Patriots RBs vs Steelers Front Seven – Razor’s Edge Pittsburgh
The Patriots running game has taken a back seat now that Tom Brady has moved back under center the past two weeks. But LeGarrette Blount and James White continue to get some carries and they keep the pass/run balance to very manageable levels. Blount only carried 13 times a week ago but managed 50 yards and a touchdown.
The Steelers defense is normally very stout against the run, last week was just an anomaly although they do miss Cam Heyward at his DE position. With Ryan Shazier out with an injury, 4th year ILB Vince Williams has filled in nicely.
The Patriots won’t look to run exclusively in this one, the front seven is too tough, but they can be expected to keep the defense honest and try to catch them in blitz situations with some quick hitters and some work by Blount inside between the tackles.
Patriots WRs vs Steelers Secondary – Razor’s Edge New England
The Patriots passing game has been on fire the past two weeks with Brady at the helm. With a varied offense featuring the two tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Martellus Bennett, WRs Julian Edelman, Danny Amendola and Chris Hogan and James White out of the backfield, there have been too many weapons for opponents to handle.
The Pittsburgh defense has adopted a bend but don’t break approach trying to keep the play in front of them and denying the big plays downfield. But their pass rush has struggled, generating only eight sacks [three by Heyward], and they’re giving up nearly 300 yards a game via the air.
Tom Brady has always had excellent success against the Steelers and I don’t see that changing here. The two tight ends put a big strain on the back end of the defense. Gronkowski gave the Steelers fits a year ago against what were arguably communication breakdowns. However, he and Bennett should find success against the middle area of the field. Look for James White to be targeted quite a bit again this week.
Next up the Pittsburgh offense:
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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)
