Even minus Roethlisberger, Patriots need to shut down Bell, Brown

I hate close games against teams like the Patriots, but I think that Jones has a solid-if not spectacular outing, the defense makes some splash plays and a late Chris Boswell field goal could be the difference in favor of the Steelers today. Like the Pats, the Steelers don’t win by whining or by dwelling in excuses. How they answer last week’s putrid performance last week will determine what can be expected for the remainder of the season.

Brady’s had his way against some of Pittsburgh’s best defenses, going 8-2 with 24 touchdowns against just three interceptions in his career against the Steelers.

Injuries are just the gift that keeps on giving with this 2016 Pittsburgh Steelers roster.

A few days after the Steelers devastating loss to the Dolphins, it appears things could have ended up far worse than they did. With Roethlisberger recovering from surgery on Monday to fix a torn meniscus in his left knee, backup Landry Jones will make just the third start of his four-year career this weekend. Defensively, the Patriots are yielding 347.0 total yards (255.0 in passing and 92.0 in rushing) per game against the opposing teams. Last week they surrendered over 200 rushing yards to Jay Ajayi of the Dolphins, and Pittsburgh now ranks 28th in the National Football League in pass defense. Their 56-19 record (.747 winning percentage) at Heinz Field trails only the Patriots (67-9, .882) and Packers (58-16, .780) in that span. Interceptions and fumbles will happen, it is nearly certain, but how Jones responds to any kind of mistakes made will determine his reliability as signal caller.

On Sunday, Jones should have enough time to throw the ball downfield.

Lay the points with New England. Factor that in with a finally healthy Gronk – not on the injury report – and Brady’s drive for revenge and an MVP. With Jones under center, Bell will clearly be the focal point.

Still, Tom Brady knows that the Pittsburgh Steelers always come to play and is expecting them to perform well at home. If Brady and his tight ends get into a rhythm early, the Steelers will be playing from behind all game. Ive got really no say in anything.”.

Shazier sees it happen regularly to opposing defenses trying to figure out what to do with Steelers All-Pro wide receiver Antonio Brown. Butler will need to coax more out of his pass rushers if he’s going to limit Brady again. Defensive end Cameron Heyward has a hamstring injury which held him out of practice all week.

“Responding to adversity, that’s what we do”, linebacker Arthur Moats said. They do a good job of being able to get him the ball whether it’s screens, out of the backfield or passes.

THE SKINNY: Since returning from his four-game Deflategate suspension, Brady picked up right where he left off.

Le’Veon Bell will be the star of the offense, rushing for at least 100 yards and scoring two touchdowns.

It must be noted, however, that the majority of that occurred with Ben Roethlisberger at quarterback.

Tom Brady respects the opponent and will prepare for the Steelers as if Roethlisberger was the opposing quarterback.