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I think it will be as follows:
Offense - as others have pointed out, when the Steelers used a pass-heavy, hurry-up offense (on the 1st drive and in the 4th quarter) with lots of underneath stuff, Jax couldn't cover them. Therefore, I think Welker & Faulk should have big days, with Brady taking the occassional shot at Moss if he is single covered. Jax has some big (and pretty quick) bruisers up front, so Brady better get rid of the ball fast. One thing was clear - you cannot run up the middle on Jax, so I don't see Maroney having a big day. I bet they use Faulk more, both for his blocking ability and his great screen pass moves.
Defense - stopping the run is at the top of the list, esp. Jones-Drew, who seems to be better at shaking a tackle than Taylor (this goes for J-D on special teams too). Then, I am not sure. I wonder if playing coverage on their average WRs is a better strategy than blitzing. Garrard is pretty elusive, but Pitt did get him to throw 2 ints into coverage (when he was touted as a guy who doesn't throw INTS). That QB draw out of the shotgun on 4th down was a thing of beauty. When I saw them lined up for the play, I said to my hubby - What the hell is he doing in the shotgun? He should be running it! Jax fooled me and the Steelers!
What do you think?
Offense - as others have pointed out, when the Steelers used a pass-heavy, hurry-up offense (on the 1st drive and in the 4th quarter) with lots of underneath stuff, Jax couldn't cover them. Therefore, I think Welker & Faulk should have big days, with Brady taking the occassional shot at Moss if he is single covered. Jax has some big (and pretty quick) bruisers up front, so Brady better get rid of the ball fast. One thing was clear - you cannot run up the middle on Jax, so I don't see Maroney having a big day. I bet they use Faulk more, both for his blocking ability and his great screen pass moves.
Defense - stopping the run is at the top of the list, esp. Jones-Drew, who seems to be better at shaking a tackle than Taylor (this goes for J-D on special teams too). Then, I am not sure. I wonder if playing coverage on their average WRs is a better strategy than blitzing. Garrard is pretty elusive, but Pitt did get him to throw 2 ints into coverage (when he was touted as a guy who doesn't throw INTS). That QB draw out of the shotgun on 4th down was a thing of beauty. When I saw them lined up for the play, I said to my hubby - What the hell is he doing in the shotgun? He should be running it! Jax fooled me and the Steelers!
What do you think?