As the popular NFL commercials have asked, "What's next?" After three blow-outs and one very close call the top four teams in the NFL have been decided. Next weekend they play for their conference trophy, bragging rights, and a trip to the biggest game on earth... The Super Bowl!
Let's look at the match-ups:
New England Patriots at the Pittsburgh Steelers
After Pittsburgh's close call with the Jets, there is going to be some real anxiety this week in the Steelers locker room. Roethlisberger had a less than spectacular performance Saturday with several off-target passes and seemed to lack the fire that drove him through the season. Am I the only one who thinks he should leave those gloves in the locker next week? Another factor to consider, despite his big name reputation he is still a rookie, unlike the veterans he relies more on momentum and the bye week might have given him too much time to catch his breath and think. In any event I look for him to have learned a lot from the close call and be back in top form for the championship game.
Linemen don't get a lot of recognition in the NFL and that's a shame. Alan Faneca the Steelers left guard is, in a word... amazing! It seemed that in any big play he was leading the way. Look for Faneca to have another big game next Sunday. If anyone can hold off the dynamic linebackers of New England Faneca is your man.
The Patriots are a force to be recognized. The remarkable thing about the New England team is that you can't really pick out any one individual superstar. Week after week they seem to come together and play as a team. They have had their share of injury and attrition but still find a way to win.
Mike Vrabel and Willie McGinest will play havoc on the Steelers running game look for some huge hits when Bettis runs the ball or the tight end, Tuman, runs the slant. If Vrabel and McGinest are able to dominate the middle early look for Plaxico Burress and Heinz Ward to run some deep balls to stretch the field a bit. The Patriots secondary is weakened with injury but still formidable. The key to the Steelers success will be stretching the field out early to open up the running game. I suspect Pittsburgh to try the run early and feel out the defense then go to the air game throughout the first half. If the Steelers have a lead or momentum in the fourth quarter look for The Bus to pound the defense.
| Here's the follow-up discussion on this article: | View all related messages |
For a complete listing of article comments, questions, and other discussions related to TJ Sampson's Football topic, please visit the Discussions page.