Nov 29 2008
Steelers/Patriots: Week 13 Preview
The Pittsburgh Steelers will face a tough task this Sunday as they will travel up north to take on the New England Patriots. The Steelers will be looking to end a three-game losing streak against the Patriots that goes back to the AFC Championship in 2004. It will be a matchup of the league’s best defense in the Steelers, against one of the league’s most dangerous offenses in the Patriots.
The Steelers’ defense will be challenged and tested when they meet the Patriots on Sunday afternoon. Quarterback, Matt Cassel, has been playing better and better every week, while gaining confidence along the way. It will be crucial for the defense to get pressure on Cassel and force him to make mistakes. Expect LaMarr Woodley and James Harrison to bring pressure from the outside and hit Cassel early and often to keep him off-balanced throughout the game. Another player the Steelers must be concerned with will be wide receiver, Randy Moss. Moss still has the ability to change a game in an instant. With the status of Steelers’ cornerbacks still in question for Sunday’s game with Deshea Townsend, who has a sore hamstring, and Bryant McFadden, who is recovering from a broken forearm, covering Moss will be easier said than done.
The Steelers’ offense will also have their work cut out for them against the defense of the New England Patriots. During last week’s victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, Willie Parker re-aggravated his knee injury and he is still questionable for Sunday’s game. If Parker does not play, Mewelde Moore will once again step in to the starting role. The Steelers are 3-2 this season when Willie Parker is not in the starting lineup. Ben Roethlisberger has not had much success in his career against the New England Patriots, he is 1-3 overall. The key to how well Roethlisberger plays on Sunday will start up front with the Steelers’ offensive line. The offensive line allowed no sacks on Roethlisberger for the first time all season last week. If they can repeat that performance, it will go a long way in the Steelers getting a win this week.
