Tweet
Can Wayne or someone post the analysis of these games. much appreciated.
-
-
Why To Watch
Philadelphia makes its fourth consecutive trip to the NFC championship game but a win and a spot in the Super Bowl has eluded it each of the past three seasons. The Eagles' recent history in this game has some questioning their ability to win it and the loss of WR Terrell Owens to an ankle injury late in the regular season only gave doubters more fuel to burn. However, this could still be Philadelphia's year.
It's coming off an impressive win over Minnesota and it hasn't appeared to lose any confidence despite the absence of Owens. As along as QB Donovan McNabb and the defense play at a high level, the Eagles will be a difficult team to beat. An Atlanta team that has exceeded expectations under first-year head coach Jim Mora is looking to become the third consecutive NFC South team to end Philadelphia's quest for the Super Bowl.
The Falcons' ground game and ability to get to St. Louis QB Marc Bulger were both impressive last week but Atlanta is relatively young and inexperienced. There is some concern about its ability to play well in all three phases of the game in the hostile environment of Lincoln Financial Field. Look for the Falcons to come out running the ball in an effort to take some pressure off QB Michael Vick and the crowd out of the game.
When the Falcons have the ball
Rushing: Vick is coming off an efficient throwing performance and he can be very accurate at times. However, he is still an inconsistent pocket passer that occasionally loses the strike zone and tries to make too much happen. Philadelphia will try to exploit this weakness by consistently playing eight men in the box. Loading up against the run will put pressure on Atlanta to take more chances downfield, effectively putting more pressure on Vick to make plays with his arm.
Dunn
The problem is that stacking the line of scrimmage with eight and nine defenders won't work unless Philadelphia plays with great discipline because the Falcons' ground attack is extremely versatile. Starting RB Warrick Dunn has the initial quickness to turn the corner quickly and the elusiveness to make defenders miss in the open field. The Eagles must funnel him inside where there should be help and they must make sure to break down into a sound tackling position when he gets the carry.
Although backup T.J. Duckett isn't as elusive as Dunn, he runs with excellent power and is surprisingly fast for his size. Philadelphia must wrap him up at the legs to prevent him from regularly picking up yards after contact and its front seven must take the proper pursuit angles. He is more than capable of breaking some long runs if the Eagles' linebackers and safeties are slow getting to the sideline because they have underestimated his speed.
Vick
Of course, Vick is the most dangerous of the three considering his outstanding natural ability and the obvious advantage of playing quarterback, as the defense has to respect his ability to pass. Look for Philadelphia defensive coordinator Jim Johnson to shadow Vick with MLB Jeremiah Trotter and/or one of his safeties at all times. Trotter makes up for his lack of ideal range by using his instincts to get into position quickly and he is a reliable open field tackler. Using him and/or a safety to spy Vick should help limit his production on quarterback-keeps.
There are two other aspects to this part of the matchup worth mentioning. The first is it's important that SS Michael Lewis and FS Brian Dawkins avoid getting caught up in traffic when they move into the box. It will be extremely difficult to catch Dunn, Duckett and especially Vick once they get past the safeties. The second is Atlanta offensive coordinator Greg Knapp will stay committed to the run even if it gets off to a slow start. If the Eagles make any mental mistakes when they start to fatigue it will open the door for Vick and Dunn, who both do a nice job of cutting back when the opportunity presents itself, to break some long runs.
Passing: It's no secret that keeping Vick contained when he drops back to pass is one of the biggest keys to beating the Falcons. While Johnson should use Trotter and/or a safety to mirror his every move, Vick has the quick feet to make multiple defenders miss in the open field and the second gear to go the distance when he gets a seam. It's imperative Philadelphia's defensive ends stay in their rushing lanes when fighting upfield. DEs Jevon Kearse, Derrick Burgess, Hugh Douglas and Jerome McDougle can't get caught drifting too far outside because that will open up a hole between the tackles. They can't get caught too far inside because it will allow Vick to turn the corner.
