The defensive sector will be there this Thursday Night Football between the Steelers and the Pats.
Kick-off on the night of Thursday to Friday at 2:15 a.m.
Pittsburgh Steelers (7-5) – New England Patriots (2-10)
If you're a fan of offensive explosions, scoreless points and touchdowns 70 yards, maybe it's time to move on. This Thursday, the NFL offers us a clash between two teams who are having a lot of trouble scoring points. It's simple, New England has the worst offense in the league (12.3 points scored per game, 32nd)while the Steelers are barely better (16 pts/match, 28th). It would therefore be very surprising to see the score exceed the 20 points on both sides. On the other hand, if you like sacks, deflected passes and tackles for loss, this game is definitely for you.
The key to the ground for the Patriots
Since the start of the season, the two franchises have relied on two defensive squads among the best in the league. And even if the results are mixed for the Steelers and catastrophic for the Patriots, the fact remains that both teams have solid defenses. In New England, Bill Belichick's men only conceded 8.6 points on average in the last three matches. And even if the attack was unable to take advantage, the defense remained solid. Since the start of the season, the Patriots have only allowed 310.5 yards per game (8th in the league). It is on the ground that they are most efficient with only 88.7 yards left to opposing running backs.
If New England wants to achieve a third victory this season, the floor must be a priority. First to counter a team which should appear without its starting quarterback. Kenny Pickett should indeed be absent to make way for Mitch Trubisky. Then, to hope to advance as best we can offensively. The Patriots fielded Bailey Zappe last week, but didn't do much better through the air. On the ground, however, they were sometimes able to find solutions. Against the Chargers, they also gained more yards rushing (148) that at the pass (141). They will therefore have to take advantage of a Pittsburgh squad which allows 121 yards per game on the ground (22nd).
A paradoxical defense
This is the paradox of Pittsburgh. We have been repeating since the beginning of this article that this defense is very effective. However, when we look at the statistics of yards conceded, there is reason to ask questions: 348, 3 yards conceded per game (21st)of which 227.3 in the air (19th) And 121 on the ground so (22nd). Except that if we look at the number of points conceded, the Steelers are 6th with only 19.1 units per meeting. You will have understood, Mike Tomlin's men bend, but do not break. For this, one word is important: turnovers.
This is what allows Pittsburgh to stay in touch in each match and post a positive record. Since the start of the season, they have provoked 20 ball lossesalone 4 franchises do better. Against the Patriots, they could enjoy putting pressure on the opposing quarterback. Whether it's Mac Jones or Bailey Zappe, New England pitchers have the tendency to find the hands of opposing defenders. Since the start of the season, the Pats quarterbacks have thrown 14 interceptions. Once again, Pittburgh could feed off these mistakes to continue moving forward in this season, as best they can.
