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The Steel Tradition
Steelers Starters–Game 13: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. New England Patriots
It’s been an interesting week.
There’s been a big part of me that’s a bit sickened that the Steelers have been made a part of this undefeated garbage. For years, I’ve had to watch those old Miami Dolphins players mumble and grumble about teams that were undefeated, and celebrate with champagne when the last undefeated team goes down. Jim Kiick may talk about Jack Daniels, and how they don’t get together and celebrate, but you and I both know that’s a joke. All those old mugs get together and sip on their spritzers together. You can bet on it today, and the fact that the they are going to be rooting for the Steelers today…makes me sick, and shows you how idiotic that team is. So, I want the Steelers to win today, but I wish there was some way to still stick it to those old Dolphins that continually make a contention that they are the best team of all time. It’s ridiculous. Okay, enough ranting, onto the game.
We all know that New England is undefeated. How could we not. ESPN even has a title for it: ‘New England: Strive for perfection.’ We all know that Pittsburgh has stopped two long New England streaks, and that New England has stopped one long Pittsburgh streak. We all know that 2nd year man, Anthony Smith, has guaranteed a win. We all know that New England says they don’t care. We all know that New England hasn’t looked all that good in their last two games against Baltimore and Philadelphia, but still won. We all know that Pittsburgh has lost three games on the road, all to teams under .500. We all know that Mike Tomlin was one of two coaches that made public comments about Bill Belichick after Patriots-gate. We all know that most pundits say this is the last team that can beat the Patriots (thank god we play the games…right?).
Finally, it’s time for the game, and for all the talking to end. The game on the field could be an interesting one. The New England offense is truly a special unit, and no matter what even the toughest Steelers fans would have you believe, this offense MAY be the best of all time. They are certainly making a case for it. On the flip-side of the ball, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense is equally as special on defense. I don’t think anyone is going to say that the Steelers’ defensive unit is the best all-time, but you would be surprised at how good this unit actually is. Thanks to our friends at coldhardfootballfacts.com, they let us know JUST HOW GOOD this unit is. It measures extremely high against the best defenses of the past seasons, and against Steelers championship clubs. Don’t believe me? Take a look, again, courtesy of Cold Hard Football Facts.com (click on the table to see the actual article):
2007 STEELERS DEFENSE vs. STEELERS CHAMPIONS
2007 STEELERS DEFENSE vs. GREAT 21st CENTURY DEFENSES
This is certainly a squad that can give Brady some trouble.
Who wins? Let’s take a look:
New England’s offense vs. Pittsburgh’s defense–I’m not going to sit here and give you any rankings. We all know that these two units are the strenght of their team, and will provide us with a lot of fun today. New England will roll out Wes Welker, Randy Moss, Dante Stallworth and Ben Watson to throw the ball too. We all know how good they are, in particular, Welker, Moss and Watson. The Steelers bring Ike Taylor, Deshea Townsend, Bryant McFadden, Anthony Smith and Tyrone Carter in the secondary. Despite what this writer thought at the beginning of the year, this secondary is one of the strengths of this defense. Look for Taylor and Townsend to lead the way in ensuring that Moss and Welker aren’t breaking big plays. If they can manage to stop Randy Moss, in particular, from breaking away deep, it’s a step towards winning the game. New England, however, who has struggled deep over the past two games…will be looking to isolate those corners. Look for Pittsburgh to bring in the extra corner in the nickel package to help offset the loss of Troy Polamalu, so that the safeties can focus their attention on Watson and run stopping.
The key to this game for Pittsburgh’s D is going to be up front, however. Pittsburgh’s defense MUST get pressure on Tom Brady. Brady is the best going today, but when he has to rush, he can be forced into making mistakes. Pittsburgh’s linebackers are quick, and their overloads, and Dick LeBeau’s blitz packages should be able to make a difference, and force Brady to make quick decisions.
You also can’t forget Lawrence Maroney and Kevin Faulk out of New England’s backfield. If they establish the run, it can open up the passing game late in the game, when New England is so effective at winning games.
