Pats must deal with QB Roethlisberger in AFC title game
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — The New England Patriots got a break by not having to face Ben Roethlisberger during their regular-season win over the Steelers in October.
The Patriots’ coaching staff is expecting to get his best this time around with a trip to the Super Bowl at stake.
The 27-16 home loss to New England was the only game the Steelers’ 34-year-old quarterback missed due to injury this season.
He was away less than a month after undergoing surgery to repair the meniscus in his left knee Oct. 17. He was also among several Pittsburgh players that sat out the regular-season finale against the Browns to rest.
Backup quarterback Landry Jones was serviceable in just his third career start in Roethlisberger’s absence.
The Steelers outgained the Patriots 375-362, but were 1 for 4 in the red zone and Jones finished with only one touchdown and an interception.
Pittsburgh is expecting — and will need — a stronger performance from the quarterback position this time around.
Coach Bill Belichick said Monday that Big Ben’s return makes the Steelers’ primary offensive options — running back Le’Veon Bell and receiver Antonio Brown — only that much harder to contend with. Bell rushed for 81 yards in the first meeting and Brown had seven catches for 106 yards.
“They’re a tremendous offense. Kansas City was able to make some plays in the red area, but I mean (the Steelers) could’ve easily been up in the 40s,” Belichick said.
“They do a lot of things well; can run it, can throw it. Brown’s the main guy, but all of the receivers, tight ends, backs, I mean they’re all a problem.”
The Chiefs may have planted the seed for how to keep Roethlisberger out of the end zone, however.