2022 GDT Week Two Steelers vs. Patriots

[Steeler Hitman]

 

Who: Steelers 1-0 host Patriots 0-1

Where: Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA

When: Sunday, September 18, 2022 @ 1 pm 

 

All Time Series: Patriots now lead 17-16

The play that probably cost the Steelers a legitimate shot at getting another ring during the Big Ben era. Yeah it was a TD, but the Patriots have gotten the better of the Steelers since the start of the 2000's. No excuses, they have handled and even manhandled the Steelers for quite a while.

Last Meeting: 2019 Patriots beat down Big Ben and Steelers  in New England 33-3

 

Minkah Fitzpatrick is making his own case early for NFL DPOY consideration. He played a complete game and showed why he is worth the trade and $$$ compensation.  

You don't replace TJ Watt, but here is an opportunity for Alex Highsmith to elevate himself and his overall game. He is ready to step up.

Speaking of stepping up!  The Steelers offense can certainly open up it's playbook, calls, and overall execution.  They left the defense on the field too long and didn't cash in on all of the turnovers and field position to put the game away early. They will have to earn it this week, because the Patriots game plan will be not to give the ball (and the game) away. They will make the Steelers earn it. 

The Patriots still have a G.O.A.T. on the sidelines. 

A key on defense is to not let this QB get comfortable.  Make him uncomfortable and try to force mistakes.

I think this game will be won or loss in the trenches and by the team who makes the fewest mistakes. 

Edited September 14, 2022 by Steeler Hitman
Completing Weekly GD Thread

[jebrick]

NE offense is only slightly better than the Steeler offense.  Should be a painful game to watch

[MOSteelers56]

27 minutes ago, jebrick said:

NE offense is only slightly better than the Steeler offense.  Should be a painful game to watch

Hopefully some kinks have been knocked out of the offense. I’m actually really hopeful that those kinks aren’t named Mitch, Canada, and the five o-linemen. Hopefully they just need some gel. Lots of “hopes” there but hey, someone’s got to be an optimist around here. 

[jebrick]

I think some, not all, of the passing woes are on Mitch.  He needs to settle in and make the throws.  He had receivers coming open but he seems to panic.  Perhaps he is more of a rhythm passer and needs a west coast offense.  Got no idea.

[warfelg]

56 minutes ago, jebrick said:

I think some, not all, of the passing woes are on Mitch.  He needs to settle in and make the throws.  He had receivers coming open but he seems to panic.  Perhaps he is more of a rhythm passer and needs a west coast offense.  Got no idea.

That’s been his career.  I think he “sees” guys open not anticipates by throwing them open.

[bigben07MVP]

Mitch needs to get the freaking ball to George Pickens this week.

[MOSteelers56]

19 minutes ago, bigben07MVP said:

Mitch needs to get the freaking ball to George Pickens this week.

I think the Pats D should be much more beatable. At least that's what I tell myself. A week to smooth things out, a little more confidence, a non-divisional opponent, these should do us wonders. Granted, it is BB. 

[Dcash4]

8 minutes ago, MOSteelers56 said:

Granted, it is BB. 

I am afraid of this part. I know I'm saying I didn't think the OL played that poorly last week, but the Bengals also didn't seem to do anything crazy. It looked fairly straightforward and basic. 

I kinda think Bill is going to throw the kitchen sink at us. I don't think we will respond well. 

[MOSteelers56]

5 minutes ago, Dcash4 said:

I am afraid of this part. I know I'm saying I didn't think the OL played that poorly last week, but the Bengals also didn't seem to do anything crazy. It looked fairly straightforward and basic. 

I kinda think Bill is going to throw the kitchen sink at us. I don't think we will respond well. 

I think he also tries to ground and pound our defense to death. The rest of the NFL might be too stupid to run the ball 45 times against us but I'm afraid Bill isn't.

[August4th]

two franchises, who ruled the AFC going through a new phase at the same time. IDK what to expect and that's not a bad feeling when considering the recent history between these two.

[bigben07MVP]

I think we lose this game for the record. I wouldn’t be surprised to see it be by 10+ points. 

[JustPlainNasty]

Should be looow scoring. Not necessarily cause of the QBs etc, but more so cause of the desire to run the ball combined with the defenses. Gonna need some special teams contribution and a couple timely offensive plays. I dont see why anyone would expect the Pats to win based on their recent performances, Mac Jones back spasms, and they ran for like 50 yards against the Dolphins and threw about 10 times for 18 yds. Im not trying to discredit the Dolphins D but they arent the 85 Bears, not even the 2018 Bears. Pats are gonna chew clock and try to keep it close late, hopefully we can control the ball with some offensive rhythm cause there was none this past week. 

Edited September 14, 2022 by JustPlainNasty

[Dcash4]

16 minutes ago, JustPlainNasty said:

Should be looow scoring. Not necessarily cause of the QBs etc, but more so cause of the desire to run the ball combined with the defenses. Gonna need some special teams contribution and a couple timely offensive plays. I dont see why anyone would expect the Pats to win based on their recent performances, Mac Jones back spasms, and they ran for like 50 yards against the Dolphins and threw about 10 times for 18 yds. Im not trying to discredit the Dolphins D but they arent the 85 Bears, not even the 2018 Bears. Pats are gonna chew clock and try to keep it close late, hopefully we can control the ball with some offensive rhythm cause there was none this past week. 

Gimme Tomlin, Flores, and Austin against Patricia and Judge (in the offensive room). 

[Raidersfan1]

New England 24

Pittsburgh 16

[Steeler Hitman]

I hope that history does not repeat itself from 2021.  Great opening week upset in which the defense played a great game and then a letdown week two at home. 

The are playing a rival who knows them well and has typically gotten the best of them.  The Steelers offense needs to make a statement and score early and often. I don't think that they will be able to run the ball at will, but they have to do better than what they did week one. The left side of the OL is struggling. Run right young man  behind Chuks and Daniels.  While that doesn't sound great, they can still add a TE and even motion another over there. This may not be a bad week to utilize the Swing OT to play some TE.  

Matt Canada is still too much mad scientist for me right now.  He needs more KISS and not predictable. Take the deep shots on first and second down, not third and three. If it is third and five, don't have the receiver run a two yard pattern. Mitch has great legs, so let him do some roll-outs. Get Gunner and Pickens involved in the offense. Chase is not the only player who can run Jet Sweeps. Not that I am asking you to run anymore of them. 🙃😬

The Steelers can play with and beat most any team, but far too often, they help beat themselves. This is a winnable game if the Steelers use some things to their advantage.  They can't make a lot of mental mistakes (pre snap penalties), turn the ball over, or have a non-existent offense.  Stop the run, play smart, and take advantage of New England miscues. Take them out of their game plan and dictate what you make them do. I would like to see the Steelers offense on the field far more than the defense.