[dropcap]T[/dropcap]his weekend’s NFL action will display some familiar faces, especially in the AFC when the Steelers visit the Patriots on Sunday, Jan. 22. The last time these teams faced each other in the playoffs was in 2004 during Ben Roethlisberger’s rookie season.
However, since that season, the rivalry that has developed between these two teams make every game between them seem like a grudge match for NFL supremacy. So far, the Patriots are the better team with a 9-3 record. The Steelers, however, lead in the all time series 15-14.
Both teams are a dominant force,also, in the league. As a result, year in and year out, the Patriots and the Steelers are predicted by NFL experts and sports’ writers to be in contention to win their respective division, win the conference and, finally, clinch the Super Bowl. Most of the time, the experts and writers are right. Since the 2004 season, Ben Roethlisberger and Patriots’ quarterback, Tom Brady have been the starting QB for the super bowl 7 times combined, not including this season or the 2003 season which would make it an astonishing 9 super bowl trips in 13 seasons.
Sunday’s meeting between these teams will have some extra mix of hatred. After the Steelers’ victory over the Chiefs last Sunday, wide receiver Antonio Brown went “Live” on Facebook while in the locker room, during the team’s celebration and, in the background, Coach Mike Tomlin could be heard giving a post-game speech and speaking ill of the New England Patriots and the NFL. Brown has taken the video down and has apologized for leaking the footage which should have remained in the locker room.
Brown’s video is now being looked into by the NFL and commissioner Roger Goodell. The video has also stirred up some strong emotions from Patriots’ players, and it has added more fuel to the fire of this rivalry.
Sunday’s game will be played in New England at 6:40p ET. The winner of this game will face the winner of Atlanta and Green Bay game.