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As a Patriots fan, I'm here to say; slow down Pats fans. This game is no pushover and the Steelers are exactly the kind of team that can ruin the undefeated season.

Do I need to mention that the Steelers have the number 1 defense in the NFL? I guess it is noteworthy, since Tom Brady most certainly will not have the ridiculous amount of time to sit back there in the pocket, as he has enjoyed against many other teams. The Steelers blitz, and they will blitz a lot. This could mean a big day for Wes Welker, and Ben Watson out of the slots, or it could mean a long day for Tom Brady. If I were the offensive co-ordinator for this team, I wouldn't be so angst in running that singleback spread every play and instead would opt to get some blocking help from TE's and backs every once in a while; but who am I to argue with the number one offense in the NFL? Frankly though, I still think that set is getting old and they're looking one dimensional on offense.

When all is said and done, I think it's accurate to say that the Patriots offense has shredded every 3-4 defense that has come it's way, and it has only been 4-3 base to give them many problems. I see no problems with the Patriots scoring, if you base it against the offense vs. defense alone.

Now on the other side of the line, is where I think you're going to see problems for the New England Patriots, and there are two key factors for my decision. The first of the Patriots problems on defense, are that they have shown that they can not stop speedy running backs. They demonstrated it against the Colts where Joseph Addai was free to do as he pleased; against the Eagles, where Brian Westbrook enjoyed much of the same poor tackling; and they were even having a tough time stopping Kevin Jones of the Lions, before the game got so out of control that the Lions were forced to start passing on every play. Willie Parker is going to have a big day. You can count on it, unless the Patriots defense can start tackling better than it has in the recent past.

Now the second problem for the Patriots defense, is that their scheme dictates that they create pressure up front, while their coverage plays conservatively in what is known as a "bend but don't break philosophy." This philosophy is not going to work on the Steelers, so they'd better hit the drawing board. To begin with, Ben Roethlisberger is a big man that breaks tackles. He is also mobile inside and outside of the pocket. Combine those attributes with the fact that he takes what the defense gives him, and what you have is a long day for the Patriots defense, and a big day for screens to Parker, and slants and curls to Heinz Ward.

As much as I would love to see the Patriots go undefeated all the way through the Super Bowl, and as much as I think they have the talent to do so, even with this undefeated team, I have to wonder; where is Bill Belichick this season? This team is one dimensional on both sides of the ball. It has shown no creativity in play calling, and it is only a matter of time until a team figures it out. The Pittsburgh Steelers are the final legitimate threat for the Patriots in the regular season. And as a die hard that has spent rent money on playoff tickets, all I can say is, "good luck boys". Can't wait to see it.

Learn more about this author, Michael Severance.
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