The Steelers are a big, physical, tough team! It doesn't mean the Patriots can not beat them though.
The Patriots rushing attack will have its hands full with the Steelers Defense. Opponents are averaging 2.9 yards per carry against the Steelers. The Steelers are surrendering just 66.5 rushing yards per game, putting them on pace to break their single-season franchise record of 74.7, in 2001. Look for the Patriots to still rush, but not get a lot of yardage.
When the Patriots get into the Red-zone (yes, they will!), they will be facing the league's No. 1 team in scoring defense. The Steelers are holding opponents to an average of 14.5 points per game. Red-zone success has been key, as they rank No. 1 in that category, holding opponents to 11 touchdowns in 32 possessions (34.4 percent). Offensively, they rank fifth in the red zone (20 touchdowns, 31 trips, 64.5 percent). The Patriots offense has been on fire lately, so they will put the Steelers to the test.
The Steelers have been banged up at cornerback in recent weeks, which forced CB Fernando Bryant (who was with the Patriots in training camp) onto the field after he was signed as a free agent. With that in mind, the Patriots will likely look to test matchups in that area in multiple-receiver packages.
The Steelers do have issues with pass protection. The Steelers have surrendered 35 quarterback sacks on the season, the same total as the Patriots. Only the Bengals, Lions, Rams and 49ers have allowed more. The Patriots will need to get to Ben Roethlisberger to slow the Steelers down.
Like the Patriots as well, the Steelers have been bitten by the injury bug. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (shoulder), running back Willie Parker (knee, shoulder), cornerback Deshea Townsend (hamstring), cornerback Bryant McFadden (forearm), safety Ryan Clark (shoulder), and tight end Heath Miller (ankle) are a few of the notable players who have either played through injuries or have been sidelined by them.
The Patriots have been great of the offensive side of the ball in previous weeks...the defense now needs to step it up this weekend.
No comments:
Post a Comment