Like we talked about in our five keys post before the game, the Patriots are going to have to find a way to get more pressure on QB Ben Roethlisberger to have a chance at stopping the Steelers’ offense. The two sacks they got were coverage sacks. The Patriots need to affect Roethlisberger.
Playing zone defense is predicated on getting a reasonable amount of pressure. After about three seconds, receivers are going to find the soft spots in the zone.
Surprised in passing situations the Patriots are going with Nate Solder at RT exclusively. Steelers OLB LaMarr Woodley (two sacks) is more of a speed rusher and Solder can handle speed. Plus, Vollmer has five weeks of rust.
Overall, the offensive line must be better in the second half. There have been false starts and sloppy play. Patriots need to execute.
Steelers are being very physical with TE Rob Gronkowski, who had three TDs against them last year. Patriots might want to think about swapping Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez. Hernandez has been lined up wide most of the time. Might be better to split Gronkowski out.
Patriots need to dig up some man coverage beaters in the second half. They obviously weren’t prepared for so much man-to-man from the Steelers. That was **** LeBeau’s wrinkle for this game.
You wonder where the Patriots would be in this game if Roethlisberger hadn’t thrown the interception to Gary Guyton. Really kept them in the game.
Love having Kevin Faulk back, but he can be too much of a security blanket for the offense. He's playing too many snaps. Gets the offense away from their strengths.
