Pittsburgh Steelers: 5 Players that must show up big vs. Patriots in Week 1
By Samuel Teets
4. T.J. Watt, OLB
The best way to deal with Brady is to put him on his back and keep him like that for the entire game. The teams that have been successful against the Patriots in the past have powerful pass rushers capable of breaching Brady’s defenses. T.J. Watt can be that defensive player who blows the game open for Pittsburgh.
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Watt did sack Brady one time when the two teams met last season, but he’ll have to do more this time around. One sack isn’t enough to slow down Brady. The best way to shake the former MVPs confidence is by getting to him before he can sneak his passes out. It’s hard to beat Brady’s quick release, but Watt has the speed to do it.
This extends to Bud Dupree and Cameron Heyward as well. Pittsburgh needs to get after Brady early and often. If he settles into a rhythm, it could be a very long night for the entire defense. Watt will draw the most double teams off of the edge, which will create opportunities for Dupree.
As for Heyward, pressure up the middle is great for messing with the pass and run game. New England also recently lost their starting center, David Andrews for the season. If Heyward is lined up as a defensive tackle, he’ll get some shots to show up Andrews’ replacement.