Patriots-Steelers preview

    Two of the best big game quarterbacks in football meet today in Pittsburgh as the Patriots and Steelers face off.
    Combined, Tom Brady and Ben Roethlisberger have won five Super Bowl titles and appear to both be on the track to the Hall of Fame. Both players lead teams who can be considered title contenders this season. Brady has spread the field throughout the year, leading the Patriots to a 5-1 record, while leading the NFL in passing yardage. The Steelers have become more of an offensive team this season as Roethlisberger has thrown for nearly 2,000 yards en route to a 5-2 record.
    These two teams bring different play styles to the table when they play. The Patriots on the right arm of Brady almost exclusively, while the Steelers are content to hand the ball off to Rashard Mendenhall to move the chains.
    When the Patriots are on offense, Brady will look to his favorite target, Wes Welker. In normal Bill Belichick fashion, he found another diamond in the rough with Welker, turning him from a reserve in Miami to one of the best receivers in football. Welker is usually found near the top of the receptions list year in and year out, and this season is no exception. With 51 catches for 785 yards, he is one of the most formidable receivers in the NFL.
    The Steelers will try to shut down the Patriots offense with one of the best defenses in football. Troy Polamalu will bring disguised blitzes off the edges and try to force Brady into quick throws. James Harrison is another threatening presence on the line. The major problem with the Steelers defense, however, is pass coverage. The Steelers are among the leaders in run defense, but typically struggle against a team that can pass consistently such as the Patriots. It may be smart for Polamalu to inch close to the line and show that he is going to blitz before dropping back into coverage.
    The Steelers on offense have a big play receiver that Roethlisberger can look to throw to, in Mike Wallace. In his career, Wallace has averaged over 20 yards per reception along with having a nose for the end zone. Wallace has the speed to separate himself from the defense and get open. Showing his ability, Wallace has amassed 730 receiving yards this season. Antonio Brown has also established himself as a nice complement to Wallace with 25 catches this year.
    Belichick will use different tactics throughout the game to keep the Steelers defense off-guard. The Steelers will have to cover Welker and collapse quickly on other receivers as the Patriots have athletic players in every position. In the end, Brady's ability to move the ball down the field will tire the Steelers defense and move the Patriots to 6-1.

Prediction: Patriots 34, Steelers 21