It’s hard for me to give the advantage to Pittsburgh’s defense in this matchup, because New England’s offense is that good. At the end of the day, however, this is the one defense that is unique enough to really get after Brady and that offense. Their secondary adjusts well, and gives the front seven enough time to make the Pats run game stumble, and get pressure on Brady. Look for the Steelers’ defense to really be the difference today.
Pittsburgh’s offense vs. New England’s defense–New England is a smart defense, and still one of the best units in football. They are still prone to making mistakes, and Pittsburgh really needs to focus on wearing them down to make those mistakes. In my opinion, this battle will be won and lost with Pittsburgh’s offensive line, which hasn’t looked all that good over the past four weeks. The struggle starts with center Sean Mahan, who hasn’t been doing a good job opening up lanes over the past month. It’s been so long since the Steelers haven’t had good center play, that I don’t even know what to say to this, other than my hope is that the line has been less than 100% since Marvel Smith went down to injury. He returns today, and look for the line to step up, and muscle up the New England D. They have to establish Slick Willie Parker, keep the Pats defense away from Roeth, and WEAR DOWN THAT D IN THE FIRST HALF. It’s old, and if the Steelers can control both the time of possession, and field position, they will win the game.
The funny thing about the Pats defense, is that it’s weakness is something that the Steelers fans should be familiar with. Over the past several years, the Patriots have done a nice job throwing the ball underneath, taking advantage of the Steelers’ linebackers who were either positioned in pass coverage in no-man’s land, or blitzing. The speed of this crop of Steelers linebackers has made a difference. However, the Pats linebackers are old, slow, and can be toasted against the run, and against the pass. If the Steelers can check down underneath to Heath Miller, Willie Parker and Najeh Davenport, they can break big gains against a very blockable linebacking corp. Miller will be a key in this ballgame.
With all the talk about Brady, it’s easy to lose sight Ben Roethlisberger. Roethlisberger is rolling right along with 25 touchdown passes, which is second to Brady’s 41. Just to put it in context, the most touchdowns that Terry Bradshaw ever threw for in a single season is 28. Yeah, prestigious company indeed. Still, Roeth can make bad decisions, and he’s been pressured heavily over the past four weeks. If New England can find a way to get at Roeth, it could make their defensive deficiencies go away.
The keys to this victory for either team is ball control, be physical, win the turnover battle and field position. I have to give the ball control edge to New England right now, although the Steelers CAN lay it on that defense, and wear it down. Still, to say the Steelers’ offense is better than New England’s is a stretch. Still, the Steelers offense doesn’t have to play against the Steelers defense, so this SHOULD be closer than people think. The Steelers have the edge in being physical, and it’s not close. Look for the Steelers to come out aggressive. If they are too agressive, it could cost them. Still, they adjust as well as any defense in recent Steeler memory. New England has the turnover battle. Over the past three weeks, New England is +6 in turnovers, while the Steelers are -3. Most disconcerting is that Willie Parker has been a fumble machine. Still, this isn’t Heinz Field. The field position battle? For those that come to Steel Tradition, you all know how much I hate the Steelers’ special teams. I despise them. I don’t know why, but I have a feeling that the Steelers’ special teams are going to make a difference today. Allen Rossum was brought in to give the Steelers field position, and even though he’s been hit or miss so far…look for him to take advantage of a New England special teams unit that has been flawed recently.
Pittsburgh really struggles on the road, but all three losses on the road have been to teams that Pittsburgh obviously didn’t take as serious as they should have. I don’t think they’ll have that problem today. Look for a Steelers upset, in one of the best NFL games of the season:
Pittsburgh Steelers 27,
New England Patriots 26
Join us here, in our comments section, for today’s SteelersCast, the Steel Tradition Live Blog!
