Well, that COULD work, but the Pats don't have nearly the pass rush the Eagles have. The key to this game for the Pats would be to stop the RUN! When the Steelers running game doesn't get going, it affects their whole offensive scheme.
This really should be an interesting game. Even though I'm a Steelers fan, I agree that this team is not as good as their record suggests. The Defense has been carrying them all season, as the offense has been mediocre at best. The O-line plays a significant part in that of course, but if you watch many Steelers games, you'll have to agree that Ben makes his O-line look worse than it actually is. He holds the ball to long, and always looks for the BIG play, rather than focusing in just moving the chains. Ben knows it, Tomlin knows it, and all the fans know it, but that's his game. Love it or hate it, not much that anyone can do about it.
Historically the Pats have always been a very tough opponent, and I don't see that changing this year, even without Brady. HOWEVER, as someone mentioned above, this will be a great test for your young QB. Cassel has faced some good defenses, and so far has been able to stay pretty calm and focused, BUT he HASN'T faced a D like the Burgh yet. The Steelers have a knack for confusing young/inexperienced QBs, and LeBeau will be cookin up some crazy blitz packages for just such an occassion. If he can keep his composure against THIS defense, you all should feel pretty good going into a possible playoff run. Really lookin forward to the game this week! Good luck and let's hope everyone stays healthy! :rocker: