common sense wrote:Which team left on the schedule can beat the Patriots?
Sean Salisbury: The Steelers are best equipped to handle the Patriots defense because they can control the outside with receivers Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes, while also running clock with Willie Parker. In the end though this game is going to come down to how well Ben Roethilsberger is able to play in such a big game. He has played well this season, but if he could put together a phenomenal game then the members of the '72 Dolphins could be popping some champagne.
Eric Allen: The Steelers have the best shot of any of the teams left on the Patriots schedule. They have the offensive weapons necessary to put pressure on this defense. To defeat a team like the Patriots a team must have a quarterback who can make plays on the edge of the defense with his legs in addition to being able to make the big throw when given the chance. Also, the Steelers have Heath Miller who can control the middle of the field and push those Patriots linebackers around a bit. But the biggest asset is running back Willie Parker because while the Patriots' linebackers are some of the smartest in the NFL, they aren't nearly athletic enough to run with Parker. The Steelers would be able to put points on the board and control the clock a bit offensively with those components.
Defensively, the Steelers have an excellent front seven that should be able to cause some problems for Tom Brady and the offensive line. The Steelers aren't going to be able to completely stop this offense because it's simply too good, but they can force the Patriots to have to drive down the field and put together long drives and the Steelers have the ability to force Brady into some mistakes.
Suck it Pats fans, Yer goin' dahn.