The Jets will be home for the playoffs this year, but they still have a chance to make an impact on the post-season.

How?

By playing the role of spoiler.

It's a position no team (or fan) wants to be in because that means you're terrible, but that is the reality for Gang Green as they play out the string.  There are seven games remaining on the docket and six of those games will pit the Jets against teams that are either on their way to the playoffs or are in the mix for a berth.  Here's a quick run-down of the Jets next seven opponents and their records:

• Steelers (7-2)
• at Cowboys (8-1)
• at Dolphins (0-9)
• Browns (5-4)
• at Patriots (9-0)
• at Titans (6-3)
• Chiefs (4-5)

That means the Green and White will be playing quality opponents who will have something to fight for.

Excellent.

Some fans may be "rooting" for the Jets to lose their remaining games in order to secure the top pick in next year's draft.  It's not an awful strategy, but I can't do that -- it goes against every fiber of my being.  Obviously the Jets need help in many areas (OL, DL, LB, etc.) and a high pick in April's draft could help fill those holes, but I can't "root" for that to happen.  If I'm watching the games (and I will be) then I'm going to be cheering for the guys in the green jerseys.  I also want to see which players really want to be here and which are just going through the motions.  That may be difficult to judge, but I'd like to see guys come out with a chip on their shoulder and a little fire in their belly. 

The schedule is difficult and the Jets aren't a good team so a 1-15 or 2-14 record is entirely possible, but I won't be pulling for it.  I'm going to embrace the spoiler role and I hope the Jets do too.

And it starts Sunday against Pittsburgh.

And it won't be easy.

The Steelers team defense ranks first in every statistical category -- points allowed, rushing yards allowed and passing yards allowed.  Pittsburgh hasn't allowed a running back to pass the century mark on the ground in the past 32 games and has allowed only one 100-yard rusher in the last 57 contests.  The longest run the Steel Curtain has allowed this season went for 15 yards and was authored by Bengal running back Kenny Watson (who eviscerated the Jets for 130 yards and three touchdowns in Week 7).  Casey Hampton is a block of granite at the nose and linebackers Larry Foote and former Jet James "Potsi" Farrior do a great job manning the middle.  Outside backer James Harrison had one of the greatest games ever a few weeks ago against the Ravens on Monday Night when he forced two fumbles, recovered a fumble, intercepted a pass and picked up 2 1/2 sacks.  In the first half.

The Steeler secondary also features a pair of physical corners in Ike Taylor and DeShea Townsend and the hard-hitting safety Troy Polamalu.

I guess the good news is that the Jets will get a first-hand look at how a 3-4 defense is supposed to work.  Another bit of good news -- it looks like wide receiver Laveranues Coles will be back in the lineup for Gang Green so QB Kellen Clemens will have another weapon on offense.

He's going to need it.

Here's a look at a Steeler fan's view on the upcoming game.

And finally, the Jets will be honoring Curtis Martin during halftime on Sunday.  Martin is a native of Pittsburgh and went to college in the Steel City so it's fitting that the Green and White will be giving the future Hall of Famer his due against his hometown team.  Martin started his career in New England, but he picked up the majority of his numbers as a Jet.  The Jets have retired only three numbers in their history (Namath, Maynard and Klecko), but I think they'll add Number 28 to the list.  At least they should.

Anyway, Martin says he has found peace in retirement and is continuing on his quest to become an NFL owner.   

The Jets honored Wayne Chrebet during the half in Week 3 (I thought they should have retired his No. 80, but that didn't happen) and Gang Green went out and picked up their only win of the season against the Dolphins.

Maybe history repeats itself on Sunday.

And I'll be rooting for it to happen.

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