This entry was posted
on Sunday, December 9th, 2007 at 1:52 pm and is filed under Anthony Smith, Ryan Clark, Dan Kreider, SteelersCast, James Harrison, Casey Hampton, Ike Taylor, Najeh Davenport, Troy Polamalu, Steelers Starters, Dante Stallworth, Marvel Smith, Heath Miller, Heinz Field, Sean Mahan, Kevin Faulk, Deshea Townsend, Dick LeBeau, Lawrence Maroney, Hines Ward, James Farrior, Baltimore Ravens, Ben Roethlisberger, Bruce Arians, Pittsburgh Steelers, Willie Parker, Ben Watson, New England Patriots, Randy Moss, Wes Welker, Lawrence Timmons, Dan Sepulveda, Bill Cowher, Joey Porter, Bryant McFadden, Mike Tomlin, Santonio Holmes, Allen Rossum, Kendall Simmons, Bill Belichick, Tyrone Carter.
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89 Responses to “Steelers Starters–Game 13: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. New England Patriots”
December 9th, 2007 at 4:00 pm
Well, here we go….
I’m hoping for a good hard-hitting game. If the Steelers don’t turn the ball over much, they’ve got a good chance.
December 9th, 2007 at 4:13 pm
I just hope that the local cable and HD games are different. My local CBS is going to air the Chief Bronco game. Last time I tried to listen on fox 970 on line I only got Fox Sports radio. I may not even get to enjoy nothing but highlights!!
December 9th, 2007 at 4:24 pm
run the time…off the damn clock…amen…
December 9th, 2007 at 4:25 pm
It’s up to that line Tony…it’s up to that line…
December 9th, 2007 at 4:26 pm
Tune in here Terry…we’ll keep you up to date…
December 9th, 2007 at 4:28 pm
Great first drive…they are obviously keying on the run…
but grind that clock…wear down that old ass defense…
December 9th, 2007 at 4:32 pm
Pittsburgh is obviously looking to Rivers…You have got to love the 7 minute drive though…
December 9th, 2007 at 4:35 pm
Miller…not Rivers…I’m watching the San Diego game as well…
Pittsburgh gets 3…they need to get 7 on these drives…still…this D will get worn out…nicely done…
Steelers up 3-0
December 9th, 2007 at 4:35 pm
40 yard return on the kickoff…freakin’ special teams…
December 9th, 2007 at 4:42 pm
7-3 New England…to Moss…
THAT’S why you need to score sevens in the red zone…
Brady over to talk to Anthony Smith…
what a douche
December 9th, 2007 at 4:44 pm
God do I hate Tom Brady…
December 9th, 2007 at 4:44 pm
No coverage here in Missouri. Is our defense falling apart to allow that Pat’s TD, or is it just good offense from Brady?
December 9th, 2007 at 4:53 pm
Well…their drive started at midfield because of the suckhole special teams…and Brady went right down the field Smarmy…
Pittsburgh just punted…after a 10 yard sack on Roeth…
Out comes the D again…
and Brady, Harrison and Smith were rollin’ a bit…
December 9th, 2007 at 4:54 pm
Moss with a 63 yard TD reception…
Anthony Smith in no-man’s land…
Chripes…
14-3…and that was embarassing…
December 9th, 2007 at 4:56 pm
Ugh. When are we going to start playing football?
December 9th, 2007 at 5:01 pm
Big run by Parker…and an underneath throw to Parker…
working on the linebacking corp…game’s not over by a long shot…
Ward for a first down underneath…
December 9th, 2007 at 5:02 pm
32 yard TD…to
Najeh Davenport?????
hahahahaha…here we go folks…
workin’ on that defense…
turnovers may tell the tale…
December 9th, 2007 at 5:02 pm
Touchdown! Good to see the offense still working. Lets see if the Defense can make a stand now. And the Special Teams.
December 9th, 2007 at 5:05 pm
Roeth is in this…looking intense…walking those sidelines…
we need the damn defense to stop getting owned though…
Roeth threw that off his back foot…
December 9th, 2007 at 5:06 pm
Thanks for the updates, by the way. I am being forced to watch the KC/Denver game here in Missouri. Good to hear Big Ben is intense.