It's also important to note that Johnson will blitz frequently and linebackers, safeties and corners coming off the edge will be responsible for outside contain at times. The blitzing defender must take sound angles to the ball so Vick isn't allowed to step up or get outside the pressure. While this preoccupation with keeping Vick in the pocket could slow the pass rush and reduce Philadelphia's chances of pressuring him into making a critical mistake, it's still the best approach. It forces him to consistently make throws from inside the pocket where he struggles at times and reduces the chances of him making the big play with his feet.
In addition, the Eagles' outstanding corners should help the pass rush working against Atlanta's inconsistent receiving corps. Philadelphia runs a lot of press coverage and CBs Lito Sheppard and Sheldon Brown are extremely physical. Their ability to slow WRs Peerless Price and Dez White down at the line of scrimmage will force Vick to hold onto the ball a little longer.
Crumpler
Knapp will likely counter by keeping TE Alge Crumpler and Dunn heavily involved in the passing game. Crumpler has the speed to slip behind the defense when the Eagles' safeties are overaggressive filling against the run and the athletic ability to make the acrobatic catch downfield. Dunn is a reliable receiver out of the backfield that should provide Vick with a safety valve when he gets into trouble.
When the Eagles have the ball
Rushing: Philadelphia's West Coast offense uses a quick-hitting passing attack to supplement its running game so RB Brian Westbrook rarely gets more than 15-20 carries in a game. However, it should give Westbrook and backup Dorsey Levens a combined 25-plus carries this week. Giving Westbrook and Levens that many touches will help keep an explosive Atlanta defensive line honest and on its heels when McNabb looks downfield.
Levens
Westbrook
Westbrook is always a threat to make a big play and he's at his best attacking the perimeter but the Falcons can't overlook his ability to pick up the tough yards between the tackles. He makes up for his lack of ideal size with the balance to bounce off arm tackles and the instincts to hit the hole as it opens. Levens is a more-than-capable backup that takes what the defense gives him and protects the football. One trait they both share is their ability to read blocks and that should take some pressure of the Eagles' offensive line.
Atlanta's one-gap scheme is predicated on penetration and forcing backs to make cuts in the backfield rather than at the second level. As a result, its front four is very quick off the ball, making it difficult for blockers to get into position. The problem for the Falcons is Philadelphia's offensive linemen don't always have to drive a defender in a certain direction because both Westbrook and Levens have the ability to adjust on the fly. The Eagles just need to prevent penetration and sustain their blocks long enough for the back to get through the hole.
With that in mind, look for McNabb to use a lot of hard counts. Varying the cadence will make it difficult for Atlanta's front four to anticipate the snap count giving the offensive linemen a better opportunity into position. Offensive coordinator Brad Childress will also test the Falcons' discipline by running some counters and misdirection. If the linebackers overreact to the initial action of the play, the Eagles will have an easier time reaching their blocks at the second level.
Passing: Childress did a tremendous job of creating favorable single-coverage opportunities for the versatile Westbrook by lining him up all over the field and commonly putting him in motion last week. He will take a similar approach this week because it will help McNabb neutralize Atlanta's pass rush by allowing him to get rid of the ball quickly. It could also result in some long gains because Westbrook is a threat to turn a catch underneath into a big play. However, McNabb must make sure Westbrook has separated from the coverage before releasing the ball because of Atlanta's playmakers on the perimeter.
WLB Keith Brooking has the range to stay with Westbrook when he lines up in the backfield and then releases into the flat. Nickel back Kevin Mathis will likely line up opposite Westbrook when Philadelphia moves him to the slot and Mathis has returned two interceptions for touchdowns this year. While there is chance that a foot injury prevents Mathis from playing, replacement Allen Rossum also has the ball skills to turn a McNabb mistake into a long interception return. Of course, the chances of McNabb making a mistake that results in a turnover or stalled drive will be greatly reduced if the Eagles' pass protection gives him enough time to set his feet and go through his reads.
