![]() ![]() A handful of blitzes caught Rodgers off-guard, freezing him and leading to sacks or hits. Despite the Falcons’ middling rush, Rodgers took four sacks and needed superhuman efforts to evade others. That sharpness will be needed in Chicago, but it might not matter if Rodgers holds the ball the way he did against Atlanta. He minimized the low-and-left misfires and hit tight windows downfield, especially on back-shoulder throws. Green Bay’s offense wasn’t schematically different in its first game post-Mike McCarthy, but Aaron Rodgers’ ball placement was much sharper last Sunday against Atlanta. All three can dominate for stretches, but they must push the pocket quickly and often to disrupt Brady.Ģ. Most helpful might be otherworldly performances from inside rushers Cameron Heyward, Stephon Tuitt and Javon Hargrave. Pittsburgh’s D isn’t necessarily doomed again, but it must be extremely sharp to play this style. When the Steelers match correctly, shrewd designs will still create mismatches (like rookie safety Terrell Edmunds on Josh Gordon, or Watt on James White or Gronkowski). Such designs can blur pattern-matching responsibilities and create blown coverages, which have plagued Pittsburgh at times. More importantly, New England offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels is a master of motion and intertwined releases from stack and bunch sets, creating rubs and confusion off the snap. Brady distributes quicker than anyone, especially against off-coverage. While some (namely the Titans) have blitzed Brady successfully this year, the Steelers’ fifth rusher will often arrive too late to factor. Meanwhile, Davis plays center field as five others pattern-match to routes from off-coverage, keeping eyes on the quarterback and looking for turnovers.Īgainst the Patriots, however, these tactics might be fruitless unless executed with razor-sharp precision. Through disguise these blitzes often come free - and when they don’t, Williams (4.5 sacks, 10 QB hits) can bowl over running backs or swim past guards. Watt or Bud Dupree and blitzing inside linebacker Vince Williams or slot corner Mike Hilton. That sounds simple, but Butler creates confusion by varying which five are rushing, often dropping pass-rushers T.J. This season, coordinator Keith Butler has relied more on matchup zones, many of which function like Cover-1 blitz (man coverage, one deep safety and five rushers). Gronk totaled 69 yards on what proved to be - thanks to the old catch rule - the game-winning drive. It worked OK last December, but safety Sean Davis couldn’t handle Gronkowski (nine catches, 168 yards) late. Pittsburgh still searching for Brady antidoteĪfter Brady torched their passive zones in the 2016 AFC championship game, the Steelers spent 2017 preparing with a different approach predicated on man coverage. might win a shootout, but it sure would help if the Steelers’ defense could stem the tide.ġ. You get the idea.īen Roethlisberger & Co. Tom Brady totaled 1,624 yards, 14 touchdowns and one interception, while Rob Gronkowski had 498 yards and five scores despite missing a game. In the five losses since, Pittsburgh allowed 34.6 points per game, never holding New England to less than 27. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports ![]() Green Bay, WI, USA Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) walks off the field after the Packers beat the Atlanta Falcons at Lambeau Field.
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