The NFL has been hit hard with a wave of quarterback injuries this season, leaving teams scrambling for solutions. The New England Patriots, facing their own quarterback challenges, are gearing up for a Thursday night matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. With both teams grappling with backup quarterbacks, the game promises to be a fascinating study in coaching, strategy, and resilience.
The recent spate of injuries to starting quarterbacks across the league underscores the importance of a strong supporting cast. While the Bengals were able to weather the storm with backup quarterback Jake Browning, thanks to their offensive weapons and capable offensive line, the Patriots have struggled to find their footing offensively. The Bengals’ success with Browning highlights the need for the Patriots to surround their quarterback, whether it’s Mac Jones or Bailey Zappe, with the necessary tools to thrive.
Patriots Offensive Strategy Against a Familiar Foe
The Steelers defense presents a significant challenge, ranking sixth in total DVOA and pass DVOA. The Patriots, however, have a level of familiarity with the Steelers’ defensive scheme. Head Coach Mike Tomlin, with his background in the Tampa-2 system, has implemented a defense that relies heavily on man coverage. This is a departure from the zone-heavy defenses of the past and presents an opportunity for Patriots Offensive Coordinator Bill O’Brien to exploit some potential weaknesses.
One way to attack man coverage is through pick/rub concepts, which the Bengals used effectively against the Steelers. These concepts create traffic and force defenders to navigate through obstacles, potentially freeing up receivers. Additionally, the Patriots can look to exploit the space underneath the coverage by high-lowing the middle linebacker, a staple of the Tampa-2 system.
O’Brien has a history of designing effective game plans, and this week is an opportunity to prove his worth once again. The Patriots’ offensive struggles aren’t solely on the quarterback, and O’Brien needs to dial up plays that put his players in a position to succeed.
Neutralizing Trubisky: The Patriots’ Defensive Game Plan
With Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett likely out, the Patriots defense will be tasked with shutting down backup Mitch Trubisky. Trubisky, while athletic, has known weaknesses as a passer. He struggles with accuracy and progressing through his reads, often relying on his legs to make plays.
Last season, the Patriots effectively neutralized Trubisky by playing coverage and forcing him to beat them from the pocket. Drop-eight coverages, where eight defenders drop into coverage, can be particularly effective against quarterbacks like Trubisky, who thrive when they can extend plays and rely on their athleticism.
While the Steelers boast talented receivers in Diontae Johnson and George Pickens, as well as a reliable tight end in Pat Freiermuth, the Patriots defense should be able to limit their impact. Trubisky’s limitations as a passer will be exposed if the Patriots can keep him contained and force him to make quick decisions.
Key Matchups to Watch
The outcome of the game will likely hinge on several key matchups:
- Patriots RT Mike Onwenu vs. Steelers EDGE T.J. Watt: Onwenu will have his hands full with Watt, one of the league’s premier pass rushers. Protecting Zappe, or whoever starts at quarterback, will be paramount, and Onwenu’s performance will be crucial.
- Pats LG Cole Strange vs. Steelers DT Cam Hayward: Strange faces a tough test against the veteran Hayward, a powerful and savvy interior defender. This matchup will be a good measuring stick for Strange as he continues to develop.
- Pats S Kyle Dugger vs. Steelers TE Pat Freiermuth: Dugger will be tasked with covering the Steelers’ talented tight end, a matchup that could have a significant impact on the outcome of the game.
The Bottom Line
The Patriots-Steelers Thursday night matchup may not have the same luster as previous encounters, given the injuries at the quarterback position. However, it presents a fascinating chess match between two teams fighting to stay relevant in the AFC playoff picture. The Patriots, with a strong defensive game plan and an opportunistic offense, have a chance to steal a win on the road.
