The New England Patriots are ranked last in total defense this season, giving up 423.3 yards per game, though they’ve made up for it with timely stops and opportunistic plays – and having a premier offense on the other side of the ball.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, whose team hosts the Patriots (5-1) Sunday, isn’t taking New England’s defense lightly. He explained that the variety of looks it gives provides a challenge.
“They switch from a 3-4 front to a 4-3 a lot to even a 3-3, so they mix it up on you,” Roethlisberger told the New England media Wednesday via conference call. “And then I think if you get into certain passing situations, they like to bring their linebackers from the outside. To me it’s about identifying and being able pick up those blitzes, because if you can’t, then you're not going to be able to get the ball off.”
“And also, when you put the big guy (Vince Wilfork) in the middle - he never seems to leave the field - but he makes plays in the run game, and you wouldn’t think, but in the passing game as well now.”
The Steelers (5-2) are ninth in total offense, averaging 383.3 yards per game and will be the third-highest ranked offense the Patriots have faced.
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