This is the time of year when the Patriots have turned it on. Since 2001, they're an NFL-best 75-23 in games played after Nov. 1.
WHEN AND WHERE
Sunday, Nov. 14, 8:20 p.m.
Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pa.
HEAD TO HEAD
The Patriots trail the all-time series 14-10, but they've got a 3-1 edge between the teams in postseason games. The Patriots have also won six of the last eight games in the series, including a pair of playoff wins. The Steelers are 10-7 against the Patriots in Pittsburgh, but the Patriots are 3-1 in games at Heinz Field.
KEY MATCHUP
Pittsburgh has a smothering defensive scheme, but it's a little more susceptible to the pass. That simply has to be where the Patriots have to exploit the Steelers, in their own old-school, spread-it-out kind of way that could be reminiscent of their 2006 game plan in Minnesota.
The Steelers are first in points allowed (15.4), fourth in total defense (386.5 yards per game), first in run defense (58.3) but 24th in pass defense (240.0). First and foremost, the Patriots' offensive line has to contain outside pass rushers James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley, who provide the brunt of the pressure on quarterbacks.
If the Patriots can give Tom Brady enough time to make his reads, he should be able to attack the middle of the Steelers' Cover-2 scheme, and that could help Wes Welker and Aaron Hernandez have a big night.
STAT SHEET
Patriots
- Quarterback Tom Brady is 5-1 in his career against the Steelers, including a 2-0 playoff record. In those six games, Brady has completed 143 of 212 passes (67.5 percent) for 1,825 yards, 11 touchdowns and three interceptions.
- The Patriots are 15-14 all-time on Sunday Night Football, but they've lost their last three Sunday night games — at San Diego in 2008, and at Indianapolis in 2008 and 2009. The Patriots are also 3-5 on Sunday night since the broadcast moved to NBC in 2006.
- Linebacker Jerod Mayo has 103 total tackles in 2010 and is on pace for a career-high 206 tackles this season. The Patriots' single-season record is 207, which was set by linebacker Steve Nelson in 1984. Mayo's previous career best was 139 as a rookie in 2008.
- Wide receiver Wes Welker is one of five players since the 1970 merger to successfully kick an extra point and score three touchdowns in the same season. And Welker is the first player to do it since former Seahawks receiver Steve Largent (three touchdowns, one extra point) in 1989. Largent also accomplished the feat in 1985.
- Tight end Aaron Hernandez has 34 receptions and 436 receiving yards, and he is on a record pace for rookie tight ends. Former Patriots Greg Baty (37 catches in 1986) and Russ Francis (636 yards in 1975) hold the two records.
Steelers
- Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is 2-3 in his career against the Patriots, including an 0-1 playoff mark. In those five games, Roethlisberger has completed 80 of 141 passes (56.7 percent) for 1,004 yards, nine touchdowns and four interceptions.
- Since Robert Kraft bought the team in 1994, the Patriots have an NFL-high 189 victories, while the Steelers are second with 181 wins. The Patriots also lead the league with 17 playoff victories since 1994, and the Steelers are second in that category with 15 postseason wins.
- The Steelers have the NFL's best home record since 1970, at 224-86-1 (.722 winning percentage). They're 2-1 at Heinz Field this season.
- Wide receiver Hines Ward has caught at least one pass in a Steelers-record 186 consecutive games. It's the longest active streak in the NFL and the third-longest in NFL history. Jerry Rice holds the record with 274 consecutive games with a catch. Ward has a team-high 30 receptions, and he is second on the Steelers with 375 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns.
- Wide receiver Mike Wallace is trying to become the third player in AFL/NFL history to lead the league in receiving average in each of his first two seasons. Bill Groman (1960-61) and Wesley Walker (1977-78) are the other two. Wallace is second on the team with 22 receptions, and he leads the Steelers with 507 receiving yards, 23.0 yards per catch and five receiving touchdowns.
- Running back Rashard Mendenhall has 168 carries for 702 yards (4.2 average) and seven touchdowns.
INFIRMARY REPORT
From Thursday's practice report
Patriots
- Quarterback Tom Brady (foot/right shoulder) was limited, but is expected to play.
- Safety Jarrad Page (left calf) did not participate and is not expected to play.
- Defensive lineman Myron Pryor (back) did not participate, and his status is uncertain.
- Safety Patrick Chung (knee) was limited, but it appears as though he'll play.
- Right guard Stephen Neal (shoulder) was limited and is expected to play.
- Defensive lineman Mike Wright (groin) was limited and is expected to play.
- Running back Fred Taylor (toe) was limited, and his status is uncertain.
Steelers
- Safety Will Allen (concussion/illness) did not participate, and his status is uncertain.
- Defensive end Brett Keisel (hamstring) did not participate, and his status is uncertain.
- Guard Chris Kemoeatu (knee/ankle) did not participate, and his status is uncertain.
- Tight end Heath Miller (knee) did not participate, but it is believed he'll play.
- Defensive end Aaron Smith (triceps) did not participate and is not expected to play.
- Running back Mewelde Moore (concussion) fully participated and is expected to play.
- Running back Isaac Redman (concussion) fully participated and is expected to be available.
OUTLOOK
The Steelers are a rock-solid team with an intensely aggressive defense that will give the Patriots some problems, and the home-field advantage really bodes well for them. Pittsburgh should be able to take care of business.
