THE BLITZ projects this game to have the 2nd-lowest volume of plays run among all games this week at 121.6 plays, accounting for the tendencies of each team and game dynamics.The New England Patriots have called the 5th-least plays in the NFL since the start of last season, totaling just 60.3 plays per game.The Pittsburgh Steelers defensive ends grade out as the 2nd-best group of DEs in the NFL since the start of last season when it comes to defending the run.The New England Patriots have faced a stacked the box on 27.7% of their plays since the start of last season, most in the league. Keeping an extra defender close to the line of scrimmage improves run-stopping at the expense of better passing efficiency.The Pittsburgh Steelers have stacked the box against opponents on 21.0% of their plays since the start of last season, 6th-most in the league. Bringing an extra defender close to the line of scrimmage improves run-stopping at the cost of better passing efficiency.
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