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

By Jobe Morrison

FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 22: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts against the New England Patriots during the AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium on January 22, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 22: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts against the New England Patriots during the AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium on January 22, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 16: Joe Haden #23 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after being called for pass interference on Chris Hogan #15 of the New England Patriots in the third quarter during the game at Heinz Field on December 16, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 16: Joe Haden #23 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after being called for pass interference on Chris Hogan #15 of the New England Patriots in the third quarter during the game at Heinz Field on December 16, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /

Lobster Roll: Steelers Secondary vs Tom Brady

There are two things the New England faithful love: a good lobster roll and their quarterback Tom Brady. Some Pittsburghers may enjoy a lobster roll but are not as enthusiastic about Tom Brady—especially in the infamous Foxboro.

The dominance Tom Brady has over the Steelers is already well noted. The level of play he demonstrates at home is incredible. In five games he has never lost to the Steelers at home, including the playoffs. He has racked up 1797 passing yards, 18 touchdowns, not a single interception, and has an astounding 71.9% completion percentage. If you remember, that’s a big difference in his opposing quarterback’s production.

The Steelers secondary comes into this game with a chip on their shoulder and will need to be battle-ready. Tom Brady has feasted on the Steelers secondary for years. After all, only three defensive backs have intercepted Brady—Deshea Townsend, Ike Taylor, & Joe Haden—all three interceptions, of course, were in Heinz Field (worth mentioning there is a 14 year gap between Townsend, Taylor Interceptions, and Joe Haden.)

The Steelers secondary will have an advantage that matches them up better than their predecessors. This group will have the ability to execute both man and zone coverage. Steve Nelson is a very battle-tested corner. The Steelers were high enough on Nelson to offer him a 3 year $25M contract.

On the opposite side, freshly extended cornerback, Joe Haden, has been the key piece to the Steelers secondary, the past two seasons. Both corners possess the ability to play solid man coverage and awareness in zone coverage.

Terrell Edmunds reprises his role as the team’s starting strong safety with Sean Davis at free safety. The only question that lingers is if Davis will be healthy enough for this match up. It could be AAF and preseason standout Kameron Kelly who gets the nod. If Kelly is the starter this week, look for Tom Brady to test his range and coverage skills early and very often.

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