Steelers vs Patriots: 3 key matchups to watch in week one

Clam Chowder: Ben Roethlisberger vs. Belichick’s Defense

This dish is one of Boston’s best-known staples. For the Patriots, it’s Belichick’s staple to have an unpredictable game plan every week. He had high powered offenses ever since his days with the New York Giants as a defensive coordinator.

The conclusion of the 2017 playoffs saw the departure of Todd Haley. The heir apparent  was Randy Fichtner. It was a move that made sense—he had a good relationship with Roethlisberger, he came along with Mike Tomlin, and has remained since 2007. Since his arrival in 2007, Fichtner has become very familiar with the offenses that Pittsburgh runs.

With this move, Ben Roethlisberger has had a noticeably heavier hand in the offense. Last year, he set career highs in attempts, completions, and touchdowns in the passing game. At times, this led to an unbalanced offense that saw him average 48 passes a game in their 6 losses and tie.

The key will be the ability of Roethlisberger to get early reads and tendencies of Belichick’s defense and being one step ahead at the line of scrimmage. The Steelers offense averages only 21.5 points in Gillette Stadium. Roethlisberger in five matchups has produced 1431 yards, 9 touchdowns, 5 interceptions, and maintaining a 61.11% competition percentage.

Roethlisberger will have to overcome “Road Ben” and make good decisions at the line of scrimmage. It will be important he and the offense are on the same page and make good pre-snap reads.

If Fichtner can put a game plan together that enables Roethlisberger to make plenty of checks and audibles at the line scrimmage, this will be an advantage in a hostile environment.