Steelers-Falcons Opener Gives Patriots Valuable Week 2 Scouting Opportunity
Pittsburgh’s opener against Atlanta gives the idle Patriots a valuable preview of the defensive pressure and offensive tendencies awaiting them Sept. 20.
The New England Patriots will not play their Week 2 game as they hosted the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. However, they will still find the Pittsburgh Steelers' game against the Atlanta Falcons to be a valuable scouting opportunity before their own home opener on September 20th. The Steelers will provide the Patriots with a look at their Week 1 personnel groups, protection plans, and defensive strategies.
With Pittsburgh's starting quarterback Cooper Rush set to start due to Tua Tagovailoa's injury, New England can gain insight into how they might approach rushing him. The Steelers often load the line of scrimmage and create confusing pressure looks, which could be a preview of what they might face from Drake Maye, who had three fourth-quarter interceptions against Seattle.
The Patriots are also without A.J. Brown due to a high ankle sprain, making Maye even more susceptible to being rattled. The additional week between games gives the Patriots' coaching staff, led by Mike Vrabel, time to analyze Pittsburgh's game film and make necessary adjustments before facing them in person.
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