Patriots Pregame Thread We're on to Pittsburgh...

[FourierSeries]

Burkhead and/or Lewis will have a big game in this one. They'll be able to exploit the loss of Shazier, as they don't really have anyone that can deal with either guy. Burkhead in particular will be a nightmare match up for them.

 

[Uptown]

Agree or disagree??? I personally believe (based off of past experience) that The Butler’s skill set matches up well with AB. However, MB hasn’t been playing his best ball as of late, but I love his confidence & ability to fight/ finish plays.

Stephon Gilmore Gives the Patriots the Best Chance to Limit Antonio Brown - The Jeff Howe Show

 

[supafly]

Agree or disagree???

Stephon Gilmore Gives the Patriots the Best Chance to Limit Antonio Brown - The Jeff Howe Show

Disagree. I think you basically have to double him most of the time, so why not just keep Butler on him with some help from Harmon?

Gilmore can play on the more physical (and bigger) Smith-Schuster. Rowe can hopefully match up against the taller Bryant, in the same way that he did the SB vs Jones.

 

[Uptown]

Patriots ground game can break down Steelers

 

[obgod3]

Both defenses could struggle. If Branch is out this week its yet another problem for our defense.

 

[Uptown]

Ray Fittipaldo on Twitter

“Cam Sutton said after practice that he and Joe Haden rotated with the first-team defense in practice today. Sutton, the rookie third-round pick, could get his first NFL start Sunday against the Patriots.”

 

[Mack Herron]

 

[PatriotsNumero1Fan]

I would be shocked if the steelers played zone again. I expect them to try and play some man coverage. Our wrs will have to beat coverage.

 

[PatsFan2]

I expect a Big Game From Hoagie with Gronk back.

 

[long distance]

Patriots ground game can break down Steelers

Apart from Gronk and probably Waddle returning I have a feeling they might bring back Gillislee for this one. Hard to keep extra RB on 46 now but w/o Shazier this might be just the game to do it..

Might depend on Britt, Dorsett situation as well..

 

[Pats1989]

Both defenses could struggle. If Branch is out this week its yet another problem for our defense.

Need to draft a pass rusher and a TE in the draft. Obviously Gronk & Hightower have proven to be injury prone.

 

[long distance]

Id guess Flowers plays this one. Even KVN possible..

 

[PatsFan2]

I hope Gilly was working on those Hands catching the Football because that's what separated him from the others.

 

[catent]

Our wrs will have to beat coverage.

You don't say...! Well this'll be a unique game, that's for sure. Absolutely riveting insight!

 

[Ras-IR Dowling]

I would be shocked if the steelers played zone again. I expect them to try and play some man coverage. Our wrs will have to beat coverage.

Yup. Expect a lot of man coverage Sunday.

 

[Bruins29]

. Our wrs will have to beat coverage.

 

[Pats1989]

I don't like the idea of Lee, Richards, and Roberts playing againdt this offense. It's going to be Ugly...

Better hope Jacksonville loses a game to either Houston, Titans, or 49ers...

 

[Mack Herron]

Pray for Flowers and Van Noy.

 

[Uptown]

Burkhead and/or Lewis will have a big game in this one. They'll be able to exploit the loss of Shazier, as they don't really have anyone that can deal with either guy. Burkhead in particular will be a nightmare match up for them.

Yep. I watched that Ravens-Steelers game & RB Alex Collins had a field day against them. Especially on those perimeter/ sideline to sideline runs. Shazier’s speed will be severely missed on Sunday. RBs Alex Collins & Buck Allen rushed for a combined 145 yards & 3 TDs on 24 rushes @ about 5 yards a clip.

 

[Mack Herron]

Doesn't sound good for Haden.
OUT:
TE Vance McDonald
QUESTIONABLE
CB Joe Haden (Fibula)
CB Coty Sensabaugh (Shoulder)
WR JuJu Smith-Schuster (Hamstring)