Duel Opinions: Steelers/Patriots Keys to the Game

Our brilliant minds have come together once again for another week of Duel Opinions; where our SCU panel discusses what the Steelers have to do in order to win up in New England.

Let’s just say we all have a good feeling about this game…

Brian

The keys to this game are simple, and two fold: dominate on both sides of the ball.

That’s how the Steelers have been winning games – dominating performances by the offensive line, and the front seven on defense.

Dupree and Uncle James will be key to keeping Brady in the pocket, and then on the ground.  The secondary has to to do what they’ve been doing, and avoid “rookie” moments as much as possible.

On the offense, Ring the Bell, and if the Bell won’t ring, open the run up by having AB school Malcolm Butler on what a good receiver looks like.

People are looking at this game like this Patriot team is the reincarnation of the 2007 team.

They. Are. Not.

If you look at the way these two teams have been playing over the last 2 months, the Steelers should be favored: they have been dominant.

Avoid mistakes, penalties and other self-inflicted wounds, and they are headed to Houston.

Terry

No offensive turnovers.

We play a clean game, balanced with running and passing, using all of our weapons,  all hands on deck, and we win.

Brady hasn’t seen a Super Bowl caliber quarterback since he’s been back from his 4 game suspension.

Our 9 game winning streak is a team effort, and our team is healthier, more in sync and playing with more focus than ever.

The defense may need a score to seal the win, but I’m confident the Steelers head to Super Bowl LI.

Prediction Steelers 23-17.

Eric

My key is Ben Roethlisberger.

It’s no secret Ben hasn’t been at his best in recent games. Over the past 8 games Ben has thrown more interceptions than touchdowns.

It’s been awhile since we’ve played a team of the Patriots caliber. We can’t beat them playing like we did versus the Chiefs; our defense won’t be able to carry us against Tom Brady.

If Ben can’t find the end zone, and turns the ball, we will lose this game.

However, if Ben plays like we all know he’s capable of, then we can beat the Patriots.

Jim

Short and sweet: feed Bell, commit no turnovers, pressure Brady, and minimize big pass plays.

Ben needs to have a “solid” game… not even a great game; don’t commit turnovers, and be sharp on third down.

Keeping Brady off the field is the best defense.

Bell will again be the X-factor.

Joe

The running game: on both sides. In all but one of their losses over the last two years, the Patriots failed to run for 100 yards as a team. When they cannot run, they cannot control the clock, and thus cannot control possession.

For the Steelers, running the football has proven to be the same thorn in the Patriots side, as they do not give up many 100 yard rushers, but for a variety of reasons. Running the ball will help keep Tom Brady and his offense off of the field, while wearing down what I feel is a suspect New England defense ripe for the picking.


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