December 9th, 2007 at 5:07 pm
Well…they aren’t getting any pressure on Brady…and if he has time…he’ll kill you…
time for the ‘exotic’ blitzes…which I’m getting sick of hearing about…
December 9th, 2007 at 5:09 pm
Smarmy…Roeth rolled to the right…and hit Davenport in the enddzone…going the opposite way…
pressure on Brady…and he misses a wide open moss…
Maroney up the middle for nothing….
Short pass to Watson five yards short of a first down…
lots of pressure on Brady…no time…
punt…3 and out…time to wear out the d some more…
that was a bar room blitz…they all got in there…
December 9th, 2007 at 5:10 pm
DAMN YOU SPECIAL TEAMS…..
William Gay has the ball bounce off of his leg on a short ass damn punt…
fumble…New England ball…
don’t make excuses…someone should have been yelling there…
December 9th, 2007 at 5:10 pm
No need for a play by play so much, I am “watching” the espn gamecast, so I know basic plays, just can’t see the specifics.
Good to see a three and out too.
December 9th, 2007 at 5:11 pm
Seriously…our special teams may be the worst in football…the defense finally gets it going…and back out on the field they come…talk about a let down…New England with the ball at the Pittsburgh 35…
December 9th, 2007 at 5:15 pm
Thank you Defense. A lot.
December 9th, 2007 at 5:15 pm
MISSED FIELD GOAL…
Smarmy…you should see the D…they aren’t getting into the crouch at all…they are literally all standing up…walking around…waiting for the snap…so Brady has no idea what they are doing…
Steelers ball…
13-10…
we gotta game folks…
December 9th, 2007 at 5:19 pm
Pittsburgh no-huddling….
on third down…
Roeth now walking up and down the line…changing the play…
4th down…it’s short…not by much though…
oh…and it’s 14-10…don’t know what crack I’m smoking…
December 9th, 2007 at 5:20 pm
The good kind? Anything that takes points away from NE is good.
December 9th, 2007 at 5:21 pm
Davenport…first down on the fourth down run…dive over the middle…
got it easy…
wear out the DEFENSE…
five wide-out, spread for Pittsburgh…
false start…
December 9th, 2007 at 5:23 pm
Consider our feet shot. I love penalties!
December 9th, 2007 at 5:24 pm
Ben took off…and is short…by a half yard…
4th down again…they have to go again…
December 9th, 2007 at 5:26 pm
Here’s the great thing about this game…
1. Pittsburgh’s D is playing well…and New England hasn’t seen enough of it to really make the right adjustments…
2. Pittsburgh’s offense is really wearing down the NE defense…
4th and 1…FIRST DOWN ON A PASS!!!!!!!
NINE YARD GAIN…
this isn’t Cowher’s Steelers…
December 9th, 2007 at 5:27 pm
No it isn’t. But is that a good thing?
Glad to see the 1st down, but not the pass. Was it atleast play action?
December 9th, 2007 at 5:31 pm
14-13 Pittsburgh…
Now I can’t express this enough…
STOP THAT OFFENSE…GET A TURNOVER…DON’T GIVE THEM DAMN CHEAP POINTS…
December 9th, 2007 at 5:33 pm
Well Smarmy…I do like the offense being more aggressive..IE…able to beat you with the pass…not able…
but willing…
Ben Watson for 14…damn it…and out of bounds…DON’T GIVE UP THE CHEAP POINTS…
December 9th, 2007 at 5:34 pm
No play action Smarmy…it was out of the shotgun…
December 9th, 2007 at 5:36 pm
I do like the aggressive offense, I just wish we relied a bit more on the run. 3rd and 2? I want to see a run, not a pass.
December 9th, 2007 at 5:48 pm
It could be much worse, but I’ll take down by 4 at the half…
I bet Antny feels like crap now, that was his blown coverage…
I like Parker’s runs off tackle, they need to increase those….
We get the ball first in the second half, let’s hope for a TD and the lead….
December 9th, 2007 at 5:50 pm
the run will be there smarmy…count on it…
Think about this…
Is it tougher or more easy to defend a team that could either pass…or run…on 3rd and 2?
