Official Steelers vs. Pats POST game thread

Unless something drastic happens, I just don't see us losing this game.

As talented as the Steelers personnel are, they just don't give you any surprise on offense or defense. It's a "this is what we do, see if you can beat us at this" philosophy. The zone defense concept hasn't changed in years (although their coverage designs have), and the zone blitz just doesn't fool Brady. A zone blitz to Brady is like a game of whack-a-mole: he just hits the vacant zone. The only area of concern is Polamalu, who is given license to freelance. However, he has a really hard time with our Ace package (2 WR/2TE/1RB) because there are so many options run out of it, and you don't know if the TE's are out to block or on routes, or even both. On multiple occasions in last year's game (especially the long bomb to Tate) he was often lost in space. While he's lost a step or two, he's still talented and as long as the line keeps an eye on him, we really shouldn't have any trouble moving the chains.

On the other end of the ball, I expect (and a lot of posters will like this) us to be fairly aggressive on defense, to blitz and send in an extra man, or have the line bring the stunt, and occasional double-stunt just to get pressure on Ben, who I view as a bigger version of Favre, big on broken plays and thin on playbook smarts. The more the ball stays in his hand, the more of a chance a big play has to develop, so rather than allow him to pump-fake everyone to death, it's better to get a free man in after him. The Cards were able to beat him up and I view this very favorably because our line is better and much more sophisticated.

The Steelers offense has pretty much remained the same over the years, and I strongly suspect that has a lot to do with Ben R's limited cerebral capacities at QB. You'll notice he almost never calls protection (Pouncey does that) so he'll rarely change things at the line. I wouldn't be surprised to see us go in at 3-4, but if we stay with the four man front, I expect us to go okie on Pouncey, so he experiences stress while trying to figure out protection. The one problem we will have is containing Wallace, the new emerging threat- he and Ben have been clicking lately, and he is a burner so it's not as simple as slapping bracket coverage on him. I think you start with a chip and hit him hard coming off the line, and drive him into the middle of the field where he has to think about getting hit.

Last year the Steelers ranked #1 in run defense, yet we went out and bullied them, hit them in the mouth and ran on them. BJGE dropped almost 90 yards (5 YPC) on them. I think this was a feature of the gameplan that they did not expect. This year they rank #15, and while I don't want to run at the expense of Brady's ability to kill the zone defense, I do hope there will be a good dose, just to keep them honest.

The only thing I would be wary of is how the Steelers are going to come out- Tomlin is probably going to have the entire team sit through the whole game from last year to drive home how much we bullied them (we sent Hines out of the game with a concussion, and hurt a few other players). They will probably come to play with the attitude that they have to pay us back for this- but this shouldn't last long if we just stick to the game plan.

steelers gave up 20 points to one of the worst teams in the league. Brady and Co. should put up 40 on them.

Im sold. Nice piece. Great read.:youtheman:

Harrison and Smith out? That is huge for us.

There's no way the Pats lose this game. The Steelers are down to one legitimate pass rusher (Woodley) and Brady figured out their blitzes a long time ago. The Pitt OL is in shambles, and even Pouncey is vastly overrated. I just hope Haynesworth rested up during the bye, because getting 50% of the snaps or so would be huge. Getting Mayo back would also be great, so they can unleash both Spikes and Mayo on blitzes.

And Polamalu does a ton of guessing. That's his role. But when he plays against Brady, he's almost always wrong.

Might even be without Casey Hampton too. And Smith the DE was just put on IR. So the Dline may very well be Keisel, Hood and Hayward. Oh and McLendon.

Dino 6 Rings said:

Might even be without Casey Hampton too. And Smith the DE was just put on IR. So the Dline may very well be Keisel, Hood and Hayward. Oh and McLendon.

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Rookie on rookie battle with Solder vs. Hayward maybe? That should be interesting.

