If you don't know much about Patriots quarterback Matt Cassell, and chances are you just now taking notice, allow me to fill you in on some of his accomplishments this season:
- Back-to-back 400-yard passing games (815 yards/6 TD's)
- He has thrown 30+ passes in eight of the Patriots eleven games this season - yet has a completion percentage of 66.3%, seventh-best in the NFL.
- Four times this year he has registered a QB Rating of 103.4 or better.
All of these accolades could add up to a long day for the Steelers if in were not for two glaring statistics:
- The Steelers defense ranks second in the NFL with 37 sacks
- Matt Cassel has been sacked 34 times this season - most of any QB in the league
Linebacker James Harrison is tied for second in the NFL with 12 sacks, and teammate Lamar Woodley is right behind at 10.5. In fact, four of the top five individual leaders in sacks, are linebackers in the 3-4 defense...a scheme that the Patriots offense has had trouble with this season. Of New England's four losses this season, three of them (Miami, SD, NYJ) have come to 3-4 defenses that have rung up 11 sacks in those contests.
The caveat to that is that the last 3-4 defense that Cassel faced was the Miami Dolphins just this past Sunday…and he torched them for 415 yards and 4 touchdowns (3 pass, 1 rush). If the Steelers defense is going to succeed, they are going to have to force Cassel into mistakes. And while they lead the league in sacks and every defensive yardage category, they have just 15 takeaways this year, which is in the bottom third of the league. Cassel may be an inexperienced quarterback, but he has been able to limit his mistakes, especially recently.
In the month of November, Cassel has attempted 160 passes, second most in the NFL during that span (K. Warner – 171) and has only turned the ball over three times (2 INT, 1 Fumble) while completing almost 67% of his passes and tossing six touchdowns. Only Peyton Manning has more efficient in that span (9 TD/1 INT in 159 attempts). Cassel has been able to avoid the big mistakes for most of the season. Three times this year Cassel has turned the ball over twice in one game…the Pats are 2-1 in those games…and he has never committed three turnovers in a game. He has thrown 8 Interceptions in 359 pass attempts during the course of the entire season. Of the quarterbacks who have thrown eight or fewer interceptions this season, only Warner (433) and David Garrard (363) have thrown more passes. Not bad for a guy that, until week two, had not started a game since his senior year in high school.
While many believe that the Patriots lack a serious running game, they are seventh in the NFL in rushing yards, average 4.2 yards-per-carry, and have scored 15 rushing touchdowns. All of this despite having started five different running backs this season, none of which are in the top 35 in the league in rushing yards. No game this season may be more important for the Pats to establish a running game, because if they become a one-dimensional team, the chance that the Steelers defense has a field day multiplies significantly. That’s what they do…they stop the run, then tee-off on your quarterback.
Many have wondered aloud if Cassel can become the first quarterback in league history to throw for 400 yards in three consecutive games. If you think it can’t happen against the Steelers, know this…Tom Brady threw for 399 yards and four touchdowns in last year’s meeting between the two teams, a 34-13 Patriots win in which the Steelers defense did not record a sack…and the Pats ran the ball a total of nine times.
Notes:
The NFL announced Wednesday that Patriots tackle Matt Light was fined $15,000 but not suspended for his role in an altercation with Miami Dolphins Linebacker Channing Crowder during the Patriots win in Miami on Sunday.
Defensive End Breet Keisel will not play again on Sunday due to a sprained MCL, and according to Head Coach Mike Tomlin may miss the two games that follow as well
Steelers Running Back Willie Parker missed practice again on Wednesday and remains questionable for Sunday's game. Head Coach Mike Tomlin may want "Fast Willie" to lay off the turkey a bit on Thursday so that he will be ready. Even though his injuries have caused him to post a career-low 3.8 yards=per carry this season, in his career against the Patriots, Parker is averaging 89.5 yards per game and 4.7 yards per carry despite not scoring a touchdown against the Pats. The Steelers will certainly be looking to control the clock and keep New England's resurgent offense off of the field. Mewelde Moore will start if Parker is unable to go.
Also among those who are questionable to play Sunday:
- CB Bryant McFadden who is recovering from a broken arm that he suffered October 19th against the Bengals.
- OT Marvel Smith who according to Tomlin is "statusquo" which does not bode well for Smith or the Steelers. Sunday would be the seventh game that he has missed due to back problems. there have been rumors surfacing that Smith may need additional back surgery which would certianly hurt his marketability when he becomes a ree Agent after next season. Max Starks will get the nod again at Left Tackle if Smith cannot go.
- CB Deshea Townsend is doubtful and will probably mis his third consecutive game due to a hamstring injury.
Written by Fred Rihn, Wednesday November 26 2008
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