Chowder and Champions
Fansided

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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next

Malcolm Butler/Logan Ryan vs Antonio Brown

Jan 14, 2017; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Logan Ryan (26) returns an interception against the Houston Texans during the fourth quarter in the AFC Divisional playoff game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 14, 2017; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Logan Ryan (26) returns an interception against the Houston Texans during the fourth quarter in the AFC Divisional playoff game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /

As the line aims to shut down LeVeon Bell, the Patriots cornerback duo of Malcolm Butler and Logan Ryan will need tight coverage on Antonio Brown. Like Bell, Brown is one of the best at his position. Earlier in the season, AB caught seven passes for 106 yards against New England.  In all, he’s hauled in 12 touchdowns this year. Brown’s also added two in the playoffs. Malcolm Butler has shown he is truly a Pro Bowl caliber corner in the NFL. All eyes will be on him to slow down Antonio Brown Saturday night, but he won’t be alone. It’s likely that Logan Ryan will have a part in shutting down the stud wideout. The pair should play physical, jamming Brown at the line to negate his quick release. Ryan is on a roll after last week when he broke up two third down passes, had an interception, and tallied a sack. The key will be tackling. The Patriots don’t allow big plays, because even if you complete the pass, the tackle will be made almost immediately. If the secondary shuts down Brown, the Steelers have virtually nowhere to go. AB is followed on the Steelers depth chart by Darrius Hayward-Bey, Sammie Coates and Eli Rogers. There’s no big threat in that bunch.

Patriots Pass Rushers vs Ben Roethlisberger

More from Boston Sports

The Patriots will undoubtedly get pressure on Big Ben at some point in the AFC title game. The challenge however, will be getting Ben to the ground. Since entering the league in 2004, Roethlisberger has been the toughest player at the QB spot. He’s elusive, physical, and will not be taken down easily. Patriots pass rushers like Trey Flowers, Jabaal Sheard and Rob Ninkovich will need to wrap up. Group efforts work best against the big QB, where you are able to take out both his legs and his arm. Ben possesses the strength to unleash a thrown away pass even as you seem to be taking him down. He can run out of weak arm tackles, allowing his wideouts time to get open. Roethlisberger is the best opposing QB New England has faced in weeks, and it will be a challenge to slow him down.

Steelers Pass Rush vs Patriots Offensive Line

When the Patriots have the ball, protection will be key. It was clear last week that Tom Brady was rattled by the pressure from the Houston Texans. Thankfully, the Steelers do not possess the same threat in the pass rush or run stop. Additionally, it’s a virtual certainty that the offensive line was harped on all week by coaches. They should be motivated to keep their QB upright and to lead the way for LeGarrette Blount & co. The Patriots main pass rushing threats will come from Pittsburgh’s linebackers. Bud Dupree, Ryan Shazier and James Harrison will be looking to plant TB12 in the dirt. The trio has 13 sacks on the year, with Bud Dupree tallying 4.5 in just 7 games. Right tackle Marcus Cannon will have his hands full as he attempts to slow the pressure on Brady. If Pittsburgh has any chance to win this game, it will be because the pass rush got to New England and disrupted their tempo.

Steelers Linebackers/Corners vs Martellus Bennett

The Patriots will be without Rob Gronkowski of course, but Marcellus Bennett is a huge tight end with pass catching ability. He’s not the pure threat that Gronk is, but Marty can change the complexion of a game. He’s often too quick for a linebacker to cover him, but too big for a corner. Pittsburgh will have their hands full in scheming to cover the tight end in pass situations, especially in the red zone. Bennett will be playing with a cracked bone in his ankle, according to several reports.

Ian Rapoport explained on NFL GameDay Morning:

“Marcellus Bennett who has really emerged as one of their key weapons at tight end in Rob Gronkowski’s absence, the Patriots love his toughness. And the reason is he’s been on the injury report with an ankle injury, it’s not a sprained ankle. It’s actually a cracked bone in his ankle, he’s got some bone chips in there,” Rapoport said. “I’m told to expect offseason surgery for Bennett.”

That’s one tough guy. Bennett should remain effective, even if limited by the injury.

Home/Boston Sports