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Writers picks week 1: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. New England Patriots

By Christian Brown

FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 22: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots talks with Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers after the Patriots defeated the Steelers 36-17 to win the AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium on January 22, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 22: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots talks with Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers after the Patriots defeated the Steelers 36-17 to win the AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium on January 22, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – FEBRUARY 03: Rob Gronkowski #87 of the New England Patriots talks with Tom Brady #12 in the second half during Super Bowl LIII at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 3, 2019, in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – FEBRUARY 03: Rob Gronkowski #87 of the New England Patriots talks with Tom Brady #12 in the second half during Super Bowl LIII at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 3, 2019, in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

Patriots Missing Weapon

Entering week 1 of the season, the New England Patriots are without tight end Rob Gronkowski who retired this past off-season. Gronkowski was a big part of the Patriots offensive production, so who will help make up for the missing weapon. Before going down with an injury, I saw N’keal Harry potentially being the one to step up against Pittsburgh. Harry, the Patriots 2019 first round selection, was just placed on IR. New England’s wide receiver tandem of Julian Edelmen, Josh Gordon, and N’Keal Harry has the potential to be the best trio in the NFL when Harry does indeed return.

With this being said, I find the Steelers secondary will be able to limit the Patriots top two wide receiving options. I like how Pittsburgh stacks up against the Patriots running, and passing game out of the backfield too. The tenth overall pick in the 2019 draft class Devin Bush, Vince Williams, and Mark Barron will make their presence known. This linebacker group is not only a whole lot more versatile but a whole lot faster as well.

Patriots All-Pro corner

My main concern for this upcoming game against the Patriots is Stephon Gilmore shadowing Juju Smith-Schuster. Gilmore is one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL, proving so last season as he earned himself a spot on First Team All Pro. I do believe Juju will make plays throughout the game, but other weapons for the Steelers will have to step up. I find the Steelers key to success offensively starts with our running back combination.

Steelers rushing attack

James Conner and Jaylen Samuels are the offensive players I expect to contribute in a big way on Sunday Night Football. Last season, Samuels gained a total of 172 yards during the battle with the Patriots last season. Of course, I expect James Conner to make the most of a heavy workload this week, but Samuels can also be moved around the formation as a receiver too.

Speaking of receivers, I expect Vance McDonald to be the breakout receiver on Sunday night. I am almost certain McDonald comes away with a touchdown reception. The likes of Donte Moncrief or James Washington will also have to show up for the Steelers to walk out of Foxborough with a week one victory. Which I expect everyone to play their part, which is why I am predicting the Pittsburgh Steelers win in Foxborough 24- 20.

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