Mike Tomlin broke the ice three weeks ago in an interview with Tony Dungy prior to the Pittsburgh Steelers' Sunday night matchup with Green Bay. Dungy, Tomlin's longtime mentor and friend, asked for non-coach speak. Tomlin obliged. “It's going to be fireworks” he declared, referring to this weekend's matchup with the vaunted New England Patriots.
It was refreshing to hear a coach deviate from the mantra of “we're focused on our next opponent.” After all, how can a head football coach not be itching for revenge after getting fundamentally destroyed on both sides of the football in the AFC Championship game last January. Ironically, the Steelers rattled off three straight wins following that distracting interview while the Patriots dropped a rare game versus an inferior opponent just five days ago.
As two teams who have represented the AFC in the Super Bowl in a combined 10 of the last 16 seasons and currently hold the #1 and #2 seeds, it certainly will be “fireworks” at Heinz Field. The implications of this game are large and will likely determine which team will have home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
It's far too early to say if this is round one of a two-bout fight,considering the recent play of both the Jaguars and Chargers. Nevertheless, there are endless story lines to look into as we approach the game of the year.
3. Bill Belichick vs. Le'Veon Bell/Antonio Brown
Belichick is regarded as the best X's and O's coach in history. While his counterpart this Sunday is known for inspiring his players to win with guts, Belichick wins by out-coaching the opposition. He faces a challenge this week as the Patriots attempt to slow down not only the league's leading receiver, but also the league's leading rusher.
Every coach in football will tell you that stopping the run is their primary concern. However, single-coverage with Antonio Brown is a death sentence. Last Sunday, the Ravens and their elite defense routinely matched Brown up one-on-one with potential pro-bowler Brandon Carr and one high safety. Brown responded by torching Carr for 213 yards on a busted toe. Double-covering Brown while also providing enough men in the box to slow down Le'Veon Bell is imperative for the Patriots this week.
2. Rob Gronkowski vs, Steelers' Defense
Fresh off his one-game suspension, Gronk is ready to wreak havoc against a defense he's enjoyed success with over the years. In the 2015 regular season opener at Gillette Stadium, Gronk went off for 94 yards and three touchdowns. He followed that up last year with 93 yards and a touchdown at Heinz Field.
However, the Steelers' defense is largely improved as a whole. Pittsburgh ranks sixth in total yards allowed per game, third in passing yards allowed per game, and ninth in rushing yards allowed per game. Additionally, the Steelers have fared well this year against opposing teams tight ends. They are tied for first in the league in touchdowns allowed to tight ends (2), third in catches allowed to opposing tight-ends (48) and seventh in yards allowed (534).
But, Gronk is Gronk; there is no other tight end that can match his size, speed, and athleticism. The loss of Ryan Shazier makes covering him increasingly difficult, as the Steelers lack an inside linebacker with the speed to be able to cover Gronk. Look for second-year strong safety Sean Davis to see plenty of action against Gronkowski.
1. Injuries/Intangibles
It's late in the season and injuries are certainly a factor for both teams. The Steelers have avoided injuries for the most-part, besides the obvious crushing loss of Ryan Shazier, the Steelers defensive ‘quarterback.'
All eyes are on Joe Haden as he attempts to return from a fractured fibula. He has practiced on a limited-basis all week, and with the addition of back-up cornerback Coty Sensabaugh to the injury report (shoulder), the Steelers need Haden to dress to slow down Brady.
The Patriots, meanwhile, share an injury report the length of the magna carta. Alan Branch, one of the leaders of their defense and their best defensive player against the run, will be out this week. Notable starters Malcolm Butler, Trey Flowers, Stephon Gilmore, Chris Hogan, and Kyle Van Noy are banged up but all of them practiced on a limited basis.
The weather on Sunday also has the potential to play into the equation, as the afternoon calls for plenty of showers. This could provide a slight edge to the Steelers, as their run-game features Le'Veon Bell while the Patriots use a combination of backs.
An often overlooked facet of every game is the referee crew. Sunday's game will feature Tony Corrente and his crew, who are known around the NFL for being flag-happy as they average 16 penalties called per game, well above the league average. In this tight of a game, one call could mean everything.
The Steelers view this game as an opportunity to take a monkey off their back. The Patriots' dominance has been well documented, particularly Brady's success (Brady has a lifetime 10-2 record versus Pittsburgh with only three interceptions). However, the Steelers are playing at-home and riding an eight game win streak. They also play with heavy hearts due to the death of their owner Dan Rooney prior to the season and the unknown future of team leader Ryan Shazier after his heart-wrenching spine injury.
Let's just hope this is Part 1 of 2.
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