TEAM TALK
- Patriots-Steelers Wednesday Injury Report.
- Broadcast Info: Patriots at Steelers.
- Paul Perillo scouts the matchup: Brady, Belichick give Pats the edge.
- Press Conference transcript: Bill Belichick.
- From the NFL: Patriots vs. Steelers preview. (3 min. video)
LOCAL LINKS
- Mike Reiss notes the Patriots theme this week has been ‘turning the page,’ starting with Brian Flores taking the blame for the Miami loss - part of his “straight-shooter” approach that appeals to players.
- Phil Perry warns that despite the Steelers’ losing streak, Bill Belichick expects them to give New England a tough game. “Competitive people compete. That’s what they do. Certainly that’s what the Steelers are. I’m sure we’ll get their best. I think they’ll get our best.”
- Karen Guregian explains why the Steelers may be the perfect cure for the Patriots’ Miami hangover.
- Matt Dolloff suggests to the Steelers that they might not want to allow Rob Gronkowski to just take over this time. /Shhh...
- Henry McKenna (PatriotsWire) Rex Burkhead explains how Patriots RBs intend to fix slumping performance.
- Tom E. Curran focuses on the Patriots poor run defense that has become ‘a massive liability.’
- David Latham (LastWordOnSports) Patriots run defense won’t be an issue against Pittsburgh.
- Doug Kyed finds J.C. Jackson ‘confidently ready’ to cover the NFL’s best receivers.
- Ryan Hannable wonders if a change could be in the works for the Patriots secondary heading into Steelers game.
- Ryan Hannable hears from Danny Shelton, who addresses being a healthy scratch the last two games.
- Mark O’Keefe (LastWordOnSports) Steelers defense no match for top quarterbacks.
- Phil Perry reminds us how Big Ben is still dangerous at home.
- Tom E. Curran relays Mike Lombardi on why the Pats’ road struggles are concerning.
- Joy Manning (BostonSportsChick) Grass has been a problem for the Patriots. /Interesting.
- Kevin Duffy talks with Stevan Ridley, yet another ex-Patriot who holds a huge grudge against his former team and lives for revenge. /Yawn...
- Kevin Duffy reports the Patriots have perfect practice attendance and are about as healthy as an NFL team can be in December.
- Adam London notes the players are all well-aware that a fully-healthy roster doesn’t ensure success on the field.
- Kevin Duffy Patriots Notebook: Stephen Gostkowski moving on from rough outing vs. Dolphins.
- Kevin Duffy highlights Bill Belichick lauding the entire Pittsburgh team, reserving significant praise for the team’s dynamic passing attack. “There’s only one Ben Roethlisberger,”
- Andrew Callahan reports the Patriots will not play in an international game in 2019.
- Steven Thompson & Chris Blackey (SB Nation) Pats Blitz podcast: Guest: Former Patriots LB Marquis Flowers. (62 min.)
- Russ Goldman (PatsFans) Patriots Fourth and Two podcast: We are on to Pittsburgh! (1 hr.)
NATIONAL NEWS
- Will Graves (AP) Here’s the latest on Ben Roethlisberger’s ribs and other Steelers’ injuries ahead of matchup against the Patriots.
- Charles R. McDonald (SB Nation) NFL defenses have to create BIG plays in a game that favors offense.
- Jonathan Jones (SI) Morning Huddle: Andrew Luck, Deshaun Watson leading the NFL Comeback Player of the Year race.
- Michael Colangelo (TouchdownWire) Every Super Bowl contender has the same Achilles’ heel.
- Michael David Smith (ProFootballTalk) Nine teams have playoff scenarios in Week 15.
- Mark Maske (Washington Post) NFL expects more lowering-the-helmet penalties to be called next season.
- Darin Gantt (ProFootballTalk) NFL to play five international games next year.
- Eric Edholm (ProFootballWeekly) 2020 NFL draft headed to Las Vegas.
- Dan Hatman (InsideThePylon) 2019 NFL General manager candidate study.
- Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) When videos are available, NFL won’t mimic TMZ.
- Michael David Smith (ProFootballTalk) Goodell says it wouldn’t be appropriate for the NFL to pay for video.
- Michael David Smith (ProFootballTalk) NFL makes changes to Rooney Rule.
VIEW FROM PITTSBURGH
- Tim Benz (TribLive) Could Patriots’ weaknesses position Steelers for an upset?
- Jeremy Fowler (ESPN) Steelers managing tailspin, and Patriots offer no easy escape.
- Tim Benz (TribLive) Brady and Gronk hurt the Steelers worse than you think.
- Joe Starkey (Post-Gazette) Keith Butler/MikeTomlin pairing on blast with Tom Brady dead ahead.
- Ed Bouchette (Post-Gazette) Jesse James would love to make that catch again. /You mean, actually make it in the first place, lols...
- Kevin Gorman (TribLive) Steelers safety Sean Davis ready for rematch with Patriots’ Rob Gronkowski.
- Ray Fittipaldo (Post-Gazette) Ben Roethlisberger: There is ‘no panic’ after three-game skid.
- Joe Rutter (TribLive) Competition begins as Steelers mull replacing kicker Chris Boswell.