Kerney
Runyan
Unfortunately for Philadelphia fans that will be far easier said than done. The Falcons are the only team to finish the regular season with more sacks than the Eagles and their front four does an excellent job of generating pressure. It doesn't help that ROT Jon Runyan sprained his knee last week and will have the unenviable task of trying to keep LDE Patrick Kerney out of the backfield. Kerney possesses a great blend of initial quickness, lateral mobility and closing speed.
Philadelphia likes to throw to its backs and tight ends but the impact they make as blockers will be just as important as the impact they make as receivers this week. Westbrook and Levens as well as the tight ends need to chip Kerney before releasing on routes to his side of the field. Childress will also run some max-protect schemes that keep one of his tight ends and/or a back in to help out. While these schemes limit McNabb's options, they should also insure he gets enough time to find the open man.
Scouts' Edge
Atlanta will stay committed to the run in an effort to control the clock, which would keep its talented defense well-rested and limit McNabb's opportunities to put points on the board. Focusing on the ground game will also exploit Philadelphia's lack of ideal size up front. However, Johnson has the talent at corner to commit a safety to stopping the run and the Eagles should have some success putting Vick in obvious throwing situations consequently. The challenge will be keeping Vick in the pocket and forcing him to throw downfield once this happens.
Although Philadelphia shouldn't have as much success running the ball, it has the quick-hitting passing game to help supplement the running game and neutralize the Falcons' pass rush. However, McNabb has to take some chances downfield or Atlanta's secondary as well as linebacker corps will start to jump the short-to-intermediate routes. As a result, a few big plays from the Eagles' much-maligned receiver corps will ultimately be the difference in what should be an exciting but somewhat low-scoring affair.
Tuesday, our scouts filed their advance advance scouting report on this week's matchup between the Falcons and Eagles. Now they're back with a second look.
Dunn
Vick
It's important that Philadelphia's outside linebackers and defensive ends keep their heads on swivels. The Falcons like to put their receivers in motion and use them to seal the edge by blocking down on the linebacker or end. If the linebacker or end doesn't see the block coming, he'll have a hard time getting to the sideline in time to prevent the back or QB Michael Vick from turning the corner. The Eagles can't afford to allow Vick, starting RB Warrick Dunn or RB T.J. Duckett to get outside quickly. All three are fast enough to outrun defenders in the open field so Philadelphia's outside linebackers and defensive ends must funnel them inside where there is help.
Westbrook
McNabb
Philadelphia's success moving the ball with its short-to-intermediate passing game early on will have a significant impact on the outcome for two reasons. The first is it will help neutralize Atlanta's pass rush, as running three-step drops won't give the Falcons' front four enough time to get to QB Donovan McNabb. Some early screens will also make Atlanta's defense a little less aggressive because it won't want to get caught too far upfield. The second is that RB Brian Westbrook and TE L.J. Smith are the Eagles' most dangerous receivers with WR Terrell Owens out of the lineup. Getting them involved early will draw the attention of the Falcons' safeties towards the line of scrimmage and the middle of the field. That will help open up the outside and create some big-play opportunities for WR's Todd Pinkston and Freddie Mitchell.
McCrary
FB Fred McCrary, who didn't sign with Atlanta until last month, has picked up the offense quickly and he played extremely well last week. McCrary doesn't show great power at the point of attack but he rarely misses an assignment and has the lateral mobility to adjust to the moving target at the second level. While MLB Jeremiah Trotter has both the bulk and power to stack him up in the hole when the Falcons run inside, McCrary should create quality seams when they attack the perimeter.
Hall
Keep an eye on Atlanta FS Cory Hall. Hall sustained a head injury during the regular season finale. Hall said he felt no symptoms of post-concussion syndrome last week but the injury could make him a little less aggressive. The Eagles' receivers have appeared soft at times and some big hits from Hall could make them focus on bracing for contact rather than catching the football so he needs to be physical.
