By: Declan Flavin | Follow me on Twitter / X @FlavinDeclan
The New England Patriots now face a Pittsburgh Steelers team that remains unpredictable. In Week 2, quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the passing offense looked far more inconsistent after dominating the New York Jets. The defense has been completely off to start, allowing 63 points in the first two games. It is a classic Mike Tomlin-led group, hitting bumps along the way but always maintaining passion and a high compete level. In Week 3, the Steelers will aim to bring intensity and physicality to a Patriots team that has always emphasized technique and strategy.
1) Defending DK Metcalf
Speaking of physicality though, wide receiver DK Metcalf brings a lot of it with his 6-foot-4, 229-pound frame. He has gashed the Patriots in the past for a combined 221 yards and two touchdowns in two games against them. When talking about a Patriots defensive unit that needs to limit damage to what they can see in front of them, this matchup would be a perfect case to demonstrate that. With cornerback Christian Gonzalez seemingly back in the fold, the responsibility will be on him to provide what he can, in addition to moving the secondary corners back into their ideal fits with his presence.
2) Using TreVeyon Henderson in the Passing Game
Although this has been mentioned before, it still does not change the fact that it could and should be a part of the game plan. The Miami Dolphins defense plays a bit lighter and more mobile, which is why Henderson has yet to break out. In this matchup, look for Henderson to take advantage of a physical but slower defensive unit on the other side of the field. If the Steelers defense fixes some of their problems, it could limit space for the skill players, in which case you need Henderson to maximize whatever space the offense does get.
3) Repeating the Out-of-Pocket Offense
To create as much space as possible for the Patriots, offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels would be wise to continue a lot of what he did with the offense last week. Getting quarterback Drake Maye rolling to his right and left made the unit feel more energetic and in control. There also tends to be more looks for receivers when a mobile quarterback can roam around, so look for them to build off it. They would do well to be a more mobile unit against a defense that is on the ropes early in the season.
The Steelers are going to try and win this with brute force, there is no doubt. Rodgers and running back Jaylen Warren are not the real concerns when it comes to this game plan, as it will just be about preventing DK Metcalf and the defense from imposing their will in the big spots. Regardless, the Patriots should try to stick with the same offensive game plan from last week while maximizing the playmakers they have. In the midst of all this, both defenses are still trying to take a look in the mirror when it comes to allowing big plays. It should be an action-packed, riveting game this Sunday against Tomlin’s group.
Flavin Media 
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