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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: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots drops back to pass under pressure from T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first half during the game at Heinz Field on December 16, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 16: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots drops back to pass under pressure from T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first half during the game at Heinz Field on December 16, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

Boston Cream Pie: Steelers Pass Rush vs Patriots Offensive Line

While Boston fans enjoy a sweet Boston cream pie, there is something I know Yinzers find to be sweeter: seeing Tom Brady hurried, harassed, and put on the ground. This is something that is much easier said than done.

Despite losing Trent Brown and Nate Solder in back-to-back years, long-time assistant Dante Scarnecchia continues to show he is second to only Mike Munchak as an offensive line guru. Remember that the Patriots brought him back after Tom Brady was harassed all afternoon in the AFC Championship Game vs the Broncos (Manning’s final year.)

Since then, Tom Brady has only been sacked an average of 23 times a season. The defensive front and secondary will have to play hand in hand on this match up.

If the secondary successfully plays tight man to man coverage Pittsburgh will be enable the pressure to build momentum. The pass rush will also help the secondary be in a position to take advantage of mistakes by the Patriots passing attack.

As Michael Strahan said in the 2007 Giant’s “America’s Game” episode, if you don’t put Brady on the ground, you’re not going to win. Last year, the Steelers pass rush got great push up the middle and forced mistakes by the entire offensive unit—multiple pre-snap penalties, holding penalties, and a costly Red Zone interception.

This go-around, the Patriots will have plenty of film on the Steelers front 7, as they are returning 6 starters from last season. The match ups on the edges with the rotation of outside linebackers will be key. The Steelers will have to put pressure in Brady’s face as often as possible.

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