Patriots-Steelers Game Observations (Second Half)
A few more observations from the TV copy:
- The Patriots second drive of the half uses a few more unconventional plays in order to get the offense going - a delay to TE Rob Gronkowski, play action to WR Deion Branch, and a quick screen to Branch.
- Good sportsmanship by RB Kevin Faulk to alert the Steelers bench of an injury to CB Ike Taylor - the player was on the ground along with a number of players, and Faulk quickly got up from being tackled to alert the Steelers to get medical aid. The injury was later reported to be only a stinger.
- Questionable substitutions made by the Patriots during their late touchdown drive - when WR Wes Welker was injured in midfield, WR Chad Ochocinco replaced him for a play, but when Branch was injured for a play in the red zone, WR Taylor Price replaced him. It seems that Price, a faster receiver, would be better between the 20s, stretching the field, and in the red zone Ochocinco would be a good option (being more of a ‘savvy’ route runner).
- Interesting Fact: The Patriots haven’t successfully recovered an onside kick since 1994.
