The NFL schedule makers decided to kick off the 2019 season with a bang. The Pittsburgh Steelers will take on the New England Patriots in the first Sunday night game of the year. The Patriots have historically been the nemesis of the Steelers but Pittsburgh did beat them in 2018. Can they do it again? Absolutely. Here are five reasons why Steelers’ fans should be optimistic about this week’s game.
The Patriots are Gronkless
Tom Brady gets all the headlines but Steelers fans all understand the damage Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski has done to this team over the years. Last season, with a hobbled Gronkowski, the Patriots offense struggled against the Steelers defense. This season the defense is better and the Patriots offense is minus Gronk completely.
Upgrades all over the defense
Speaking of the Steelers defense, they went to great lengths to upgrade the defense at multiple positions. In particular, the linebacker position is much faster and more athletic. This will really help when the Patriots try to run the football. Rookie Devin Bush has the type of skills to neutralize Patriots running back Sony Michel.
Power of the run game
Pittsburgh showed last season they can run the football against the Patriots. Jaylen Samuels rushed for 142 yards. The Steelers cannot simply duplicate last year’s gameplan but a healthy James Conner does provide the Steelers an opportunity to run the football and keep the Patriots offense off the field.
Timing is everything
Getting New England early in the season could be ideal for Pittsburgh. The Steelers are as healthy as they will be all season and both teams need to shake off the rust. This will be very even footing for both teams and gives the Steelers the best shot to pull off the upset.
The kicking game is back
This preseason has been great for kicker Chris Boswell. He seems to have put the woes of last season behind him and is ready to be a weapon for this team again. This game ended 17-10 last season so a game-winning field goal could be in order.
