Analysis: Breaking down the reasons for the Steelers success this season

By Dale Grdnic

PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers are back in the AFC championship game for the second time in three years, and there are many reasons for their success during a 12-4 regular season, No. 2 playoff seed and opening post-season win against the Baltimore Ravens.

It all starts with upper-level management for maintaining a competitive roster, fourth-year coach Mike Tomlin and his staff and a special mix of veteran players and youngsters. Several of those performed at such a high level this season that the club's success would not have occurred without them.

On offense, it all starts with Ben Roethlisberger. No matter what his detractors have said, Roethlisberger is a franchise quarterback with two Super Bowls on his resume and a high probability of another. He clearly outplayed Baltimore's Joe Flacco and should do the same when the Steelers face the New York Jets (13-5) and quarterback Mark Sanchez Sunday at 6:30 p.m. at Heinz Field.

Despite missing the opening four games due to an NFL-mandated suspension, Roethlisberger didn't take long to hit his stride this season and has been spectacular lately with no interceptions in 190 straight passes. The Steelers have been in four AFC title games in seven years with Roethlisberger.

"It all starts at the top,'' Roethlisberger said. "It starts with the Rooneys, awesome people, an awesome family (and) awesome owners.

"The coaches, I think all the players really respect the coaches from the head guy all the way down to our position (coaches). We are a family. We have been since I've been here, and we'll fight and do anything for each other.''