The AFC Championship is on the line as conference leaders the New England Patriots host the Pittsburgh Steelers. Join The Roar from 10:40am (AEDT) for live coverage.
The New England Patriots are no stranger to the AFC Championship in what will be their 6th consecutive appearance.
For once though, all eyes won’t be on Patriots quarterback Tom Brady but rather on how New England’s defensive line hold up against a lethal Steelers offense.
It has been another solid year for the 39-year-old in his 17th season, recording 28 touchdowns and a 122.2 passer rating off the back of 3,554 yards with just two picks to his name. He will need a big effort and must wreak havoc for the Pats on offense, particularly with the absence of Rob Gronkowski.
The Patriots’ defense must keep out the ‘Three B’s’ from Pittsburgh – Ben Roethlisberger, Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell. The trio have had a good 2016-17 season as well as Big Ben’s new favourite target – Eli Rogers.
New England have limited 12 of their last 15 opponents to less than 20 points and are yet to allow a player to rush more than 90 yards in their last 24 games.
That could be a completely different story come Sunday however with Le’Veon Bell recording stellar numbers averaging 168.5 rushing yards per game throughout this playoffs series. It adds to his season total of 158.9 scrimmage yards per game, the 3rd most in NFL history after what was a sour start to the year through suspension.
The Patriots and Steelers last squared off in Week 7, New England coming out trumps 27-16 at Heinz Field after a huge effort from Tom Brady and LeGarrette Blount. It is worth noting however that Pittsburgh were missing Roethlisberger in that game.
The Patriots lead the Steelers 3-1 in playoffs games.
Prediction
Le’Veon Bell will lead the Steelers to their first Super Bowl since 2010 in a tight game.
Steelers by 6.
Join The Roar from 10:40am (AEDT) for live score updates and debate in our live blog.
no one in particular
Roar Guru
If people are wondering why Todd Haley is a former HC and never looks like getting another gig then just watch the playcalling in that game.
Dogs Of War
Roar Guru
It was free money if you bet. Steelers don't get well against a Brady led Patriots. 0-6. For some reason the Steelers keep using zone defence against Brady. They need to change it up.
KingCowboy
Guest
That was a lot easier then I thought. BB and Earnie Adams are going to have their work cut out stopping Matty Ice. Hopefully it will result in Rodger handing the trophy to Mr Kraft and BB.
Riley Pettigrew
Roar Guru
That concludes The Roar’s coverage of New England Patriots vs Pittsburgh Steelers. Thanks for following along.
Riley Pettigrew
Roar Guru
THE PATRIOTS ARE THROUGH TO THE SUPER BOWL New England will head to Houston where they will meet NFC Champions the Atlanta Falcons.
Riley Pettigrew
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THE PATRIOTS ARE AFC CHAMPIONS The Patriots have won their ninth conference championship.
Riley Pettigrew
Roar Guru
FINAL Tom Brady and the Patriots have recorded a big 19-point win over Pittsburgh. New England Patriots 36 Pittsburgh Steelers 17
Riley Pettigrew
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Q4 :36 3rd & 12 PIT 43 (NE) Brady kneels and that's the game New England Patriots 36 Pittsburgh Steelers 17
Riley Pettigrew
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Q4 1:16 2nd & 11 PIT 42 (NE) Brady kneels again New England Patriots 36 Pittsburgh Steelers 17
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Q3 2:00 1st & 10 PIT 41 (NE) Brady kneels for a loss of 1 yard New England Patriots 36 Pittsburgh Steelers 17
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TWO-MINUTE WARNING New England Patriots 36 Pittsburgh Steelers 17
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Q4 3:36 3rd & 1 PIT 43 (NE) Blount with some strong rushing up the middle, he picks up the first down after making 3 yards up the middle New England Patriots 36 Pittsburgh Steelers 17
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Q4 3:36 Boswell kicks onside for 17 yards, out of bounds New England Patriots 36 Pittsburgh Steelers 17
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TWO-POINT CONVERSION Roethlisberger goes to Williams and the two-point conversion is successful New England Patriots 36 Pittsburgh Steelers 17
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TOUCHDOWN! COBI HAMILTON Sorry folks, experiencing some delays on my end. Roethlisberger goes deep to Hamilton in the end zone for 30 yards, TOUCHDOWN. New England Patriots 36 Pittsburgh Steelers 15
Riley Pettigrew
Roar Guru
Q4 5:02 2nd & 3 PIT 45 (PIT) Roethlisnberger incomplete to Rogers New England Patriots 36 Pittsburgh Steelers 9
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Q4 5:28 1st & 10 PIT 38 (PIT) Williams with another gain of 7 yards New England Patriots 36 Pittsburgh Steelers 9
Riley Pettigrew
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Q4 5:53 2nd & 4 PIT 31 (PIT) Roethlisberger finds Williams for a gain of 7 yards New England Patriots 36 Pittsburgh Steelers 9
Riley Pettigrew
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Q4 5:24 1st & 10 PIT 25 (PIT) Roethlisberger passes short right to James for 6 yards New England Patriots 36 Pittsburgh Steelers 9
Riley Pettigrew
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Q4 5:24 Gostkowski kicks 65 yards to the end zone, touchback New England Patriots 36 Pittsburgh Steelers 9