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| It's time (Photo creds to Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.) |
It's the AFC Title game. Not a lot more needs to be said for my "intro." Let's just get into it.
Key #1: Time of possession
If you've watched New England over the past 15 years, you know that they are all about the short passes, known to some as "dink and dunk" style of football. Yes, New England likes to take their sweet time, and the fact that they were sixth in the NFL in time of possession in 2016 proves this. For the growing Steelers defense, it is essential to eliminate the short pass, keep the Patriots Julian Edleman and New England's speedy receivers from finding space, and get the ball back to Big Ben as fast as possible. For the Steelers offense, it's essential to keep the defense off the field, because once Tom Brady has the football, he might not give it back for quite some time.
Key #2: The Offensive Line
It is important to note that the Steelers offense is going against a unit that allowed fewer points per game than any in the NFL this season. It is more important to note that Bill Belichick is one of the greatest defensive minds in the history of football, and you better believe New England has an unpleasant surprise planned for Le'Veon Bell. But if the Steelers offensive line does block the way they have shown they can, then it won't matter much what the evil genius has in store. If the line does its job, then "Juice" will have room. When Juice has room, we all know what happens next.
Key #3: Underdog mentality
The Steelers have nothing to lose. Ok, well a trip to the Super Bowl does qualify as something to lose. However, on this night, most of the pressure falls on New England. They are the NFL's finest franchise. They are the ones expected to be in the Super Bowl every year, and they are playing at home. The Pats have everything going for them, and if the Steelers play with a "nothing-to-lose" mentality, that pressure will mount further on the Patriots.
Final Prediction
It's a toss-up. I wouldn't be surprised if either team won this game. However, because they are at home, because they are 14-2, and because, well, they are the class of the NFL, I will pick the Patriots. I would love to be wrong, and maybe I will be, but if somebody had a gun to my head, I'd pick the team that's been to the Super Bowl six times in the past fifteen years and the quarterback who is the greatest of all time. Nonetheless, Here we Go!
Pats 23, Steelers 20
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