Tomlinson into the middle of the line were about as productive as it sounds.

KEY MOMENT

Ike Taylor’s second-quarter strip sack of Mark Sanchez that resulted in William Gay’s return for a touchdown and a 24-0 Steelers lead didn’t end the game, but it certainly gave the Jets a wall too high to climb. No team in an AFC title game had ever overcome more than an 18-point deficit, and the Jets weren’t going to be the first.