New England Patriots vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Head-to-Head Matchup

Pittsburgh Steelers Run Offense vs. New England Patriots Run Defense: 

Without Le’Veon Bell, the Steelers rushing attack is at a big disadvantage which will hurt their entire offense. DeAngelo Williams will be the lead back for Pittsburgh and he will have to go up against a very good Patriots front seven. Williams will be the first and second down back and Dri Archer should be the change pace/ receiving back. Williams simply isn’t a very good running back anymore and the Steelers might be his last chance in the NFL.

The Patriots front seven is very good this year as they have Alan Branch, Sealver Siliga and two young DT’s in Easley and Brown playing up the middle. Especially Easley looked very good in the preseason and the Patriots hope he has a big impact.

Both Chandler Jones and Rob Ninkovich are good run defenders as well completing a good front four. The Patriots linebackers might be the best in the business. If Collins, Hightower and  Mayo are all healthy they are about as good as it gets, though we haven’t been able to see a lot of it due to Mayo’s constant injuries over the last two years. I think the Steelers will really struggle to get anything going on the ground.

Advantage: New England Patriots (1-0 Pats)

Next: Steelers Pass Offense vs. Patriots Pass Defense