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

Nov 3, 2013; Foxborough, MA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback

(7) is sacked by New England Patriots defensive end Chandler Jones (95) during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

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

This is possibly the key matchup of the game, as the Steelers need to have a lot of success against the Patriots in the passing game to win this game. Being without both Bell and Bryant really hurts their passing attack. Bell hurts in two ways, as he is simply a great receiving back and he also provides a needed balance to the offense that opens up the passing game. Still Brown is an elite receiver and the Wheaton has been talked up a lot once again this year. The line is decent and with Big Ben throwing the football any passing attack can have success.

The Patriots pass defense is the big question mark of their team this year as their secondary has had to deal with a major  turn around. I expect Butler and Brown to be the starting two cornerbacks for the Patriots and McCourty and Chung to play safety.

Butler will have a tough time with Brown and the Patriots really need to hope McCourty can make up for some of the struggles of the cornerbacks. A key will be the Patriots pass rush which has struggled in past years. They need their linebackers and especially Chandler Jones and Jabaal Sheard to have big game. In the end I think the Pats secondary will be overmatched against the strong Steelers passing attack.

Advantage: Pittsburgh Steelers (1-1)

Next: Steelers Run Defense vs. Patriots Run Offense