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

Steve Balestrieri Senior Writer · PatsFans.com since 2011

Oct 21, 2016 at 6:00 am ET 6 min read 2.4k views

**** DO NOT USE **** — Photo: Greg M. Cooper - USA TODAY Sports

6 min read NFL Commentary

Prediction:
This one has the script flipped once it was announced that Roethlisberger would miss the game due to his knee surgery. This one promised to be one of those old-time AFL shootouts. Now with Jones at the helm, the Steelers don’t want him in a shootout type scenario with Brady. They’ll attempt to slow the game down and limit Brady’s chances to score.

The Patriots will probably put their best effort to slow down Bell in both the running and passing games. If they can do that, and putting Jones into third and long scenarios, then they having the opportunity to throw some looks that he hasn’t seen before and perhaps forcing a turnover or two.

On the opposite side of the ball, Brady has had great success against Pittsburgh. The past two meetings against the Steelers defense he’s completed 48 of 65 passes for 720 yards, eight touchdowns, and zero interceptions. Look for him to target the linebackers and safeties with the two tight ends. Julian Edelman and Chris Hogan will work outside and try to pressure the corners.

This one will be close but I expect the Pats to pull away in the second half. The Steelers have some great weapons and are very tough at home, but this is a place that New England has proven that it can win in. Patriots 31-21

Follow me on Twitter @SteveB7SFG or email me at [email protected]

Listen to our Patriots 4^th and 2 podcasts on blog talk radio as the writers Russ Goldman, Derek Havens and I from PatsFans.com discuss the latest Patriots news Wednesdays at 12 noon.

Like this article?
Support Steve and buy him a coffee.

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)

View all posts by Steve Balestrieri