Here we go!
It's finally here; Steelers vs Patriots. There are many factors that need to happen for the Steelers to win this game. The main two I would say are simple. That would be that first, they need to be disciplined in all 3 phases by avoiding penalties. They can't win with the holding and unnecessary rougness penalties in all 3 phases as well as false starts on offense and PI calls on defense.
The second main factor is that they MUST tackle and end the blown coverages on defense. This will be a very long afteroon for the defense. With no Haden and Shazier, they will attack the Backers with their RB's in the screen game using them in space. They will also attack the middle with Gronk. Davis and Mitchell will be needed to help the screen game, so they can't be preoccupied with Gronk especially with Shazier out for the year and Haden out.
Allen needs to be used on Gronk all game to have a chance. He has the size, atheletic abilty and speed to be the best option in defending him. Defensively there are enough issues against the Pats in this game, but not playing Allen will be 30 or more yard gains with Gronk in the middle all day. I'm fully aware that Heyward and Tuitt need to play like madmen all day as we will need pressure up the middle on Brady, but I feel Allen needs to play on the backend as well.
The defense needs to find a way to get some pressure, make some key stops and hopefully gets some tipped passes with a couple of turnovers. We'll see, lets just hope for the best.