Under Dick LeBeau, it was easy for the New England Patriots offense to pick apart the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense. LeBeau had a largely static gameplan in coverage. Cover 3, zone off the corners, don’t get beat deep. Tom Brady knew how to attack that. He had no problem with nickel and diming his way down the field. The scheme was tailored to the quick game. He’d throw the five yard curl again and again and again until the defense attempted something different.
That scheme has changed. The Steelers are no longer that kind of team.