Rich Hill made a great observation on how to limit Pittsburgh explosive offense:
The key to beating the Patriots requires the third, fourth, and fifth offensive skill players to outplay the Patriots third, fourth, and fifth defenders
.....But once you get beyond Bell and Brown, who represent 51.8% of the Steelers yards from scrimmage in 2016, there aren’t many other consistent threats in the Pittsburgh offense. WR Eli Rogers has 600 yards from scrimmage as the #2 receiver. No other player has more than 500 yards from scrimmage. If the Patriots can limit either of Bell or Brown, as they are capable of doing, then the Steelers offense would be greatly hindered.
Essentially, the Patriots can figure out a way to scheme out the impact of both Brown and Bell, and put the pressure on other WRs, TE, and RBs to make plays.
Where it gets interesting is what Hill says about Roethlisberger:
Ben Roethlisberger is having a bad season: The Steelers QB, who I had as a top 5 player at his position, has been terrible in 2016. Even though the Steelers have won 9 straight games, their offense has been carried by Le’Veon Bell over that stretch. Bell’s historic rushing output has been great for the Steelers in terms of moving the ball, but Roethlisberger has struggled with turnovers and finishing drives. The Steelers QB likes to take chances with his All-Pro caliber arm strength, something the Patriots can take advantage of. The Patriots will likely be keeping two safeties deep and playing a good amount of Cover 2 to take away the big plays and make Roethlisberger dink and dunk his way down the field. The Patriots defense will have to be patient because Roethlisberger will make mistakes and give you that turnover-worthy throw at least once per drive.
Seems like a risky strategy to try and dare a 2-time Super Bowl champ like Big Ben to beat you with his arm and put togethet long, methodical drives. But then again, you could argue he's been the weak link of Pittsburgh Killer Bs, especially on the road:
@PF_SU: "For some reason Roethlisberger has struggled massively on the road these last couple of years (for his standards).
2015: 6 games, 1850 yards, 70.8% completion, 5 TDs, 9 INTs
2016: 8 games, 1904 yards, 59.36% completion, 9 TDs, 8 INTs"
Also, this
Will definately look forward to seeing the Patriots defensive gameplan