Re: Steelers could be the one:Adam Schein
The Patriots defense has got to be the most disappointing part of this team right now and I think what the defense has accomplished has been a product of the high scoring offense. I would compare it to the how opponents would deal with the constant scoring of the Colts; opposing offenses would press so as to keep up with the Colts. That puts the ball in the hands of the quarterback, dropping back to pass and interceptions.
So the Patriots defense is inheriting an opposing offense that is under pressure to keep up, with their quarterback trying to get the ball down field and match the Patriots point for point. Both the Ravens and Eagles made that mistake; the Raven's Kyle Boller forced the ball that was intercepted by Sanders and Feeley laid one up deep for Samuel. At the same time, these teams found a weak spot and hit it hard. The Pats couldn't cover the middle of the field against the Eagles and they couldn't stop the run against the Ravens. And the mistakes that each QB made were mistakes they didn't have to make.
In the past, the Patriots defense was amazing in the red zone and were able to make the stops when they needed to. I would almost contend that the defense of the past was less talented, but at the same time, Bruschi is older, no Ty Law, no McGinest, but a better Warren, Thomas, Green, Wilfork and Rodney Harrison. I would just expect better from that talent on the defense because it always seemed as if they didn't have the talent to match teams like the Colts and yet they matched them.
I guess I could say the same about the offensive line.