As bad as that loss to the Steelers was, I hope for a rematch.
Yes, Pittsburgh out-everythinged the Patriots on Sunday. It was a completely convincing win. The Steelers showed why they rank first in a handful of defensive categories. We saw first hand why they are the best team in the AFC.
And I still want another go-round. It was an embarrassing loss for New England, but that’s not the New England I know. They’re a much better team than what I saw. I felt they could beat the Steelers and I still do for a few reasons:
A second look – As coach of the Patriots, Bill Belichick has an excellent record against teams when they face each other a second time. There are plenty of examples. The Pats were not ready the first time they saw Miami’s Wildcat offense. After breaking it down for the rematch, the Dolphins gained just 25 yards on eight direct snap plays. Back in 2001, a second crack at the Greatest Show on Turf resulted in the franchise’s first Super Bowl win over St. Louis. Even the 2004 Steelers know first hand what can happen. They beat a then-undefeated Patriots team in the regular season, only to get smoked in the AFC Championship.
The elements – The cold rain was a factor for both teams. Receivers for New England and Pittsburgh dropped passes on the afternoon. But the Patriots’ drops were very costly. One was a drop by WR Randy Moss in the endzone. Two other drops would had resulted in gains of at least 30 yards and the ball deep in Pittsburgh territory. There’s no excuse for the receivers and one team didn’t benefit more from the nasty conditions. But when Moss drops two passes, then it’s hard to ignore the conditions.
Five for 20 – How often do the Patriots cough up the ball five times? Four of those turnovers were converted into 20 points by Pittsburgh. Yes, the Steelers did a great job picking off Cassel twice and two strip sacks, but I’m positive Pittsburgh wouldn’t force two fumbles from Cassel in consecutive drives again. The other three gifts are up to the Patriots to correct.
Though I want a second chance at the Steelers, it won’t happen unless the Patriots get in the playoffs. As of right now, Pittsburgh would be the second seeded team and get a bye week. Not only do the Pats have to get in, but they’d likely have to advance to the AFC Championship to face Pittsburgh. Getting past either Indianapolis or Baltimore for either Wild Card spots won’t be easy.
But if the Pats do get in, they understand the road to Super Bowl XLIII goes through Pittsburgh. The rematch could go either way. Just don’t expect the Pats to play another game that badly against the Steelers.
