The Patriots (7-4) host the Steelers (8-3) on Sunday, and here are five items of note about the Steelers:
1) Turnovers determine success. The Steelers are even in turnover differential (15 takeaways, 15 giveaways), ranking them in a tie for 17th in the NFL. In their three losses -- to the Eagles, Giants and Colts -- they totaled 10 of their 15 giveaways on the season.
2) Tough to run against. Opponents are averaging 2.9 yards per carry against the Steelers. The Steelers are surrendering just 66.5 rushing yards per game, putting them on pace to break their single-season franchise record of 74.7, in 2001.
3) Health issues mount. Like the Patriots, the Steelers have battled injuries at key positions all season. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (shoulder), running back Willie Parker (knee, shoulder), defensive end Brett Keisel (knee), cornerback Deshea Townsend (hamstring), cornerback Bryant McFadden (forearm), safety Ryan Clark (shoulder), tight end Heath Miller (ankle), left tackle Marvel Smith (back) and linebacker LaMarr Woodley (calf) are a few of the notable players who have either played through injuries or have been sidelined by them.
4) Pass protection has been spotty. The Steelers have surrendered 35 quarterback sacks on the season, the same total as the Patriots. Only the Bengals, Lions, Rams and 49ers have allowed more. Like the Patriots, however, the protection has improved at times in recent weeks (0 allowed sacks vs. Bengals in Week 12).
5) Red-zone a strength. Pittsburgh is the league's No. 1 team in scoring defense, holding opponents to an average of 14.5 points per game. Red-zone success has been key, as they rank No. 1 in that category, holding opponents to 11 touchdowns in 32 possessions (34.4 percent). Offensively, they rank fifth in the red zone (20 touchdowns, 31 trips, 64.5 percent).
ANALYSIS: As they've traditionally been, the Steelers are a big, physical, tough team. They're 4-1 on the road this season. The Steelers have been banged up at cornerback in recent weeks, which forced Fernando Bryant -- who was with the Patriots in training camp -- onto the field after he was signed as a free agent. With that in mind, the Patriots will likely look to test matchups in that area in multiple-receiver packages. To do so, however, protection will have to hold up at the line of scrimmage against the Steelers' pressure (37 sacks). If the Patriots can win in that area, they will give themselves the best chance to win the game. If they don't, the Steelers will have the edge. Prediction: Patriots 18, Steelers 17. (season record predicting Patriots games: 9-2)
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Why is a punter Tom Malone on the practice squad? With the potential holes to fill lately, a punter doesn't seem to be needed.
Bucky,
Because he adds something Bill Belichick deems important to the team. That's why.
I'll take a shot at this...lets use a baseball pitcher analogy...punters, like pitchers only have so many kicks in the leg each week or season . Its beneficial to both the team and the primary punter to have someone else fill in during practice. When needed, the back up can provide a little "relief" to the starter....especially this time of year when the PATS are practicing outside in the cold and have 2/3's of the season wearing on the players health.
Wow.
Thank you so much for that keen insight, oh Professor of the Obvious.
Unclealfie, let's not be a jerk, OK?
I think that Tim D's answer was pretty good, especially in comparison to Lance's meaningless contribution.
I know Pitt has a good D but I think their stats are a little inflated because of the weak division they're in. They haven't faced too many talented offenses this year. They lost at home to Indy 24-21 a week after the Pats almost beat Indy on the road. Pitt is better at shutting down the run but that's ok as the Pats could just throw it 70 times. Pitt will have their hands full with Moss/Welker. Weather could be an issue though. I still say Pats 24-21.
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