AFC Championship: Patriots vs Steelers, the buildup
- Thread starter jsinger121
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With the notable exception of today's GB-Dallas game, the current rules don't really allow that plan to work.
Focus on Bell more or less completely. Butler and safety help on Brown. TB12, throw all day on that secondary.
No one can cover Brown by themselves. Focus needs to be on keeping Bells carries under 5 yards a pop and getting some pressure on Ben. Steelers don't really have a #2 receiver (maybe Bell), so I don't think there's anyone else to key on outside of those two. Limit big plays, get pressure on the QB, convert in the red zone. Keys to this game, are generally the key to every game.
Very interesting game. Advanced metrics have the Steelers on par or close to the Pats over the last half of the season. Should be fun to see how the improved defense holds up against a very good offense that's like nothing the Pats have faced this year (Landry Jones is sub replacement level, throw that game out).
Ladarius Green status is big here.
Ladarius Green status is big here.
On the other side, a whole bunch of turnovers and stupid penalties from the Pats won't cut it either.
I think we probably see a better game from both teams next week.
Yeah, there seemed to be a bunch of replays showing Tyreek Hill wide fucking open and not getting the ball.
Remember how a few years ago it seemed like mediocre TEs would kill us? Doesn't seem like the case this year, and I really don't want Jesse Jones to be the exception.
Be patient with Bell. KC's plan was apparently to attack him but you need to do the opposite. Sit on the blocks, don't leave your lanes and bell will be caught waiting for something to open up.
Stop Bell, force Ben to throw and he will make mistakes.
Stop Bell, force Ben to throw and he will make mistakes.
I think that the Pats have a better D, more weapons on offense, a better, smarter QB and much better coaching. And they're at home. I think they win by two touchdowns. 35-21.
Better weapons? I'd swap any four guys for Bell and Brown in a cocaine heartbeat (using the colloquial definition of 'weapons' that does not include QBs)
Edit - I see that you said more. Will still make the trade
This is the last game that scares me (other than a Green Bay finale).
I hate playing teams I actively dislike.
I hate playing teams I actively dislike.
This is more or less what I am thinking, so if KC can hold them to 18, I will trust BB and hope for the best.
Shit happens and all, but Pittsburgh has a D that can be scored on and 18 against the Pats ain't gonna cut it.
I'd really like to be able to actually watch Pittsburgh's games from this season this week (fly through a few a day of FF). Any ideas that are not involving cash?
Beaten by Brady, Blount, Bennett, Belichick's big balls. Butler blankets Brown. Ballgame.
Pitt is a completely different team in the road. No doubt the shorter week + travel day will leave them at a disadvantage. Stop Bell and there is no way Pitt can hang with the NE offense that should put up 30.
Well, OK, but would you really take these guys over Jules and Lewis right now? And would you seriously consider any of the depth comparisons? I mean, I get it, these guys are awesome but we take for granted how good some of the Pats are.
My biggest worry is that this is the first game all year that seems really tough (including the two losses).
To the first question, yes. Brown is the best slot WR in football and Lewis is a poor man's Bell. Depth is a more legitimate point, though the Pitt WRs aren't any slouches.
Defensively I think patience is key. I have faith BB and Patricia will bring a solid game plan and be able to adjust accordingly if necessary. Bell/brown will have a few explosive plays, the key will be to limit those.
On offense I think its incredibly important to get Brady and company into rhythm, and early. If they can keep the lead/ go up two scores it will make it a lot easier for the defense.
Going into this game with no expectations but still very hopeful. We're home and favored but anything can happen in the playoffs, ie this past weekend.
On offense I think its incredibly important to get Brady and company into rhythm, and early. If they can keep the lead/ go up two scores it will make it a lot easier for the defense.
Going into this game with no expectations but still very hopeful. We're home and favored but anything can happen in the playoffs, ie this past weekend.
Yes, I would. I really would. But I do agree we should be happy with our weapons, and I suspect most of us are.
Dream scenario: Pats are up 30 in the 4th quarter and then Ernie Adams turns off the Steelers' head sets to troll Mike Tomlin.
Brown isn't a slot WR, he is mostly an outside receiver.
At this point the rest of the Steelers receivers are rookie practice squad guys. Green coming back would certainly help that. If Coates were healthy and able to play WR that could help.
Whatever. Brown is the best WR in the league. Bell is top 3 with Zeke and Johnson. Lewis is a top change of pace but that's "it".
Yes but Tomlin has never been able to face a Brady led team on a level playing field. Its a fact that the Patriots cheat extra hard against Tomlin and the Stillers.
I like this matchup less than KC, but I still have confidence that BB will find a way to contain Bell, and that the pass rush will get to Ben forcing some bad throws. I just don't see how the Pitt D will be able to stop TB12 and company from putting up 30+ and I don't see how Pitt can reciprocate.
This is really naive. They held Pats under 30 in the first meeting and that was with Gronk and with Blount averaging 5+ ypc. Pitt defenses is at worst the 2nd best defense remaining in the playoffs and a legitimately good D.
Offensively I expect Pitt to rack up yards on the Pats. This game will be won or lost in the red zone (or turn overs, naturally). If they can keep them out of the end zone most of the night Pats will be looking good before middle the 4th quarter. Otherwise it's going to go down to the wire.