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I was rooting for the Patriots to win last night and was quite happy when they did. I'm not a Patriots fan, but I wouldn't consider myself a "Pats Hater" either. I'm apathetic on the whole Patriots deal after the seven month investigation that was a waste of everyone's time. I was rooting for the Patriots because they had a chance to assist the Ravens in their quest to win the AFC North division. If the Ravens win on Sunday, they will be ahead of the Steelers in the AFC North race, and possibly on top depending on whether the Jets and Raiders help out. If the Ravens lose, then Pittsburgh still isn't ahead. The Patriots gave the Ravens some help last night, and I'm not going to complain about that.
Now for some other observations about last nights' game:
The Steelers defense is bad:
Tom Brady was able to complete 25 of 32 passes for 289 yards and four Touchdowns against the Steelers defense. The Steelers were unable to stop that Patriots slot receivers, as Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola combined to have 13 receptions for 123 yards. The Patriots tight ends also had success, as Rob Gronkowski and Scott Chandler combined to have six receptions for 95 yards and four touchdowns. If I'm the Ravens, I'm showing Michael Campanaro, Crockett Gillmore, and Maxx Williams film from last night.
Dion Lewis is a legitimate weapon
The Patriots were starting Dion Lewis at runningback after losing Shane Vereen and Stevan Ridley in the offseason and after LeGarrette Blount was suspended for Week One. Lewis ran 15 times for 69 yards and he had four receptions for 51 yards. Lewis looks like the all-purpose back the Patriots use in their offense.
Maybe Malcolm Butler isn't a #1 corner
The Patriots had Malcolm Butler covering Antonio Brown all night and the results weren't pretty. Brown finished the game with nine receptions for 133 yards and a touchdown, all at the expense of Butler.
DeAngelo Williams is a capable back-up
One of the questions surrounding the Steelers was how their offense was going to perform without Le'Veon Bell. Williams answered those questions by getting 127 yards off of 21 carries for a six yard average. Williams should be able to give Bell rest once he returns from his suspension in Week Three.
The Steelers might be going for it more often
Josh Scobee went one of three on field goal attempts last night, missing 44 and 46 yard attempts. While the weather in New England wasn't exactly hospitable, things aren't going to get any easier for him kicking at Heinz Field or any of the AFC North stadiums.