December 9th, 2007 at 5:52 pm
Don’t you get the impression that Pittsburgh is setting up New England to wear them out in the 2nd half with those off tackle runs?
December 9th, 2007 at 5:56 pm
Yeah, but it’s not going to be as effective unless Colon does a better job of protecting the rush from Vrabel when Roeth goes back for a pass
December 9th, 2007 at 5:57 pm
You know…
watching Cowher…it’s obvious tha the still loves the Steelers…
I can’t imagine he comes back to coach next year…
of course…we’ll see…
He’s ALWAYS going to feel that way about the Steelers…
December 9th, 2007 at 5:58 pm
Just like that, 18 yards…
December 9th, 2007 at 5:58 pm
there it is…Parker off tackle…for 20…
time to destroy this defense…
December 9th, 2007 at 6:01 pm
Yeah…but they are moving Vrabel around quite a bit as well…hard to blame one guy…
great blocking there…great blocking…
couldn’t get it all on it though…
You get the feeling that every drive is big…
Welker back for a punt return…and nailed…
December 9th, 2007 at 6:09 pm
Chripes…double lateral…deep ball to Moss…over Smith again…
Smith is a…well…not good…
ridiculous…
December 9th, 2007 at 6:09 pm
Unfreakinbelievable….
December 9th, 2007 at 6:10 pm
Gaffney…not Moss…my bad…
December 9th, 2007 at 6:14 pm
3 and out…
This game’s over….
December 9th, 2007 at 6:14 pm
Well…Pittsburgh is completely out of this game…
one play…
one freakin’ play…
December 9th, 2007 at 6:15 pm
C’mon Tony…one turnover…and w are right back in this game…
December 9th, 2007 at 6:17 pm
Sure, you’re right….
Not likely, but right…
December 9th, 2007 at 6:21 pm
No pressure on Brady…none at all…
quick outs…
December 9th, 2007 at 6:22 pm
There’s some pressure…
December 9th, 2007 at 6:24 pm
five yard cushion on the receiver…on 4th and 1…
oy…
December 9th, 2007 at 6:29 pm
Ok…now you can talk about the end of the game…
fight now…
wonderful…
December 9th, 2007 at 6:36 pm
Smith is going to be the goat, and he deserves it for the most part…. And I’m not even talking about his guarantee, although I’d bet that were targeting him….
But both of those big plays were due to a lack of discipline on his part…
The rest of the secondary deserves some of the blame also though….
December 9th, 2007 at 6:57 pm
What’s up with our dc can’t adjust to quick passes,ne been doing this to us for years and we still can’t stop them.HORRIBLE HORRIBLE.ANTHONY SMITH NEXT TIME SHUT THE F UP,IF I WERE TOMLIN HE’LL BE RUNNING LAPS ALL DAY TOMMORROW
December 9th, 2007 at 7:00 pm
WHAT’S UP WIT BEING DOWN BY 18 AND NOT KICKING A FIELD GOAL,REGARDLESS YOU WERE GOING TO NEED IT ANYWAY.GREAT COACHING?
December 9th, 2007 at 7:05 pm
WHERE IS HEATH MILLER THIS OC DOESN’T TEST THERE WEAKNESS LBS,I DON’T KNOW I DON’T KNOW
December 9th, 2007 at 7:15 pm
27 SUCKS
December 9th, 2007 at 7:26 pm
Well…that’s a bunch of humble pie right there…
I can’t imagine anyone beats New England…
and the Jets are going to get crushed…
December 9th, 2007 at 7:34 pm
I have a feeling we’ll be seeing the Pats again. I hope this was a learning experience, and not the end game.
December 9th, 2007 at 7:36 pm
STEELERS NEED TO DO EVERYTHING THEY CAN TO BRING MOSS TO TOWN IF HE’S A FREE AGENT.
