Halftime: With Offense Rolling, Patriots Lead Steelers 24-10

The New England Patriots are putting on an offensive show, as they lead the Pittsburgh Steelers 24-10 at halftime in week nine.

Tom Brady has been at the best this season.  He's been sharp, and has been accurate at all levels of the field.  Brady has completed 13 of 18 passes for 252 yards and two touchdowns.  His favorite target has been tight end Rob Gronkowski, who has nabbed seven receptions for 119 yards and a touchdown.  The Steelers have tried to cover Gronkowski in man, but just haven't been able to contain him.  Danny Amendola has also come up big for the Patriots, with two receptions for 91 yards and a long 34 yard touchdown.

The pass protection has remained a bit suspect.  Marcus Cannon has looked solid in place of Sebastian Vollmer at RT, but Dan Connolly has struggled at right guard.

Defensively, the Patriots have had a few strong short yardage plays including a fourth and a foot in Patriots territory.  Recently acquired defensive tackle Isaac Sopoaga was in on all three plays.

The Patriots have struggled to contain Pittsburgh's speed on the outside, with Emmanuel Sanders and Antonio Brown beating cornerbacks Kyle Arrington and Alfonzo Dennard on several plays.

It's hard not to be excited after a half like the Patriots just had.  That being said, there's still 30 more minutes of football to be played, and this one is far from over.  New England will need to keep their foot on the gas.  They will receive the ball to start the second half.