Simoneau
Eagles' WLB Mark Simoneau is expected to return to the lineup after missing last week's game with a sprained ankle and he should give the run defense a boost. Simoneau rarely gets caught out of position and has the range to make plays all over the field. However, there is some concern the injury will affect his lateral mobility and ability to make tackles in the open field. That doesn't bode well for Philadelphia because both Dunn and Vick are extremely elusive.
Special Teams
Rossum
Atlanta PR Allen Rossum possesses a great combination of burst, elusiveness and speed. He also benefits from playing for special teams' coordinator Joe DeCamillis who can be very creative. Rossum faked a lateral to DeAngelo Hall before scampering up the middle for 69 yards and a touchdown on a punt return late in the first half of last week's game. The play gave the Falcons a tremendous amount of confidence heading into the second half. This week, DeCamillis may actually call for Rossum to lateral to Hall who is an extremely dangerous return man in his own right. As a result, an Eagles' punt cover unit that has admittedly been one of the best in the league must play mistake-free football.
Akers
The one aspect of this matchup the weather could affect the most is the kicking game. While Eagles' PK David Akers is used to kicking in poor conditions, Atlanta PK Jay Feely could have some problems with his footing and possibly the wind. In what should be a close game, it's imperative both kickers take advantage of any opportunities they get to put points on the board.
Matchups
Prediction: Eagles 24, Falcons 21
Comment
Why To Watch
Heinz Field will play host to the 2004 AFC championship game, as Bill Belichick and the defending Super Bowl champion Patriots travel to Pittsburgh to challenge Bill Cowher's Steelers, who were the first AFC team to win 15 regular-season games.
Revenge will be the theme in what promises to be the most physical matchup of this year's playoffs. A 34-20 Week 8 loss on the very same field will be fresh on New England's mind. The Steelers, on the other hand, will look to snap a two-game home losing streak in AFC championship play (1997, 2001) the last, of course, coming at the hands of the Patriots, who went on to claim their first Lombardi Trophy that year.
Despite two Super Bowl rings in the past three seasons, the Patriots are still playing the "no respect" card after being overlooked leading up to their playoff debut versus the Colts last week. A healthy Corey Dillon will give QB Tom Brady much more support than he had in the last trip to Pittsburgh. But will Dillon's presence be enough to reverse his team's fortunes against the league's top-ranked run defense?
Poor special teams play and uncharacteristic rookie mistakes by QB Ben Roethlisberger nearly led to an early exit for the "Black and Gold". If Pittsburgh is to knock off the defending chaps en route to its first Super Bowl appearance in a decade, it must be more efficient in both areas against the league's most intelligent and disciplined team.
When the Patriots have the ball
Rushing: Dillon's presence gives the Patriots a lot more balance and confidence heading into their second trip to Pittsburgh. By no means will the Patriots be able to keep their attack as grounded as they did with 39 caries for 210 rushing yards in their time-guzzling performance against the undersized Colts' defense last week.
Dillon
The Steelers' run defense finished the regular season ranked first in the NFL for a reason. Despite injuries to its best two run defenders – NT Casey Hampton and ILB Kendrell Bell – the unit has played with discipline and toughness throughout the season. NT Chris Hoke has used his quickness, leverage and toughness to play beyond anyone's expectations. OC Dan Koppen has the size and strength to handle Hoke, but he'll need to play one of his better games in order to avoid a double-team situation.
The Patriots win up front with technique and efficiency, but that wasn't enough in the first meeting between these teams. The Patriots didn't run much in that game, but when they did they weren't able to get the surge that was necessary against Hoke and DEs Aaron Smith and Kimo von Oelhoffen. If the interior of the Patriots' offensive line doesn't play better this time around, ILBs James Farrior and Larry Foote will roam freely and make Dillon's life miserable.
