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How can the New England Patriots get the win on Sunday?

By Lou Scataglia

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JANUARY 09: Matt Judon #9 of the New England Patriots looks on prior to the game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on January 09, 2022 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JANUARY 09: Matt Judon #9 of the New England Patriots looks on prior to the game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on January 09, 2022 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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The New England Patriots travel to Pittsburgh on Sunday to face the Steelers. What do they need to do to get the win in week two?  The Patriots are in an interesting situation on Sunday.  After starting 0-1, they play the Steelers on Sunday, in Pittsburgh, and then have their home opener against the Baltimore Ravens.

If New England cannot win on Sunday, I’m worried that a 0-3 start is on the horizon.  So, how can the Patriots get the win on Sunday?

How can the Patriots get the win on Sunday?

To me, this is an obvious answer.  The Steelers’ offense isn’t likely to be much of a threat.  Mitchell Trubisky is a bridge quarterback and does not have the abilities to lead an offense on a ton of scoring drives.  I’d also put the Patriots in the same way.  The execution on offense last Sunday was not ideal, and I’m not sure New England can compete if an offense approaches 30 points.

In many ways, the Patriots and Steelers are similar teams.  Both should be leaning on their defenses to win the game, and that’s the way it needs to be.  The Patriots were able to keep a Mike McDaniel-led offense featuring Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle to one touchdown.

The Bengals defense also greatly limited the Steelers less than inspiring offense.  Since New England had their way against the Dolphins’ running game, I would think that the easiest way for the Patriots to win on Sunday is to try and remove the impact from Najee Harris, who is clearly the centerpiece of the Steelers’ offense.

Putting the offense in the hands of Mitchell Trubisky against a Patriots’ defense is a recipe for success for New England.  The Steelers’ offensive line is also a bit shaky, so I would also count on the guys up front to be able to get home.

The defense does have some pass rushing threats and overall disruptors up front in Matt Judon, Christian Barmore, and Davon Godchaux.  If they cannot take advantage of a below average offensive line in Pittsburgh, they won’t stand a chance.

So, in my opinion, the key to winning on Sunday is up front.  Can the Patriots neutralize Najee Harris and the Steelers’ run game?  After they do that, can they put some pressure on Trubisky?  If they can, they’ll win.

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