Random Thoughts on Today’s Steelers/Pats Game…

This is the stiffest test the Patriots have faced this season, have no doubt, and should go a long way toward revealing who the 2008 New England Patriots are - Big Contenders or Poser Pretenders.

The Steeler D is ranked #1 in every category that counts, and this game rests squarely on the shoulders of Young Matt Cassel. I totally don’t expect a performance remotely resembling that of the last two weeks from him, but do feel that if he plays an error free game, with say, 275 yds passing and a couple TD’s, the Pats have a real shot at taking down Mighty Pittsburgh.

Forget the Tight End spot today, Watson and Thomas should and will be asked to stay in and help protect Cassel from a ferocious Pitt pass rush, led by the James Gang, Harrison and Farrior. LaMarr Woodley and The Man of Troy, Mr Polamalo, will also need to be reckoned with if Young Matt is to spend the better part of his day in an upright position.

How can the Pats win this game?

Key One: Keep Cassel from getting killed.

Key Two: Get the WR open – Welker always seems to be open, and he is quick enough to find some green spots in a sea of garish yellow and black defenders. Cassel to Moss has emerged as a real threat in the past couple weeks, but expect Straight Cash to be doubled all day. I’d be REALLY happy with 70 yards and a TD from him. Jagar Gaffney, as Madden called him, could have an interesting day against old buddy Anthony Smith, who just doesn’t seem to be a real quick learner about keeping his yap shut.

Key Three: Run a little. I expect Faulky to be the best option today, as he can get open for screens and serve as a great outlet for Matty when the pressure arrives. I don’t see Morris and/or The Law Firm as being factors, but if they can combine for say 40-50 yards, they’ll have some effect on the Pitt rush, as the LB’s will have to stay at home a bit more than they’d like. Put it this way – if we could meld our three RB’s into one meast, KevinBenJarvusSammy GreenMorrisDayAndTheTimeFaulk-Ellis, I still wouldn’t start him in my fantasy league against this defense. And there are about 10 other RB’s I’d draft ahead of him, none of whom I’d feel confident about against Pittsburgh…

Key Four: Stop the run, and put the game into Ben ROFLMAO’s hands. Willie Parker is hurting, and Mewelde Moore is, well, Mewelde Moore, so this should be doable. The Steelers’ O line has been dreadful at pass protection most of the season, and Big Ben has resembled a statue. If the Steelers have to go to an air it out game, the Pats should get 3 or 4 sacks and a couple picks.

Prediction: Pats 23, Pits 17

I’ll take this mostly because of the Razor’s Edge (Gillette Stadium) which comes with the home crowd. I have little doubt New England can hold the Terrible Towel Offense to less than 20 points, the tricks will be not to give up any to the D and to score over 20 ourselves…