For years, all of us Steelers fans have had to watch the Patriots pretty much walk all over us. Since 2004, the Steelers have a 2-4 record, (1-4 with Tom Brady in the game), against the Patsies, including a heartbreaking 41-27 loss in the 2004 AFC Championship game. Last year's game made me physically sick. The defense would not adjust. They could have. But they didn't. Not only do we typically get outplayed, but everything always seems to go the Patriots way. I can't remember the last time the Steelers caught a lucky break against this team.
But is this year different?
Ben Roethlisberger is no longer a "young" quarterback. He is the field captain of the Steelers offense. New England's defense has struggled to stop the passing game in recent years. They finished dead last against the pass in 2010, and are last this season as well.
What should Mr. Arians do here?
Spread it out.
The Steelers may have the best overall receiving corp in the NFL. Mike Wallace is on pace for a record setting year, and Antonio Brown is stepping up as a top player on the Steelers offense. Yet, the running game continues to struggle. Rashard Mendenhall is averaging just 58.5 yards per game, and has been nothing but inconsistent thus far. When you're facing a team who is #8 against the run, but #32 against the pass; what do you do? Spread out four wides, and get a little pressure in Brady's face. That's how you beat the Patriots.
Written by Alex Muchnok
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