Patriots-Steelers Game Observations (First Half)
A few observations I had while watching the TV copy of the game:
- Poor defensive playcalling on the first Steelers drive - three times the Patriots blitzed the linebackers, allowing QB Ben Roethlisberger to complete quick passes to TE Heath Miller under the safeties. On the Steeler’s first play of their second drive, LB Brandon Spikes was in coverage and managed to break up a pass for Miller - a good adjustment by the Patriots.
- Miller’s overall success in the first quarter could be attributed to the Patriots defensive strategy - not give up the big play, or ‘bend and don’t break’. Miller made most of his catches within five yards of the line, and the Patriots coverage was further downfield, stopping any deep throws.
- CB Devin McCourty had a good first half, as his receiver was only targeted once, for a completion of -1 yards. McCourty seemed to keep his receiver covered, however, Roethlisberger often went to his tight ends or the other side of the field, where coverage wasn’t so good. McCourty also missed a tackle on a run at the end of the half.
- Overall, good game plan for the Steelers. During the preceding week, much talk was made about WR Mike Wallace and the Steelers ability to stretch the field, and the Patriots responded with deep coverage, and in turn, the Steelers took the underneath passes available to get to the red zone, and then used a couple of clever red-zone plays to get scores.