The good news for the Patriots is that with Dillon in the lineup this time around, the Steelers will have to play the Patriots a lot more honestly. The key for New England will be patience and ball protection. The Pats will struggle to get Dillon untracked early, but they can't give up on it. They have a short-passing game that can help to complement the run in the first few drives of the game. They also need to maintain balance and take some shots downfield in order to keep SS Troy Polamalu from cheating up too far, too frequently.
But in order to avoid the same turnover-infested, time-of-possession disaster that plagued them in Week 8, the Patriots have to establish Dillon and make it clear early on that they are willing to get into a knockdown, drag-out fight with a physical and swarming Steelers' defense that can be intimidating in the early stages of a game.
Passing: Brady's playoff experience gives the Patriots a big edge over a Steelers team that must be concerned after watching its rookie quarterback take steps backwards in his postseason debut last week. The Steelers have significant mismatches on the perimeter in the passing game, but the Patriots have some of their own.
For starters, the Patriots' depth at wide receiver allows them to stay fresh and for coordinator Charlie Weis to use David Givens, Deion Branch, Troy Brown, David Patten and Bethel Johnson in multiple roles. The Patriots best chance of running the football is to spread the field with three- and four-receiver sets as much as possible.
Hope
The Steelers have gotten away with CBs Willie Williams and Deshea Townsend as starters to this point, but it is a vulnerable duo without much depth behind it. Chad Scott is back healthy and has been inserted as the nickel starter, but his stiff hips will make him a target against smaller, quicker receivers like Branch, Brown and Patten. Furthermore, when the Patriots catch the Steelers in cover-3 or man-free coverage with FS Chris Hope responsible for the deep-middle of the field, Brady can really exploit Hope's lack of range and inconsistent recognition skills if given time in the pocket to operate.
The first meeting saw the Steelers smother Brady with consistent pressure. They brought the blitz from all angles once realizing that the Patriots' running game was no real threat, and they also were able to play a lot more press coverage in order to slow the Patriots' receivers releases off the line. However, don't expect the Steelers to be as aggressive this time around or for them to get nearly as much pressure on Brady.
For starters, Dillon's presence should help to keep the Steelers' more honest this time around. Secondly, Brady's ability to spread the ball around to a multitude of different receivers in order to beat the blitz should help the Patriots better deal with the pressure. Dillon, who had five receptions last week, has become a much bigger factor in the passing game and the team finally has a healthy enough receiving corps in order to spread the field and neutralize the blitz.
By no means did Brady play one of his better games last week versus the Colts, but if he can spread the ball around to 10 different skill-position players and avoid throwing an interception like he did in that game, the Patriots should be far more efficient and potent on offense compared to their last trip to Pittsburgh.
When the Steelers have the ball
Rushing: This will be the most intriguing matchup to watch, as the Steelers' second-ranked running game faces off against the Patriots' sixth-ranked run defense. The first time these two teams met it was advantage: Steelers. Pittsburgh controlled the clock and wore the Patriots down by staying dedicated to the running game. Four takeaways by the Steelers' defense gave the team's offensive line an opportunity to simply overpower what typically has been a stout Patriots defensive front-seven.
Staley
Bettis
Making matters more concerning this time around is the uncertain status of DE Richard Seymour (knee), who is listed as questionable after being inactive last week, and the encouraging play of RBs Jerome Bettis and Duce Staley, who combined for 190 rushing yards in last week's in over the Jets. Bettis continues to run with the burst, toughness and power that made him one of the elite backs in the NFL in the 1990s, while Staley showed almost no signs of trouble with the hamstring injury that lingered all season.
Unlike New England's more spread out and unusual defensive scheme versus the wide-open Colts, the idea will be to load up as much as possible in order to stop the run first and make Roethlisberger beat them in the air. The Patriots are obviously much more effective versus the run with Seymour in the lineup, but the two-gap scheme isn't going to change if Jarvis Green needs to start again this week.
