Deep Dive Preview: New England Patriots @ Pittsburgh Steelers
In what has been a decidedly mediocre AFC field this season, the Patriots and Steelers have consistently been the class of the conference. This week’s clash in Pittsburgh will likely decide the AFC’s top seed, which merits a closer look than just our usual Quick Picks.
Despite an 11–2 record, Pittsburgh has started slowly too often against inferior teams. They beat the Colts, Packers (without Aaron Rodgers), Bengals and Ravens by a combined 10 points over four of their past five contests. Despite consistent fourth quarter heroics from Antonio Brown, if the Steelers start slow again this week, the Patriots will punish them.
Although he is the GOAT, Tom Brady still has mortal moments, like a 27–20 loss to Miami on Monday Night Football. The Patriots struggled all game, finishing with just 25 rushing yards whilst allowing 362 total yards. Jay Cutler played like it was 2007, and Brady’s career record in Miami drops to 7–9.
Now the Patriots face Ben Roethlisberger, who is coming off a 506 yard performance against Baltimore’s vaunted defense. Bill Belichick will focus on shutting down Antonio Brown, who has 11 catches for 213 yards against the Ravens.
Rob Gronkowski was suspended during Monday’s loss, and Pittsburgh still does not have an answer
for the league’s best tight end, especially with linebacker Ryan Shazier now on IR after suffering a horrific injury against Cincinnati. Gronk’s return gives Brady a full complement of weapons to slice up Pittsburgh’s zone defense like he has done countless times.
What hurt New England more was the absence of tackle Marcus Cannon. The Dolphins sacked Brady twice and hit him five times. With Cannon now on IR, Pittsburgh’s defense will need to take advantage.
A lot is riding on this game. Pittsburgh has already wrapped up the AFC North and will want to ensure that the road to Super Bowl LII runs through the Steel City. If the Patriots lose, they risk missing out on the second seed with the Jaguars creeping up behind them. It would be New England’s first season without a first round bye since 2009.
But has Pittsburgh caught the Patriots at the wrong time? No one bounces back from a loss like New England, while Tom Brady is 10–2 against the Steelers in his career. After a disappointing performance in Miami, expect the Patriots to re-assert their dominance over the AFC.