Patspsycho said:

On the other end of the ball, I expect (and a lot of posters will like this) us to be fairly aggressive on defense, to blitz and send in an extra man, or have the line bring the stunt, and occasional double-stunt just to get pressure on Ben, who I view as a bigger version of Favre, big on broken plays and thin on playbook smarts. The more the ball stays in his hand, the more of a chance a big play has to develop, so rather than allow him to pump-fake everyone to death, it's better to get a free man in after him. The Cards were able to beat him up and I view this very favorably because our line is better and much more sophisticated.

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Great post. I agree with everything but attacking the pocket, except in obvious long yardage downs. My guess is that the Patriots focus on taking Mendenhall out of the game and playing conservative pass defense, forcing Ben to throw into coverage. The LBs, DBs (and Vince, the pickoff machine) will look to cover and jump routes all day and go for picks and strips. The Jets and the Cowboys games were remarkable because in both, the QBs had to check down consistently to underneath stuff. Ben doesn't have that discipline nor does his coach discourage him from throwing deep. This could be a big game for McCourty who excels in a gambling, ball-skill focused game.

Yeah barring a miracle we are winning this one.

- Brady owns their secondary
- Their OL always makes our DL look like studs, and this year we actually DO have a pretty good DL
- BB is almost unbeatable after a bye week
- They haven't looked impressive in any of their games, beaten a bunch of joke teams except Tennessee (3-3 team)... almost lost to 2 horrible teams in the Colts and Jags

It would take a Bills-like collapse and barrage of bad bounces to make us lose this one IMO... and some home cooking from the refs.

Can't wait for this game. Too bad I have to watch it online. Ugh.

In regards to the steelers game, Is there ever a chance they'll try something new? Like taking a page from Rob Ryan, the Ravens, Jets etc? I just don't like under estimating an opponent regardless of past success, at some point these teams try something new or end up like Buffalo 15-1 against the pats. When or if will this happen? Just curious.

Nice right up psycho,

There's some knowledgeable fans on this site that post well written informative pieces it must be said. A lot of the news in the mainstream media feels like repetitive fluff. Thanks for the effort it's much appreciated.

Hey guys, Steelers fan here. Just thought I'd talk this weekends matchup with you guys. I always have a good time going on other fans' message boards and talking quality football.

My thought on the game is as follows:

These next two weeks are absolutely HUMONGOUS to see where the Steelers stand in the AFC and as a contender in the league (next 2 games are N.E/Balty at home.) When it comes down to it, if we were to split, we'd rather lose to you guys because Baltimore is an absolute MUST WIN for us and there's no way to sugarcoat that. I assure you, I am NOT sold on this 2011 Steelers squad but we have made strides week by week in our ailing positions.

With that said, there is no quarterback in this entire league that could ever crack the Pittsburgh Steelers zone blitz defense than Tom Brady. I think we've only beaten him ONCE in his whole career and that was in the 2004 regular season. All the others, Brady schooled us like red-headed step children, reached back around and ***** slapped us AND our mothers.

Even though the Pats defense is giving up a huge chunk of yardage as of late, their offense is still practically unstoppable and that takes pressure off of a defense playing on the balls of their feet. It seems as if the Pats are trying to become more balanced this season and the Steelers have STRUGGLED mightily with balanced offense's that sprinkles in a run attack (Baltimore, Houston.)

The Steelers have officially become an air-it-out attacking offense and we have some STUD receivers, maybe the fastest & quickest in the league but staying toe to toe with Brady is a tough feat. We'd have to score atleast 30 to win it IMHO.

But the one thing that scares me, is your Tight Ends. Hernandez is that typical Tight End that the Steelers lose sleep over. All the years that I've been covering the Steelers, big, fast, physical and stud TE's scorch our scheme and Brady has just that in his arsenal to play with, not to mention Welker underneath and that Y.A.C.

When it's all said and done, I'm hoping we can get pressure up the middle and force Brady's rhythm off but I expect N.E to win this one by 13 or so.

