Digging Deep: Analyzing the New England Patriots’ Offense in their 28 to 21 Victory Over the Pittsburgh Steelers

Sep 10, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) calls an audible against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

The New England opened the 2015 season with a 28 to 21 win over the AFC North powerhouse Pittsburgh Steelers. New England was fortunate to play the Steelers in week one as the Steelers were still adapting to integrating new pieces on defense.

On defense, the Steelers were still reeling from multiple retirements in the offseason. Future Hall-of-Fame safety Troy Polamalu retired along with cornerback Ike Taylor as well as long-time defensive end Brett Keisel. In addition to those three, outside linebacker Jason Worilds–who tied for the team lead with 7.5 sacks last year–unexpectedly retired to focus on his religious organization while in the prime of his career.

Pittsburgh also lost second round draft pick cornerback Senquez Golson to injury and had to bring back underperforming cornerbacks Cortez Allen and Antwon Blake to play opposite William Gay. At free safety, Michael Mitchell is underrated but strong safety was held down by veteran Will Allen who is a career back-up. Veteran James Harrison is one of the oldest defensive players in the league but had to be brought out of retirement last year to push former first round draft pick Jarvis Jones.

Feb 1, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Brandon LaFell (19) against the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Of course, New England had issues of their own on offense. Second-year center Bryan Stork joined starting wide receiver Brandon LaFell on short-term injured reserve prior to the game. Also, veteran guard Ryan Wendell was inactive as he was not yet ready to play after being injured almost all of training camp and the preseason. At running back the Patriots were without LeGarrette Blount who was suspended for the first game of the season.

With both teams starting the season off with less than ideal circumstances, the game was bound to be a little messy at times. While many predicted a high-scoring game, the first quarter was scoreless. The Patriots led 14-3 at halftime, but during the fourth quarter the Steelers cut the lead to 21-14 and should have made it a lot closer. With their final touchdown by the Steelers with 0:02 seconds on the clock, the only concern was for gamblers who were watching the point spread.

With that, here is a final look back at the game tape and a deeper analysis of the Patriots’ offense for the first game of the 2015 season.

Next: Patriots Passing Offense Analysis