Motivated Steelers beat Pats at own game; more Week 8

Motivated Steelers beat Pats at own game; more Week 8
By Michael Lombardi NFL Network


Many people in the NFL won't acknowledge the media, saying they never pay attention to what is written or said about their team. But we all know that is not true, especially when the media is used to help motivate a team to play its best. Just ask Steelers coach Mike Tomlin.

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"NFL Replay" will re-air the Steelers' 25-17 win over the Patriots on Tuesday, Nov. 1 at 9:30 p.m. ET.

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Throughout the offseason, and especially after the first weekend of the season when they got hammered in Baltimore, the Steelers have heard the media call their defense too old, too slow and too past its prime. This past week, they had to listen to everyone say Tom Brady and the Patriots had their number. Tomlin used these words to motivate, focus and improve his team. The "us-against-the-world" routine still works well.

Four weeks ago, after getting beat in Houston in Week 4, the Steelers practiced in pads two days in a row. The result was a blowout win against the Titans. Since that point, the Steelers have improved their pad level and physical intensity and have won four games in a row. Before they played the Patriots, Tomlin once again had the team in pads, getting them ready to handle the challenge that awaited them in Brady and the Pats' potent offense. The Steelers once again responded and dominated the Patriots.

From the first snap, the Steelers were in complete control. Behind the arm of Ben Roethlisberger, the Steelers executed their passing game with precision. Fearing the big play, the Patriots tried to zone blitz, but it never bothered Roethlisberger. The Steelers are an explosive passing team with three receivers who can run -- Mike Wallace, Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders. That trio -- Brown has really emerged as a big-play receiver and is an excellent route runner -- with Roethlisberger at the helm, have turned the Steelers into an offense with as much speed as the Eagles.


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