Don't expect a typical Steelers-Patriots game tonight at Heinz field. Each of these teams find their playoff hopes on a precarious perch, even if the winner will emerge with all the greatest record in the AFC.

The Pats are coming off a humiliating defeat with the hands in the lowly Cleveland Browns, and they just do not measure as much as the Patriots teams we've observed in the past decade. Defensively, these are 29th against the pass and 21st against the run, and offensively they are correct in the middle with the pack. They've been winning games with smoke and mirrors and Tom Brady converting within the red zone. I expect the second half in the season to expose them the way the Browns did last week.

Pittsburgh has had some shaky performances of late, and key injuries to each offensive and defensive lines threaten continued results. The offensive line is in terrible shape,Derrick Mason Jersey, getting lost left tackle Max Starks for the season and commencing subs in the left side positions. Also, Maurkice Pouncey is banged-up at center and Heath Miller features a bad knee.

So,Wholesale Bvlgari Jewelry, we've got a matchup of a banged-up Steeler group against a rag-tag Pats group getting tiny continuity with their glory days. I see two key matchup areas:

Steelers' O-Line vs. Pats' Front Seven

When nutritious, I see the Steelers obtaining no issue right here. But, we aren't healthy, and we've got to be able to run the ball. We'll find out how great our subs are, or how bad the Pats are against the run.

Steelers' Defense vs. The Brady Rules

Tom Brady has noticed two rules developed because of this of his play. The very first was the tuck rule - you realize, the 1 the NFL had to clarify right after a poor interpretation of present guidelines gave the Pats an undeserved pass in to the Super Bowl and left the Raiders incensed. The 2nd is the prohibition on hitting quarterbacks beneath the knee around the pass rush since 'ol Tom was sent off for your season.


I'm not necessarily against either of individuals guidelines, however the present calls Brady gets as well as the whining he does following every single slight get in touch with just disgusts me. If NFL officials were in a position to actually be transparent on the rules, we'd see this:

Ref,Le'Ron McClain Jersey, "Personal Foul, Roughing of Brady, 15 yards from..."
Offending Linebacker, "I barely touched him,Wholesale Dior Jewelry!!!!"
Ref, failing in his try to modify his mike, "shut it, you touched his hair." Back towards the camera, "15-yard penalty in the previous line of scrimmage, automated 1st down."

Wait, do not stop me know, my Pats hater-aid is just finding commenced. We nonetheless have the illegal get in touch with rule and "spygate" to cover, not to mention the unrepentant hubris leading up to their Super Bowl loss to the Giants. What? We've covered this prior to? Possibly.

I'd like to see tonight unfold with a freakish efficiency by Rashard Mendenhall, play action and deep balls from Ben Roethlisberger, along with a cozy 21-point victory for the Steelers. That is not going to happen, sadly. You see,Haloti Ngata Jersey, I do know what will occur tonight, but I don't know who will win. We'll see two or 3 horrendous calls against the Steelers, which includes at the very least one unjustified roughing call involving Brady, momentum will swing back and forth, area targets is going to be missed, and the score will probably be in the 17 to 28 variety. It'll be made the decision in the last three minutes by a thing the other group will be ready to rightfully complain about.

I also know I will be participating within the live weblog tonight. It guarantees some funny stuff, a lot of referee conspiracy theorists, and probably some insight into the game. Check out it out!

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-- DAN CUNNINGHAM
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