Let's just say "offense." Obviously WR Reggie Wayne was offended after being released by New England at the end of the pre-season for reasons only God knows. Not nearly as offended as Colts fans are that Patriots QB Tom Brady escaped punishment for his deflation shenanigans earlier this year. What better way to rub it in than to participate in the first game of the regular season under the primetime lights. The Patriots are historically known to be at the top of the league year in and year out. Tonight expect the Patriots to render around 300 plus total yards on an inexperienced Steelers defense who regardless of what they've verbally expressed, are likely to suffer some serious issues on that side of the ball this season. No SS Troy Polumalu, No CB Ike Taylor, no DE Brett Kiesel means youngsters like LB Ryan Shazier and CB Antwon Blake will have to turn it up a notch for the Steelers. They'll definitely be tested against a powerful offense tonight. Hopefully they won't receive a gashing coordinators around the league will exploit throughout the season.
The Pittsburgh Steelers aren't the only party within this contest with defensive vulnerability. During the off-season the Patriots said goodbye to DT Vince Wilfork, CB Darielle Revis and CB Brandon Browner. Reconciliation is a necessity for a New England secondary that was highly feared last season. Now, the only fear worth mentioning is in regards to who they can find to defend Steelers superstar Antonio Brown in tonights game. Brown has flown under the radar for about three seasons but is arguably a top 5 wide receiver in the entire league. QB Ben Roethlisberger and head coach Mike Tomlin led a co-op Steelers offense to a 2nd ranking in total yards last season. If not for a costly HB Le'Veon Bell injury, the Steelers would have likely played in the AFC Championship. Though the Steelers will be without Bell and WR Martavis Bryant tonight, the Patriots will more importantly be without a solution for the Steelers spread offense who added former Carolina Panthers HB D'angelo Williams to its staffing. I'll make the prediction of a 27-23 Steelers win. I just don't see the Patriots being able to get the Steelers offense off the field.
No matter the outcome we encourage all to enjoy the game tonight! Remember at boneheadpicks.com we are the fan.
Photo credit : D'angelo Williams + Ben Roethlisberger - Aug 28, 2015 - Source: Brett Carlsen (Getty Images North America)
Photo Credit : Tom Brady Aug 30, 2015 -Source: Spencer Platt (Getty Images North America)