The idea is for the front-three to occupy gaps and to force opposing running backs wide while OLBs Willie McGinest and Mike Vrabel keep outside contain. Because the Patriots are so disciplined up front, ILBs Tedy Bruschi and Ted Johnson are able to pursue the run without having to sift through much traffic. What makes this matchup so interesting is that Pittsburgh's massive offensive line is one of the only units in the NFL capable of simply overpowering the Patriots and driving their defensive line back into Bruschi and Johnson, which blows up the entire scheme.
The way the Steelers can best execute this philosophy is to limit their turnovers, sustain drives and control the time of possession battle. If they can get Staley and Bettis a combined 30-plus carries, they should be packing their bags for Jacksonville.
Passing: The Steelers simply cannot win if Roethlisberger plays as poorly as he did a week ago. In terms of talent on the perimeter, there's no comparison. The Patriots, without CBs Ty Law and Tyrone Poole, are vastly overmatched with Asante Samuel, Randall Gay and Earthwind Moreland matching up versus Steelers WRs Plaxico Burress, Hines Ward and Antwaan Randle El.
Roethlisberger
As a result, Pittsburgh will employ as many three-receiver sets as possible in order to spread the Patriots out and to get them into nickel personnel. Because of the injuries to Law and Poole, New England has gone to playing zone coverage more than three quarters of the time. Moreover, in order to help protect their ailing secondary, Belichick and defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel aren't able to blitz as much as they would like.
Still, their unique pass rush and coverage package can make blocking assignments and progression reads extremely difficult for opposing offenses – just ask Peyton Manning & Co. The Pats change up their coverage looks (man-free, cover-2, cover-3, cover-4, man-zone combo, etc.) on nearly every down. They also spend a lot of time with all 11 defenders in two-point stances with six or seven close to the line of scrimmage, leaving the opposing offensive line and quarterback guessing as to which defenders are coming and which are dropping.
Roethlisberger has the mobility, arm strength and mismatches he needs in order to pick apart the Patriots' hobbled secondary. But after watching how poorly the rookie handled the playoff pressure and how effective the Patriots were in terms of protecting themselves against the league's best quarterback and most explosive offense last week, it's difficult to believe that the Steelers will have much success via the air – particularly if they are forced to throw from behind.
Scouts' Edge
The first time these teams met the Steelers physically dominated the Patriots en route to snapping New England's 21-game winning streak. To pretend that Dillon would have made the difference would be misleading. However, the Patriots were out of sync on offense because they didn't have their usual confidence in balancing out the attack.
Brady was forcing things with too much pressure on his shoulders, the receiving corps was battered and wasn't able to exploit mismatches in the Steelers' secondary, and the result was a dismal four-turnover effort. The Patriots won't come close to matching their running success from a week ago, but they will be able to control the ball better and keep the Steelers honest with Dillon in the lineup.
In the end, these are two of the most physical teams in the NFL. The Steelers have home-field advantage, a stronger offensive line, mismatches in the perimeter passing game and a run defense that can be stifling. But in our opinion, the Patriots have the overall edge because of the quarterback position and special teams.
Roethlisberger had a magical season but the pressure was obviously too much for him last week. Belichick's unique and complex defensive schemes that made Manning look like a rookie will only be more effective against an actual first-year pro. A big return from Troy Brown and/or Bethel Johnson coupled by brilliant kicking from PK Adam Vinatieri and PT Josh Miller will help put the Patriots over the edge in what should be a low-scoring slugfest decided by a late field goal.
Comment
Tuesday, our scouts filed their advance advance scouting report on this week's matchup between the Patriots and Steelers. Now they're back with a second look.
