On the surface, the choice here looks simple - take the home dog and the generous 3 points. Pittsburgh plastered the Patriots the first time, so why shouldn't they be able to do it again? Maybe not!
A few points to consider -
First is the stat that's been all over the sports networks - During the Brady era, the Patriots are something like 8-5 against QBs they've faced the first time, and 13-0 when facing them for the second time.
Second is the fact that the Patriots shutdown the most prolific modern day offense last week when they beat the Colts 20-3; the Patriots defense allowed no TDs. If they shut down a very experienced Manning, what might they be able to do against Rothlinburger - can a rookie beat this very experienced Patriots defense that can go from a 3-4 to a 4-3 before the center snaps the ball.
Third, The Patriots had no rushing game at all in the first game - Cory Dillon was injured and sat out for that game. Can Pittsburgh defend against both Brady and Dillon? Remember that Dillon has the strength, the speed, and the agility to run up the middle or around the outside - and Dillon is an excellent blocker when the corners blitz.
Fourth is Brady himself, who seems to get better for the big games - and he's backed up by the best kicker in the game in Adam Vinaterri.
Fifth is the Patriots defense that got a ton of trash talk from the Pittsburgh offense during their loss to the Steelers; they're looking forward to some payback - the team won't talk about this publicly, but it's all over the local radio and TV sports shows.
Sixth is the Pittsburgh offense that has two backs that can run up the middle, but really don't have the speed to take the ball outside- what happens if the Patriots stuff the middle and force Big Ben to throw the ball?
Seventh is the weather - cold and snowy weather are a likely possibility during the game, and the Patriots are an experienced and strong bad weather team.
The only factor that I see in Pittsburghs favor is their "physicalness"! These guys are bruising streetfighters who will kill you playing smashmouth football. Can the Patriots beat the Steelers at their own game?
Time will tell who the better team is, but my $ will be on the Patriots -2.5 (buy down) and over 35.
Good luck!
A few points to consider -
First is the stat that's been all over the sports networks - During the Brady era, the Patriots are something like 8-5 against QBs they've faced the first time, and 13-0 when facing them for the second time.
Second is the fact that the Patriots shutdown the most prolific modern day offense last week when they beat the Colts 20-3; the Patriots defense allowed no TDs. If they shut down a very experienced Manning, what might they be able to do against Rothlinburger - can a rookie beat this very experienced Patriots defense that can go from a 3-4 to a 4-3 before the center snaps the ball.
Third, The Patriots had no rushing game at all in the first game - Cory Dillon was injured and sat out for that game. Can Pittsburgh defend against both Brady and Dillon? Remember that Dillon has the strength, the speed, and the agility to run up the middle or around the outside - and Dillon is an excellent blocker when the corners blitz.
Fourth is Brady himself, who seems to get better for the big games - and he's backed up by the best kicker in the game in Adam Vinaterri.
Fifth is the Patriots defense that got a ton of trash talk from the Pittsburgh offense during their loss to the Steelers; they're looking forward to some payback - the team won't talk about this publicly, but it's all over the local radio and TV sports shows.
Sixth is the Pittsburgh offense that has two backs that can run up the middle, but really don't have the speed to take the ball outside- what happens if the Patriots stuff the middle and force Big Ben to throw the ball?
Seventh is the weather - cold and snowy weather are a likely possibility during the game, and the Patriots are an experienced and strong bad weather team.
The only factor that I see in Pittsburghs favor is their "physicalness"! These guys are bruising streetfighters who will kill you playing smashmouth football. Can the Patriots beat the Steelers at their own game?
Time will tell who the better team is, but my $ will be on the Patriots -2.5 (buy down) and over 35.
Good luck!
