Patriots Capitalize as Steelers Poop Their Pants Yet Again

(Sept. 9, 2015 - Source: Jim Rogash/Getty Images North America)

The Patriots "Destroy The League Tour 2015" kicked off last night against the Pittsburgh Steelers. 

Going into the game, many expected for Big Ben and the passing attack to try and pick apart the Patriots secondary, and, for the most part, that wasn't the case. Aside from Antonio Brown's 9 catches and 133 yards, the Patriots were able to "bend, not break" in regards to defending the pass. 

One of the biggest takeaways from this game, however, at least on the defensive side of the ball, has to be the weakness of the D-Line. Roethlisberger was given ample amount of time to throw the football and veteran back DeAngelo Williams was able to rack up 127 yards on the ground. While this is nothing new to the Patriots (2014 season opener against Miami, their D-Line was horrendous), everyone expected a better showing. Look for the Pats to come out with a purpose next Sunday and focus on rushing the quarterback. 

Quick Pats Notes

1. The offensive line protected Brady much more effectively than I thought they would.
2. Dion Lewis play fantastic, but needs to hold onto the football if he wants to play consistently.

The two main takeaways from this game were obviously Tom Brady, who had one of the better opening games in recent memory (78% completion, 288 yards, 4 TDs, 0 INTs, 143.8 Rating) but also the Patriots ability to capitalize on the Steelers making stupid mistakes. Throughout the game, the Steelers just dug themselves into a deeper hole to win against one of the better teams in the NFL. 

Steeler Blunders

1. A good 1st drive is ends after Antonio Brown tries to channel his inner Michael Vick on a trick play and loses 8 yards
2. Steelers kicker Josh Scobee forgets hot to kick a football and misses 2 Field Goals inside of 50 yards.
3. The Defense forgets about the 6'6 best tight end in football (Gronk) and leaves him uncovered to walk in for a touchdown.
4. Defense only has 10 men on the field as Julian Edelman hauls in one of his game-high 11 catches in the Red Zone. 

Really? How?

The Steelers are playing arguably the best team in all of football and come completely unprepared to compete. I get that the Opening Ceremonies and the crowd provide a very hostile atmosphere, but Ben Roethlisberger is one of the better veteran quarterbacks in all of football. He can't freak out when the D-Line shifts at the goal line and causes a penalty. 

This all comes down to who is a better coached football team. It doesn't matter if your headset is working or not. When you are in the Red Zone, with a quarterback like Roethlisberger, you should have at least 10 plays that can be ran with precision to score a touchdown. 

Shame on the Steelers for trying to make excuses, and cudos to the Patriots for ignoring the noise and kicking some ass. 

#OneForTheMiddleFinger

WHERE IS ROGER?

By Pete Packowski @Pete_BBS