1. The Patriots have another new coaching staff, once again going with a former Patriots player. Has Mike Vrabel and his staff brought any noticeable changes to the team this year?
Taylor Kyles: The Patriots are very much in the infancy of their rebuild, but Mike Vrabel’s fingerprints are all over this operation. Penalties and inconsistency have plagued New England through two weeks, but there’s a level of toughness and attention to detail that’s been lacking in recent seasons. He’s also stayed true to his promise to adapt to opponents, going from a man and blitz-heavy plan against the Raiders to a zone and four-man-rush-heavy strategy against the Dolphins. These were fairly
dramatic scheme changes that would be difficult to execute for most first-year coaches. Drake Maye has also shown improvement in critical situations, an area Vrabel emphasized when he first arrived in New England.
2. Speaking of Maye, it’s year two for the promising young quarterback. What’s your assessment of his play thus far?
TK: Drake Maye battled a slow start and poor accuracy in Week 1, but he looked like a different player in Week 2. He was decisive, accurate, largely had his eyes in the right place, and took what the defense gave him to set up manageable late-down situations. Maye also used his legs wisely and even made up for his own mistake, scrambling for a touchdown despite calling the wrong pressure scheme and allowing an unblocked rusher.
Growth is never linear, but if Maye continues at a similar trajectory, he’ll quickly vault towards the top of the league. That said, he must prove he can be accurate, close out games, and protect himself and the offense consistently.
3. Star corner Christian Gonzales has been banged up to start the year. How likely is he to play this week? What can you tell us about the Patriots’ defense after two weeks?
TK: Mike Vrabel has hinted at Christian Gonzalez being available on Sunday, so at this point, I’d be surprised if he didn’t play some role. The secondary has been competitive and shown flashes of ball-hawking ability. The defensive backs are physical in coverage and against the run, but they major more in size and length than change of direction or long speed.
The defensive line is the strength of the entire team, with highly-paid starters Milton Williams, Christian Barmore, and Harold Landry proving to be worth every penny. Former Raider K’Lavon Chaisson also leapfrogged Keion White on the depth chart and has made an impact in back-to-back weeks.
The linebackers have been the greatest weakness. Robert Spillane and Christian Elliss lead the NFL in missed tackles, with coverage being a particular liability. Former safety Marte Mapu was swapped in for some sub packages, and he intercepted a bad throw from Tua Tagovailoa. Whether through execution or a shift in the depth chart, this area must improve for New England to have a chance.
4. Who are your key players to watch in this game? Are there any under-the-radar players we should look for?
TK: Kayshon Boutte has been Drake Maye’s best downfield target, and it isn’t very close. He could have success with more one-on-one chances against the Steelers’ single-high scheme, though it will surely be a dogfight. Rhamondre Stevenson is seemingly a forgotten man in New England, but the top back showed his well-rounded skill set last week, leading the offense in receiving yards.
Defensively, safety Jaylinn Hawkins has flashed in coverage, against the run, and as a blitzer. He could be more consistent as a tackler, but his range and comfort in this scheme put him in good positions. First-time captain and All-Pro punt returner Marcus Jones is also a sticky and versatile corner who fills multiple roles.
5. FanDuel has the Steelers as slim favorites (-1.5). What’s your final score prediction?
TK: I’m predicting a 20-17 Patriots win, but that’s largely dependent on Drake Maye’s continued growth and more consistent tackling, which was more of a fundamental than skill issue last week. That said, an angry Steelers team is a tough matchup that can’t be taken lightly.
