Its all about turnovers

[Ring 6]

This game, like most, will be all about turnovers.
The Patriots, for the season are +5 and 6-2. Looking closer:

The Patriots have 3 turnovers in each of their 2 losess, and 3 turnovers in their 6 wins combined.
The Patriots are:

+4 2-0 win by 27 and 3
+2 1-0 (w14)
+1 2-0 (w10,8)
-2 1-1 (w3, l 20)
-3 0-1 (l14)

The Steelers, who by the way have turned the ball over at least once every game, are 6-2 and +9.

+6 1-0 (w8)
+2 1-0 (18)
+1 0-1 (l3)
even 4-1 (w6,6,1,25, l10)



The Steelers 4 evens were against NO (loss) TB, Cincy, Atl, Miami and the Miami game should have been -1 and a loss.

Clearly, we are a very tough team to beat if we are not turning the ball over, and the Steelers are relying on the turnover to win some close games as well.

If Brady and the Pats protect the ball, we win the game, IMO. If we have a disadvantage in the turnover battle, it will be tough to overcome on the road, and if its even, this will be a classic battle of 2 good teams.

 

[jmt57]

Watching that game against the Bengals, those turnovers were huge. In particular Pittsburgh is lethal when their opponents have the ball deep in their own territory:
It Is What It Is - Nuggetpalooza’s Patriots Preview: At Pittsburgh

When their opponents are pinned inside their own 20-yard-line, the Steelers’ defense has picked off three passes (second most) AND they’ve sacked the quarterback three times (also second most). Interceptions and sacks account for nearly a quarter of those plays this season against the Steelers.

Note this too: When inside their own 20, Brady and the Patriots have completed just 10-of-22 passes (45 percent), the lowest percentage in the league.

Hopefully the Pats can take advantage of a turnover or two with replacements starting on the Steelers offensive line.

The Steelers are fumbling at the fifth-highest rate in the NFL (2.1 percent of touches), while the Patriots have put it on the ground at the league’s third-lowest rate (0.7 percent) despite two critical fumbles last Sunday in Cleveland.

Oh, and Pittsburgh’s defense is tied for the NFL lead with 10 opponent fumble recoveries.