QBs lead balanced teams
Matchups for the AFC Championship Game on Sunday between the Pittsburgh Steelers and New England Patriots:
When Steelers have the ball
Pittsburgh’s best chance — some would say its only chance — is to get its big three of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, running back Le’Veon Bell and All-Pro wide receiver Antonio Brown going from the start and never stopping. Bell has come up with enormous performances in his first two playoff games, rushing for 167 yards against Miami and 170 against Kansas City. His patience to find a hole and then his burst through it, combined with slick moves and power, make him the perfect postseason back.
The offensive line, led by center Maurkice Pouncey and right guard David DeCastro, has been stout in its run blocking and will need to continue that as the Patriots attempt to neutralize Bell. Linebacker Dont’a Hightower and defensive tackle Malcom Brown could be keys against Bell.
Brown is the NFL’s most dangerous offensive threat. If cornerback Malcolm Butler, free safety Devin McCourty and a pass rush featuring a bunch of players, including the emerging Trey Flowers, can disconnect Roethlisberger to Brown, the Steelers are in trouble.
A standout against the Chiefs was tight end Jesse James over the middle, and Pittsburgh will need that again. It also must get into the end zone rather than settle for field goals.
When Patriots have the ball
It always starts with Tom Brady for New England. He comes off a so-so (for him) performance against Houston, which will motivate the fourtime Super Bowl champion even more. Brady would love to stick it to the NFL for the “Deflategate” suspension. New England also is going for several Super Bowl-era records.
Even without tight end Rob Gronkowski, Brady won’t be lacking targets: wide receivers Julian Edelman, Danny Amendola, Chris Hogan and newcomer Michael Floyd. Plus tight end Martellus Bennett, who has capably filled Gronkowski’s roles. It will be critical for Pittsburgh to create pressure on Brady with the pass rush from linebackers James Harrison, Lawrence Timmons and Bud Dupree. If Brady gets time, it could mean a long night for cornerback Artie Burns and safety Sean Davis, both rookies, and the rest of the secondary.
New England’s stout ground game behind LeGarrette Blount, Dion Lewis and James White gets a boost from an unheralded blocking unit led by right tackle Marcus Cannon and center David Andrews.
If the Steelers can’t make the Patriots resort to an unbalanced attack, they probably are doomed.