Looking ahead to tomorrows week 9 game against the Steelers I fully expect the patriots to pick up win 7 and here is why
On Offense --- The Patriots most likely will have a tough time running the ball as the Steelers have an over sized d-line that loves to stop the run. Unless Ridley is looking really lively the patriots will have to look to pass the ball. When passing the offensive line is going to have to contain the blitzing linebackers off the edge and attacking the A gap. This could be an especially tough task without Vollmer but the patriots line usually finds a way. Brady looking down the field is going to have to pick up on the mismatch. The Steelers have some good coverage players (Taylor, Polamalu) but don't have the depth to cover three wide outs and gronk. the mismatch will be the target.
Defending the Steelers --- The Patriots actually match up extremely well vs the Steelers offense. First off containing Big Ben actually should be quite easy as the patriots rushes almost always stay in their lanes and set the edge. The Steelers have also had o- line issues this year and look for Chris Jones to occasionally shoot up the middle. When the Steelers run look for the patriots to give up some yardage in chunks as they have for the past few weeks but generally keep Le'Veon Bell under wraps. When the Steelers pass look for the patriots to play a good mixture of man and zone to keep giving Big Ben different looks, and look for Mccourty to be solid over the top. If their is no talib again ( which i would not mind as i want him healthy) i look for Dennard to lock up Antonio Brown at the line and take him out of the game. The Steelers don't have many explosive offensive players so if Dennard can do his job it will make everyone else on the pats d have an easier day
Key Matchups
Mccourty vs Sanders --- The Steelers haven't been doing to well on offense this year but wide out Emmanuel Sanders can still challenge the safety deep. Mccourty needs to keep his form and range to make sure there are no big plays.
Ike Taylor vs Dobson\Thompkins --- Taylor over his years in the NFL has been an excellent corner but he has lost a step in his years, and against young athletes he has to be strong at the line of scrimmage to avoid a big play.
Woodley vs Pats O-line --- Woodley is a dynamic rusher and against a decimated pats line if he can get pressure he can be a real problem for the patriots passing game. The Steelers will need the pressure
