New England Patriots Over Pittsburgh Steelers: 5 Takeaways

Sep 10, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) audibles against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

On a rain-soaked night in Foxborough, it was more of the same as the New England Patriots once again took care of the Pittsburgh Steelers with a comfortable win. What were some thing to take away from the action for both teams?

Steelers secondary was and still is a big problem

The hope was that a better pass rush could cover it up, but Tom Brady has a way of reminding defenses where they’re weak and the Steelers got a faceful on Thursday Night of how vulnerable their secondary still is. It was a unit that struggled in coverage most of 2014 and it really cost them at the worst possible times. Until they figures something out, it’s going to be more of the same.

Julian Edelman is going to the Pro Bowl

Rob Gronkowski is the best in the business but the man who makes the engine run for the Patriots offense is Julian Edelman. He’s constantly in the right place, at the right time moving the chains and making big catches. That was evident last year, especially going through the playoffs and he’s picked up right where he left off. Don’t be surprised if this cocky Wes Welker upgrade reaches his first Pro Bowl.

Penalties and poor coaching kill Pittsburgh momentum

If anybody needs a perfect encapsulation for the night Pittsburgh had, just look at their first offensive drive. It was executed well, they moved the ball with ease at times and then they got cute with a gadget play that went for negative yardage and followed it with a bad penalty. Suddenly they were pushed back and ended up missing the field goal.

Coaching mistakes on the sideline plus player mistakes on the field do not beat the Patriots.

Patriots rookie offensive linemen pass first test

Starting three rookies on the offensive line is usually cause for alarm but the Patriots have a long history of being able to work around such problems. It didn’t hurt that they had quick-triggered Brady at quarterback but still they played well, controlling the Pittsburgh defensive front most of the night. Being at home certainly helped, but there will be much bigger tests in the weeks to come. This is merely a good start.

Vince Wilfork loss could loom large this year

Thanks to Brady and the offense this problem became moot as the game progressed but sooner or later it could become much more serious. That is the Patriots run defense. Despite not having Le’Veon Bell, the Steelers were still able to grind it out on the ground for a for over 6.0 yards per carry. This magnifies how much New England is missing Vince Wilfork, their former defensive tackle who anchored the middle for so many great seasons and was the beef behind their sturdy run defense.

Next: Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears: Week 1 Prediction

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