This game will be a big test for both sides to see just how Super Bowl ready both teams are. Tom Brady will make his triumphant return to Foxboro after the Deflategate scandal. Brady and the Patriots had their Super Bowl championship tarnished after the scandal broke but now as the season is about to begin Brady is taking the field like nothing ever happened. The Patriots will come out with some fire after all of the accusations being thrown their way.
The Steelers will come into Foxboro on the heels of one of their most successful offensive seasons. Two of their key offensive pieces Le'Veon Bell and Martavis Bryant have been suspended for the beginning of the season. The Steelers are looking to replace Bell with DeAngelo Williams for the first two games until Bell's suspension is up. Bryant's suspension is for 4 games and will require Markus Wheaton and Sammie Coates to replace some of his production. The Patriots are bringing their best while the Steelers can only try to compete until some of their main weapons return. The Steelers hopes rest in the capable hands of Antonio Brown.
Playmakers to look out for
Rob Gronkowski: Gronk might just be one of the best tight ends ever to play the game so it is safe to say he should make a huge impact on this game. The Steelers plan to "stop" Gronk is to use their linebackers to be physical with him from the line of scrimmage and throughout his route. This may work but most likely will result in linebackers playing bad coverage.
Antonio Brown: Brown is the true number one option for the Steelers and will need to have a monster game if they want to sneak away with a win in New England.
Markus Wheaton: Wheaton has some big shoes to fill in regards to Bryant and he never has been the number 2 guy. Wheaton may be viewed as a number 2 because Bryant is a suspended sophomore but he has never actually had to deliver like he will now. It will be interesting to see if he can rise to this challenge.
Tom Brady: The man, the myth, the legend, Tom Brady will be playing in week 1 and he is not happy. He will look to make an example out of the Steelers to prove that the Patriots are the best team in the NFL. Brady may have some rust on him so it will be interesting to see just how potent this Patriots offense is right out of the gate.