Thanks for your commentary SS, most all of us very much enjoy a well thought out perspective on an upcoming opponent from a fan of that team.

Has Ben ever had back to back 300+ yard games?

I bet not too often

I may be working..not sure yet but at least i can catch the second half if i do work...not worried about pitt..was much more worried about dallas

robbomango said:

In regards to the steelers game, Is there ever a chance they'll try something new? Like taking a page from Rob Ryan, the Ravens, Jets etc? I just don't like under estimating an opponent regardless of past success, at some point these teams try something new or end up like Buffalo 15-1 against the pats. When or if will this happen? Just curious.

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I wouldn't bank on it. Roethlisberger has been begging to use the no-huddle more often and Ben sure is capable at being dangerous in that, but our offensive coordinator is a stiff. Maybe this would be the week we actually do use more of the no huddle, but I wouldn't expect anything fancy, especially since we have been playing musical chairs on our offensive line as of late. I expect to line up, maybe 5 wide or double tight sets and use what N.E gives us. That's been our game plan the past several weeks.

IMHO, New England isn't the team to try crap over, we need all the smart and logical downs we can afford. One hiccup and Brady will have his team up by 21 real quick.

Has Ben ever had back to back 300+ yard games?

EDIT: Checked on Bens career ...he has only had ONE back to back 300 yard game in his career so I wouldn't expect one Sunday.

PATRIOTSFANINPA said:

Has Ben ever had back to back 300+ yard games?

EDIT: Checked on Bens career ...he has only had ONE back to back 300 yard game in his career so I wouldn't expect one Sunday.

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True, but this isn't my Grandpa's, Steelers offense. I've never seen the Steelers have this much talent and speed at the WR position and we have just made the transition to being an air-attack team. We were always that Jerome Bettis type style offense with the lead back and would pound it and only throw the ball 19-20 times a game.

Not no more. Ben now has the deep threat in Wallace and the speed with Sanders and Brown and we are experimenting more in the passing game. Expect Ben to pass atleast 30 times this game.

StainlessStill said:

True, but this isn't my Grandpa's, Steelers offense. I've never seen the Steelers have this much talent and speed at the WR position and we have just made the transition to being an air-attack team. We were always that Jerome Bettis type style offense with the lead back and would pound it and only throw the ball 19-20 times a game.

Not no more. Ben now has the deep threat in Wallace and the speed with Sanders and Brown and we are experimenting more in the passing game. Expect Ben to pass atleast 30 times this game.

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Ben's been pushing for that since Cowher and Wisenhut were there... Not sure it's in the teams best interest, but since Cowher left Ben has a way of getting his way. Ben has long dreamed of being spoken of in the same breath as Brady and Manning and now Brees and Rogers. Even with two rings most folks get that's not who he is. Not to say he hasn't had his moments. But at other times he's your worst enemy. Your OL gets hit with most of the blame, and sometimes they are aweful. But he also has had the habit of hanging on to the ball too long because he always believes he can make something out of nothing. Guys like that are feast or famine. Romo's split personality...

Ben looks a little svelter lately, knocking off the frat boy lifestyle now that he's a married man I assume. But he still has a habit that annoys the bejesus out of me. He gets knocked around a lot, but when he screws up it's almost a given that's when he starts limping or clutching some body part although seems to shake it off if his situation changes. Favre always did that. As does Cutler. Sanchez tends to as well... Gunslingers seldom hold themselves accountable. When they screw up they try to find something or someone to blame it on...

Not sure what Rivers was babbling about Sunday but he obviously was trying to give someone the impression that something out of his control happened... Like the refs misinformed him of the down or all his receivers misinterpreted his play call and ran toward midfield...

Patspsycho said:

I wouldn't be surprised to see us go in at 3-4, but if we stay with the four man front, I expect us to go okie on Pouncey, so he experiences stress while trying to figure out protection.

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What is "okie"?