Week 7: Patriots – Steelers Game Review

Final Thoughts

Tom Brady now improves to 9-2 vs the Steelers (5-1 vs. Mike Tomlin-coached Steelers). In his last 7 games against the Steelers he has thrown 19 TDs and 0 INTs.

Insane.

The Steelers had a smart gameplan that could have worked, had their execution been better. But it is strange they elected not blitz at all. Brady has gotten better vs. the blitz, but he still isn’t perfect, especially with pressure up the middle.

The defense did catch a break against the Steelers as they were without Ben Roethlisberger (who may be out a couple more games) and Brown for some periods of the game. One would think that this would have been one of their biggest tests of the season to see where they stand, but unfortunately they got robbed of the opportunity, and improve to 6-1 without much of a fight.

Many Patriots fans are unsatisfied with the way the offense and defense performed (and there are issues to be addressed), but they continuously forget this team is much better during the second half of the season. It has been the case while Bill Belichick has been head coach, and will likely continue.

Certain matchups and personnel dictate the way the defense approaches a team, and the Patriots have yet to face a team with a lethal air attack and ground game. It was clear the gameplan during this game was to stop Bell on the ground, and force Landry Jones to beat them with his arm. It wasn’t executed perfect, but they escaped with a win. To think the gameplan wouldn’t have been different if Roethlisberger was playing would be non-sense.

Next Week

Before the much needed bye week, the Patriots have the pleasure of traveling to New Era Stadium to take on the Buffalo Bills in what will be seen as a revenge game for New England.

The Bills shut out the Patriots at home and won 16-0. New England would certainly love to return the favour.