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Key New England Patriots – Pittsburgh Steelers Matchups

By Logan Jakubajtys

Oct 23, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) breaks off of the line of scrimmage against New England Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler (21) during the third quarter at Heinz Field. New England won 27-16. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 23, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) breaks off of the line of scrimmage against New England Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler (21) during the third quarter at Heinz Field. New England won 27-16. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 14, 2017; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots defensive end Alan Branch (97) and teammates on the field against the Houston Texans in the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /

The New England Patriots are set to take on the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Championship Game Sunday night at Gillette Stadium. These matchups will likely dictate the winner.

While each man on the team will have to play their best for the New England Patriots to head to Houston, these matchups will decide who wins the AFC title. The Patriots defense will have to contain the three killer B’s, LeVeon Bell, Antonio Brown and Big Ben Roethlisberger. Of course, Pittsburgh will aim to shut down the greatest quarterback of all time, Tom Brady. We will focus on some of these matchups below.

Patriots Defensive Line vs LeVeon Bell

It’s unquestionable that LeVeon Bell is one of the NFL’s premier running backs. In 2016, Bell ran for 1,268 yards and seven touchdowns. In the playoffs, he’s managed to turn it up to another level. In two games, against the Dolphins and Chiefs, Bell already has over 300 yards. The Patriots will need to clog the lanes to stop Bell. Even if they do, the linebackers will need to join the party to help out. LeVeon Bell is one of, if not the most, patient backs in the league. All holes seem to be closed, but Bell remains patient, finding just the right spot to break loose from. Alan Branch and Malcolm Brown will need to be stout. The duo will be paramount to the success of New England’s defense. Slowing down Bell in the middle of the field will force the hand of the Steelers offense, and will disrupt their desired tempo. The Patriots should aim to shut down Bell, forcing Pittsburgh to win the game behind Ben Roethlisberger.

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