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

Nov 3, 2013; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end

(87) gets tackled by Pittsburgh Steelers safety

(29) during the fourth quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

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

The Patriots passing attack will be very interesting to watch in this game as they have shown some early season struggles in past years and they are missing LaFell and could also possibly be missing Edelman. No matter if Edelman plays, it is still  Tom Brady throwing the football and he still has “Gronk”, Chandler, Amendola, Harper and Dobson.

The tight ends  will be a great combination, which will be very hard to stop. Amendola is also a lot more capable than most think and the Patriots continue to believe in his ability to be a big play maker. Dobson is the only big receiver on the roster, but until  he proves otherwise, I have no faith him. Harper has looked really good in preseason and could make an impact right away.

For the Steelers to have success stopping the pass they need to win the battle up front. The Patriots might be without Bryan Stork, and as long as Josh Kline is playing left guard, there is another weak spot on the line. If their front line, Jones and Moats can get to Brady, they will be able to stop him.

Otherwise the Patriots will dominate through the air because the Steelers secondary is atrocious. The addition of Boykin will help, but Gay and Allen are both below average starting corners and both of their safeties aren’t good as well. I expect Edelman to play and Brady to get the ball out quick and the Patriots to have a lot of success through the air.

Advantage: New England Patriots (3-2 Pats)

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