December 9th, 2007 at 7:37 pm
didn’t the defense and Lebeau learn anything the last two weeks. They didn’t jam the receivers at all on the line. No disrupting of routes and let Brady dink and dunk them the whole second half. I could have called who he was throwing too in the second half. Come on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! cover welker tight, hit their receivers. Very frustrating. I don’t see them changing if they play again.
December 9th, 2007 at 7:39 pm
JAMES DO YOU THINK WE STAND A CHANCE?
December 9th, 2007 at 7:40 pm
TOTALLY AGREE CHARLIE,PRESS COVERAGE PUNCH THEM IN THE MOUTH
December 9th, 2007 at 7:41 pm
Even with Polamalu healthy I don’t think they can beat NE unless they change their defensive philosophy. U gotta jam, mug, hold, do whatever you can to disrupt Brady and you got to hit him. I would take an occasional personal foul just as long as I am creaming Brady!
December 9th, 2007 at 7:43 pm
And what was up with the play calls at the one yard line. 3rd and goal at the one and you throw a fade…holmes is not 6′5″ and run sideways. Sooo frustrating. Doesnt it suck that you have deal with smug NE fans all week. I live in Worcester area.
December 9th, 2007 at 7:48 pm
CHARLIE I’M FROM CAPE COD I KNOW EXACTLY WHAT UR SAYING.I HATE THE PATS
December 9th, 2007 at 7:50 pm
WHO THINKS THE STEELERS SHOULD GO AFTER MOSS?
December 9th, 2007 at 7:51 pm
They never will. Not their style. They should have kept Plaxico
December 9th, 2007 at 7:57 pm
I AGREE THEY SHOULD HAVE NEVER LET HIM GO ,HE WAS IN HIS PRIME NOT TO MENTION HE WAS BENS FAVORITE TARGET.
December 9th, 2007 at 7:58 pm
I guarantee it’s best not to make guarantees.
December 9th, 2007 at 8:03 pm
I REALLY DONT UNDERSTAND WHY U WOULD BITE ON PLAY ACTION THEY DONT RUN THE BALL AS IS A ASSHOLE
December 9th, 2007 at 8:06 pm
U sound like me and my budddy. Just horrible discipline. The Pats D is average but like I said, don’t see Steelers beating them unless they change their defensive philosophy. The Colts are the only team that can beat them.
December 9th, 2007 at 8:12 pm
How did AFC teams allow all these Patriot Acquisitions to happen. Did the GMs not see this?
December 9th, 2007 at 8:13 pm
MAYBE TOMLIN SHOULD TRY HIS PHILOSIPHY CUASE LEBEAU CANT BEAT THEM
December 9th, 2007 at 8:13 pm
Where was that big bad defense……..oh yea talking isnt enuff you have to show up and do it.
You can all root for the Jets next week…….
Hint …..lay the points
December 9th, 2007 at 8:17 pm
oops Smith got beat again……
December 9th, 2007 at 8:18 pm
Philadelphia, Baltimore and now Pittsburgh, all undone by indiscipline - you have to be disciplined if you’re going to beat New England.
Love him or loathe him, by the time the second half came around Bill Belichick had Pittsburgh sussed and his offence bossed the game.
December 9th, 2007 at 8:21 pm
SMITH SUCKS WAY TO AGRESSIVE NO DISCIPLINE
December 9th, 2007 at 8:23 pm
Exactly, this Smith character was trying to back up his words - better to do your talking on the field of play.
December 9th, 2007 at 8:23 pm
BELACHEAT SAYS HE SEEN BETTER SAFTIES THEN LAUGHED
December 9th, 2007 at 8:25 pm
Oh come on, Belichick’s a great guy. But where was the hoodie tonight?
December 9th, 2007 at 9:37 pm
well..it is Patriots year…they are good…but everything is going there way….The Colts are the only hope to beat them…
December 9th, 2007 at 10:42 pm
The D was gone in the second half, it was almost like the Pats and Brady knew our D play calls……
December 9th, 2007 at 11:30 pm
Chris, don’t even go there. We were handled easily and mercilessly. A few big plays and we were out of the game. Roth’s 2nd half was uninspired as well…
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