STEELERS 5KEYS TO VICTORY
FOXBORO — The Steelers haven’t had much luck beating the Patriots recently. And if the venue is Gillette Stadium, well, it’s even worse. During the Tom Brady era, Pittsburgh has gone 3-9 vs. the Patriots, and is 1-4 in Foxboro. The only game they won at Gillette was in 2008, when Brady was out injured. What do they have to do tonight to have a chance in the AFC Championship Game? Well, here are the five keys to a Steelers win:
1 Big need for Big 3
Ben Roethlisberger, Le'Veon Bell and Antonio Brown are a deadly trio when they're on their game. And to beat the Patriots, they have to be firing on all cylinders. Roethlisberger historically doesn't play as well on the road, so that has to change. Bell and Brown have been terrific thus far in the postseason, so all they need to do is just stay the course.
2 Get to Brady
The Steelers have been torched by Brady when they've blitzed him in the past. So that's not the best option. But following the Texans' lead, bringing people up the middle, and challenging center David Andrews might be the way to go. If the Steelers can rattle Brady or get him off his spot, that goes a long way toward stifling the Patriots offense. As it is, Pittsburgh has had 36 sacks in its last 11 games.
3 Win turnover battle
The Patriots are known fumblers this season, so the Steelers have to poke, prod and do their best to instigate more takeaways, then convert on the turnovers. On the flipside, Roethlisberger, who threw 13 interceptions this season in his 14 games played, can't be throwing the ball up for grabs. The Steelers can't lose the turnover war.
4 Red zone conversions
Maybe you beat the Chiefs kicking six field goals. It's not going to happen against the Patriots. The Steelers can't go 0-for-the-red zone as they did last week. They must do a much better job getting into the end zone. Against Brady and the Pats, kicking field goals is like going to war with a water gun.
5 Unexpected star
Tight end Jesse James had a career game against the Chiefs with five catches for 83 yards. With all the opponents' main focus on Bell and Brown, he tends to be forgotten. But at 6-foot-7, 270 pounds, and with the ability to catch the ball over the middle, James could be a key weapon for Roethlisberger against the Patriots.