Predict the score - Steelers versus Patriots*

[hawaiiansteel]

Week 8 picks: Brady, Patriots look to continue mastery of Steelers

The Sporting News
October 26, 2011



AFC Game of the Week

The Steelers' 3-4 pass rush has rattled many quarterbacks for the past decade-plus, but one passer who seems to be immune to their blitzing ways is the Patriots' Tom Brady. He's 6-1 as New England's starter against Pittsburgh, including two wins in the AFC championship game.

Brady’s quick release and supporting personnel have helped him exploit the Steelers' aggressiveness. He excels at making hot reads, and last year found a great matchup to keep the Steelers’ talented linebackers and safeties occupied in coverage: tight end Rob Gronkowski. As a rookie, Gronkowski burned the Steelers for three touchdowns in a 39-26 win. In this year's game, Brady will have another tight end target in Aaron Hernandez, who didn't play in the 2010 game.

LaMarr Woodley and Lawrence Timmons have been terrific in the absence of James Harrison, but the Patriots will make sure those linebackers can't just fly upfield off the edge with the danger of being burned by Gronkowski and Hernandez downfield. Complicating matters will be Brady's favorite wide receiver, Wes Welker, getting open quickly out of the slot for key gains.

Roethlisberger comes into the game sizzling, and for the Steelers to have a shot at beating Brady in a shootout, they must let him loose. The Patriots don't have the cornerbacks to handle all three of Pittsburgh’s young speedsters—Mike Wallace, Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders. That should make for a fun, high-scoring game, but it's tough to go against a Bill Belichick-coached team coming off a bye.

Prediction: Patriots 38, Steelers 34.

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[AkronSteel]

Re: Predict the score - Steelers versus Patriots*

It's a fair assessment considering the past performances of Tom Brady against the Steeler D. I just have a sneaky suspicion that this time will be a little bit different. I could see the Steelers getting out to an early lead and being able to get after Tom a little bit. I'll go with the Steelers 34-27 in a nail biter. This one should be a lot of fun and will set the stage for the Rats coming to town on 11/6. I can't wait for Sunday to get here.

[Sonny]

Re: Predict the score - Steelers versus Patriots*

35-34 Pats

Suisham misses a 42 yarder to win.

People call for our kicker's head, like the last time we played them.

The way he has been kicking, how would this be a surprise?

[Steelhere10]

Re: Predict the score - Steelers versus Patriots*

34- 27 Pats

[Sugar]

Re: Predict the score - Steelers versus Patriots*

35-17 Patriots

[Discipline of Steel]

Re: Predict the score - Steelers versus Patriots*

I see there's more chiken littles than Steeler fans so far (joke .

Ben airs it out early and our D gets a surprising pick 6 to open a nice lead 21-7.

Then we try to grind it out and keep Hair(less) Marcia off the field with our running game, but with limited success, and they creep back into it. On the go ahead drive, Marcia gets sacked hard on 3rd and long but calls for a flag and Woodley gets flagged (and later fined) for tackling with intent to injure. Then Gronkowski then scores the go-ahead TD and does a couple hip pumps in celebration. Pats* take the lead 24-28 with 1:14 to go in the game.

Finally, BA gives Ben the green light on no-huddle and we bring it down the field with ease. Redzone punches it in from the 1 with 4 seconds to go and the TV announcers are all disappointed.

Final: Steelers 31 Pats* 28

(side note...Marcia gets a broken nose from a football to the face and is seen crying after the game because his looks are RUINED!)

[Steelers>NFL]

Re: Predict the score - Steelers versus Patriots*

My head says: 33-24 Pats*

My heart says: 30-27 Steelers

[Notleadpoisoned]

Re: Predict the score - Steelers versus Patriots*

Steelers 37 Pats 36. Ben will throw for over 500yds and Mike Wallace will catch the game-winning TD. Sound familiar anyone?

[ramblinjim]

Re: Predict the score - Steelers versus Patriots*

Steelers 37 Pats 36. Ben will throw for over 500yds and Mike Wallace will catch the game-winning TD. Sound familiar anyone?

You know, I honestly tought that was how the Super Bowl was going to end last year! Wallace in the end zone with no time left. Sigh.

[ramblinjim]

Re: Predict the score - Steelers versus Patriots*

I'm always a Negative Nancy.

So...

I'm predicting a butt whoopin'. We get embarassed on our home field.

*'s - 44
Steelers - 31 in another one of those "the game isn't nearly as close as the score"

[JUST-PLAIN-NASTY]

Re: Predict the score - Steelers versus Patriots*

I for one see this game as a "punch him in the mouth" game. This game has implications but not really the ONE game that dictates the rest of the season. I have no problem with the Steelers going out there and attacking and knocking Brady around. Blitz him with 7 and man up...Whatever happens...happens....Knock him down over & over again. If they give up big plays and get into a shoot out..so be it. A loss with a battered Brady doesn't hurt the Steelers as bad as you think. A loss with the defense on its heels...I don't like that with the Ravens next.

Obviously best scenario would be beat Pats & Ravens. Really put themselves in a good position. If they could get the run defense back to where it needs to be...The Steelers could be a team that could go deep into the playoffs and push for a SB.

If Steelers loose to Pats & beat Ravens....Share of AFC North lead with control of own destiny.

If Steelers loose to Pats & Ravens...2 games back in Division with 4 division games left for each.

The must win is the Ravens. Remember that before you guys put your foot through your plasma!



34-31 Steelers with the ball in Brady's hands to win.

My heart tells me Woodley or Troy makes a play to bring home a win for the Steelers 34-31.

My head tells me Brady puts it in the endzone and the Pats go up 38-34 with a minute left and that is how it ends 38-34 Pats.

[ikestops85]

Re: Predict the score - Steelers versus Patriots*

The Pats are up by 4 with just over a minute to play. They are lined up for a 45 yard FG that will put them up by a TD. The Steelers block the kick and return it for a touchdown.

In a shocker that proves all the analysts wrong the Steelers win 17 - 14. I don't think it's going to be the all out offensive battle that most people do.

[flippy]

Re: Predict the score - Steelers versus Patriots*

The Team With the Great QB - 45
The Team with Justin Beiber's cousin in Uggs - 3

[Shawn]

Re: Predict the score - Steelers versus Patriots*

Steelers 27
Pats 24

[SteelBucks]

Re: Predict the score - Steelers versus Patriots*

Steelers are 0-2 when I predict a score and 5-0 when I don't. Notice a trend? In order to keep the good times rolling, I'm sitting this one out.