Scouting The New England Patriots
This week’s match-up is the one that Pittsburgh Steelers fans have been waiting for all year, the revenge game with the New England Patriots. We all know what happened at the end of last year’s game (Jesse still caught it) and how much impact it had on the playoffs. This year is no different as both teams are trying to move up in the playoff seeding. Either one of these teams could look to be a top three seed in the playoffs so this will be a huge game. With that being said, let’s take a look at this week’s opponent.
Injury Report
The Patriots have been one of few teams that haven’t had to deal with many injuries this season. They have no new injuries to discuss going into this week. However, they have had a few key players placed on the Injured Reserve this season. Some of the key players this includes are running back Jeremy Hill (ACL), offensive tackle Isaiah Wynn (Achilles), cornerback Eric Rowe (Groin), and center Brian Schwenke (Foot).
Patriots Offense Continues To Impress
As has been the case almost every year in recent memory, the Patriots have one of the best offenses in the league this season. They currently rank fifth in total offense, averaging 397.1 yards per game and 28 points per game. This offense is led by quarterback Tom Brady who is currently tied for seventh in the league with 3,700 passing yards and has thrown 23 touchdowns this season. His top receiver this season has been newly acquired Josh Gordon who has accounted for 39 receptions for 701 yards and three touchdowns. Tight end Rob Gronkowski has missed time due to injury but I wouldn’t count him out as he is still a major threat.
The running game of the Patriots has been just average this season as they have continued to focus on the passing game. They currently rank 15th in rushing offense with 118.2 yards per game on the ground so far. Their leading rusher has been rookie Sony Michel who has 706 yards and five touchdowns so far.
New England’s Defense Has Struggled So Far
As good as the Patriots’ offense has been this year, their defense has struggled. They are currently 22nd in the league in total defense, allowing 372.5 yards per game and 22.5 points per game. Their strong point has been against the run, in which they rank 15th. They have allowed 113 rushing yards per game and have given up seven touchdowns on the ground this season. Linebacker Kyle Van Noy leads the team with 83 total tackles. He is joined in the linebacker core by Dont’a Hightower and Elandon Roberts. Their defensive line consists of Lawrence Guy and Malcolm Brown at the defensive tackles along with Trey Flowers and Deatrich Wise Jr. at the defensive ends.
New England has struggled tremendously against the pass this season. They currently rank 23rd in passing defense, allowing 259.5 yards per game and giving up 26 touchdowns so far. Back up cornerback Jonathan Jones leads the team with three interceptions. The starting secondary for the Patriots consists of Stephon Gilmore and Jason McCourty at the corners along with Patrick Chung and Devin McCourty at the safeties.
Final Thoughts
I see this game being very close and back-and-forth like last year. However, I have the outcome going in the Steelers’ favor this time around. New England’s secondary is bad and I look for Ben Roethlisberger to take advantage of that. I see Ben having a huge game and benefiting from an outstanding performance from either Antonio Brown or JuJu Smith-Schuster this weekend (pick your poison). This game will come down to the wire as the Steelers will win by a touchdown to get their season back on track.
