Steelers RBs vs NE Front Seven – Razor’s Edge Pittsburgh
The Pittsburgh running game got a huge boost when La’Veon Bell returned from a three-game suspension. He and DeAngelo Williams are an extremely potent 1-2 combination in the backfield. Williams has run for 275 yards and three TDs thus far this year while Bell has 263 on 48 carries with a stellar 5.5 yards per carry since his return.
The Patriots have been very good against the run this season allowing an average of only 92 yards per game. Interior lineman Malcom Brown and Alan Branch have been outstanding in run support. Linebackers Hightower, Jamie Collins and rookie Elandon Roberts are excellent in run support.
The Steelers offensive line is very good upfront and they’ll make a concerted effort this week to run the ball, give the QB manageable third downs to make and keep the Patriots offense and Brady on the sideline. That will open some play-action passes down the field that they feast on. They are going to get their yards this week. The key from a Patriots perspective is to limit their effectiveness and not allow them to dominate and take over the game. Then, they can force mistakes in the passing game in obvious passing situations.
Steelers WRs vs NE Secondary- Razor’s Edge New England
Landry Jones has the tough job of filling in for Roethlisberger until he’s ready to come back. Judging from his past injury history, it should be sooner rather than later. Jones isn’t Big Ben and has been just okay when forced to fill Roethlisberger’s shoes. But he does have a dazzling display of talent to throw the ball to.
Antonio Brown is one of the game’s best wide receivers. He can do it all and is a threat every time he touches the ball be it in the short, medium or deep areas of the field. He’s ably backed up by deep threat speedster Sammie Coates, Markus Wheaton, Darrius Heyward-Bey and Eli Rogers outside. Jesse James is the tight end and Bell out of the backfield gives Jones plenty of weapons to throw to.
The Patriots have been mostly just so-so against the pass. Third down defense and the red zone have been big-time problem areas. The pass rush has been very inconsistent. The Patriots have gotten good performances by CBs Malcolm Butler and Logan Ryan. Slot corner has been an issue and the team got a nice performance by Eric Rowe last week. He earned some further reps this week.
Look for the Patriots to eventually get more aggressive with Jones as the game wears on. They’ll have to get a bit creative with the pressure and still play tight coverage against a very talented Pittsburgh receiving core. With Roethlisberger, their approach would be much different. Bell is the X-factor here, especially if they decide to blitz.
Special Teams- Razor’s Edge New England
The Patriots get the slight edge here, Stephen Gostkowski, although he’s struggling a bit with his FGs right now is always solid and has been outstanding at the kickoff pooch kicks which have enabled the Patriots to pin their opponents deep in their own zone. Chris Boswell has been very solid for the Steelers thus far making 4 of 5 FG attempts but hasn’t attempted a field goal of 50+ this season.
Punter Ryan Allen has been outstanding at angling his punts to the sidelines and limiting the returns of opponents. He’ll have to be again as the Steelers have the dangerous Brown on the receiving end. Pittsburgh punter Jordan Berry has been very solid with a 40.8-yard net average. The Patriots punt return game showed signs of life a week ago with Julian Edelman returning one 26 yards against Cincinnati. Look for Cyrus Jones to get another shot this week.
Next up, who wins and why…
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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)
