New England Nation Column: Patriots keys to victory against Pittsburgh on Sunday
· Yahoo Sports
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — The Patriots have been stewing over their week one loss for what feels like an eternity. There's been a lot of speculation and chatter around the team Drake Maye's first three-interception game of his career. However as we approach this week two tilt between the New England and Pittsburgh, all of that is flushed, and the focus is solely on the Steelers.
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Sure, Drake Maye needs to play better this week, but that's a given. New England also has to focus on other things in order to win.
The first key to a Patriots victory is keeping Aaron Rodgers in the pocket. We've seen it happen for 21+ seasons, when Rodgers escapes the pocket it gives him more time to link up with one of his wide receivers, and with an experienced future Hall of Famer, that can't happen.
The second key to this game is containing T.J. Watt (to the best of their ability). Look, the guy reeks havoc on the field and that can only be limited, not erased. In week one when he had two sacks and an interception. He will have his share of great plays, but they can't let him take over.
The third and final key to this game if the Patriots want a win, is they have to start hot. The Steelers are more experienced in many key positions. The Patriots are better served having a comfortable lead than to be in a situational close game with Pittsburgh.
Kick-off is at 1 p.m. on WPRI 12, the Patriots look to move to 1-1, while the Steelers eye a 2-0 start.
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