Five Questions With Patriots Gab Editor Morgan Smith On This Sunday

Today we chat with Morgan Smith, who is the editor at one of our sister sites – PatriotsGab.com – about the Pats, this Sunday’s game, and her prediction for the game vs the Steelers.

1. How would you grade out the Pats run game thus far in 2013, and what do you expect Sunday – is Ridely the main ground gainer for the Pats?

Patriots Gab: The run game has been an A and it has been the only consistent thing about the offense when we do run. The running game truly makes the offense better. It should be Ridley, I’m not sure why Ridley is still in Belichick’s dog house but after last Sunday he should get the most touches against the Steelers.

2. How much do you see TE Rob Gronkowski in the game plan Sunday, and how has he been since his return to the team?

PG: Gronkowski was limited today dealing with a hamstring issue but I see him as much of the game plan as he has been the past 2 weeks. Brady will look to him a lot and that will be the guy the Pats want to go to in the redzone the most. If he does damage Sunday it will be close to the endzone.

3. Bill Belichick spoke highly of Steelers TE Heath Miller Wednesday, what do they do to try and halt him Sunday?

PG: The Pats will use a linebacker and safety in coverage of Miller. They will mix it up and Miller will see Hightower and Collins on him and he will see safety Gregory and CB Cole on him as well. The Pats will rely heavily on their linebackers to stick with Miller and slow his production down against them Sunday.

4. How big of a loss will starting RT Sebastian Vollmer be now that he’s done for the season?

PG: The offensive line has been shaky all season so this just adds to the woes for the Pats offense. They have struggled to protect Brady and he has been sacks 16 times in the past 4 games, and that was with Vollmer in the game. Vollmer and Solder are the lone linemen doing well for New England so this deals a big blow to them and we will see how Cannon does in Vollmer’s place Sunday.

5. What’s your prediction for the game and why?

PG: Pats 20 – 17 – I don’t feel great about that prediction and the game could go either way but I think New England finds a way at home like they have been all season. That to me is the real difference in the game that New England is at home.