Roethlisberger
The thumb injury could very well be leading Roethlisberger to drop his release point down in order to get better leverage on the ball without having to put too much pressure on his thumb. If the thumb is still bothering him this Sunday, don't expect a huge improvement in his play because he simply won't be able to adjust his mechanics due to the nature of the injury.
The game plan last week was to use their cornerbacks and linebackers in order to get physical with the Colts' "finesse" group of wide receivers and tight ends. That plan won't work this week against a much more physical group of receivers for the Steelers. Plaxico Burress is too big and strong to play press coverage against and Hines Ward is too crafty and tough.
Harrison
Harrison has experience playing cornerback in big games – he did last year on occasion versus the Colts in the AFC championship game and against the Panthers in the Super Bowl. He also would be a solid matchup against a bigger receiver like Burress, because his size and experience would provide the Patriots with an opportunity to play press coverage on that side. In that circumstance, the Patriots would likely move a cornerback (such as Hank Poteat) or a backup safety (such as Ja'Rod Cherry) to the safety spot opposite FS Eugene Wilson.
He isn't even listed as a starter on the Patriots' depth chart, but Wilfork's ability to occupy blockers and free up ILBs Tedy Bruschi and Ted Johnson to roam freely versus the run has been a big reason for the unit's hugely improved play versus the run in the second half of the season. With Keith Traylor and Wilfork rotating in and out, the Patriots are able to keep a fresh body at that position throughout the game, which will make the job of Steelers OC Jeff Hartings even more difficult on Sunday.
Green
Bettis will remain the starter and should continue to carry the heavier load on the ground, but Staley is a much bigger weapon as a receiver and could provide Roethlisberger with a sense of security in the passing game against a Patriots defense that will take chances with the blitz. It wouldn't be shocking to see the Steelers throw in a wrinkle or two with Bettis and Staley in the backfield at the same time, as it would give the Patriots one more thing to think about defensively.
Even if he isn't a 100-yard rusher, his ability to pick up tough yards on the ground and to keep the clock ticking will be a big help in terms of keeping New England's defense rested, as well as keeping the Steelers' defense honest while also wearing it down as the game progresses. If Dillon has fewer than 25 touches (rushing attempts and receptions), the Patriots will have a very difficult time pulling off the win on the road.
Secondly, don't be surprised if TE Daniel Graham is used more as a blocker on passing downs than usual, especially if the Patriots are still having trouble picking up the blitz early on. Offensive coordinator Charlie Weis prefers to release as many receivers as possible in order to spread the field as much as he can horizontally and vertically, while giving Brady the maximum amount of options. However, protecting Brady is priority No. 1, so if Graham is needed at the line of scrimmage as a blocker Weis will make the adjustment.
Branch
The first is the health of WR Deion Branch, who missed the game in Week 8. Branch was quiet with just one catch against the Colts last week, but his quickness and burst provide the Patriots with a vertical element that they were missing in their first trip to Pittsburgh. He has the potential to run past both CBs Deshea Townsend and Willie Williams, which could force the Steelers to play more conservatively than they did in that initial visit.
The second factor is the experience that rookie CB Randall Gay now has after being thrown into the fire when Ty Law suffered his foot injury in the first game against the Steelers. In that game, Gay gave up a 47-yard touchdown when he was left alone on an island against Burress. Not only is Gay much better prepared thanks to the amount of playing time he has received since then, but coach Bill Belichick and coordinator Romeo Crennel are also better prepared to protect him now that they have a stronger sense of his strengths and weaknesses as a cover corner.
Special Teams
Vinatieri
There is an even bigger discrepancy at the place-kicker position. Pittsburgh PK Jeff Reed has been adequate-to-good this season and he connected on both of his field goal attempts (45, 33) against the Jets last week, but he isn't in the same league as New England PK Adam Vinatieri in terms of overall consistency and proven clutch kicking in the postseason.
Matchups
Prediction: Patriots 24, Steelers 20
All the above is from ESPN Insider! Good luck!!!!
Comment