AFC Wild Card | Jacksonville goes for doubleheader sweep

PITTSBURGH — The Jaguars have out-Steelered the Steelers at their own game.

Jacksonville runs to win rather than merely to set up the pass, controlling the line of scrimmage and playing almost error-free while allowing few big plays.

Jack Del Rio is the Jaguars' coach, but his game plans have Chuck Noll and Bill Cowher written all over them.

The Jaguars are 3-0 against the Steelers the past three seasons, winning twice in Pittsburgh. Their latest victory, a run-at-will 29-22 decision at snowy Heinz Field three weeks ago, was driven by their 224 yards rushing, the most against Pittsburgh since 2000. Fred Taylor ran for 147 yards and Maurice Jones-Drew added 69.

"They're the Pittsburgh Steelers South," Steelers tackle Willie Colon said.

Thus sets up the curious juxtaposition for tonight's AFC wild-card game, the first playoff showdown between the one-time AFC Central rivals.

For the Jaguars (11-5) to win, they probably must assume the Steelers' persona again, a southern team playing northern-style football in the January chill. For the Steelers (10-6) to win, they probably must play deep South football, putting the ball in quarterback Ben Roethlisberger's hands without worrying about down and distance or the two things that can go wrong on any pass.

Pittsburgh hasn't lost a playoff home game in the wild card or divisional round since 1992, yet this game has a different feel. The Steelers are underdogs, some not-so-confident fans are selling tickets at face value on eBay, and the buzz that usually accompanies any home postseason game is lacking.

The Steelers even put a few tickets up for sale, something they almost never do publicly during the season, much less the playoffs.

There was some good news for them Friday — strong safety Troy Polamalu, who has missed four of six games with knee swelling, practiced for the first time all week. He's listed as questionable.

However, the fourth-seeded Steelers have rarely been so beaten up for a playoff game. They'll be without running back Willie Parker, who ran for 100 yards against Jacksonville earlier, and that means Najeh Davenport — who gained just 27 yards Sunday against Baltimore — will start. Also out are offensive tackles Marvel Smith and Max Starks, defensive end Aaron Smith and safety Ryan Clark.

They're down to their No. 3 left tackle, Trai Essex, a major worry considering they have been outrushed 494-327 while losing three of four.

"That's a concern," coach Mike Tomlin said of the confidence the Steelers may have lost during their recent slide. "A lot of things are of concern."