Sports

At last: Steelers showcase old form to break winless drought and raise optimism

Associated Press
Published | Updated

Pittsburgh Steelers' Ziggy Hood (96) tackles New York Jets' Geno Smith (7) during the second half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Oct. 13, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Steelers won 19-6. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig) (The Associated Press)

Pittsburgh Steelers' Lawrence Timmons (94) intercepts a pass by New York Jets' Geno Smith during the second half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Oct. 13, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Steelers won 19-6. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig) (The Associated Press)

Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin is cautiously optimistic his team's rough start is finally a thing of the past.

Pittsburgh won its first game in nearly ten months on Sunday, beating the New York Jets 19-6. It's a victory that followed a familiar script for the Steelers. The defense sacked Geno Smith three times and picked off two passes while the offense didn't turn the ball over for the first time this season.

Tomlin says he hopes the win is a "springboard" for Pittsburgh as it enters a critical stretch.

At 1-4, the Steelers remain in last place in the AFC North but have an opportunity to make inroads. They host the defending Super Bowl-champion Baltimore Ravens on Sunday afternoon.

___

AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org