Patriots – Steelers, Who Has the Razor’s Edge? Key Matchups

Steve Balestrieri Senior Writer · PatsFans.com since 2011

Sep 9, 2015 at 12:00 pm ET 4 min read 2.4k views

4 min read Patriots Commentary

Steelers RBs vs NE Front Seven – Razor’s Edge Patriots
The Steelers don’t have Le’Veon Bell who is suspended for the first three games of the season but in DeAngelo Williams and Dri Archer, they have both a big back and a change of pace runner that can be effective. Missing is C Maurkice Pouncey who had surgery last week and would be a big key to the push inside.

The Patriots will be without Vince Wilfork this season but Alan Branch, Sealver Siliga as well as rookie Malcom Brown should be up to the task inside.

Steelers WRs vs NE Secondary- Razor’s Edge Pittsburgh
Ben Roethlisberger had a fantastic 2014 and averaged over 300 yards a game passing. Antonio Brown is his go-to guy and will be a handful for whoever covers him. With speedster Martavis Bryant suspended, Pittsburgh will used rookie Sammie Coates who can fly as well as Markus Wheaton and Darrius Heyward-Bey. Old hand Heath Miller remains a solid safety valve at tight end.

The Patriots secondary is still a question mark with no Revis, Browner and Arrington. Malcolm Butler and Tarell Brown will attempt to hold down the fort. The front seven pass rush this season will get its first test against a good, solid offensive line. Jabaal Sheard will be the guy to watch for New England.

Special Teams- Razor’s Edge Patriots
The Steelers lost two kickers due to injury in the preseason and now have Josh Scobee who came over from Jacksonville. Jordan Berry is the new punter this season. Return men Brown, Wheaton and Archer are good but not spectacular.

The Patriots have returning kickers Stephen Gostkowski and Ryan Allen who are very dependable. Julian Edelman, if healthy is a dangerous punter returner and the Patriots coverage units are always solid.

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About Steve Balestrieri

A former US Army Special Forces NCO and Officer, Steve has been following the Patriots since their days at Fenway Park. Steve has worked in the film industry and wrote as an Military Editor at SpecialOperations.com, 1945.com as a reporter for the Millbury Daily Voice, Millbury-Sutton Chronicle, and the Grafton News. He's also a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA)

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