The Patriots invade Pittsburgh on Thursday night to take on the Steelers. Not much has gone right for the Patriots this season, especially offensively. The 7-5 Steelers do present some challenges defensively but offensively they have struggled this season.

Despite only scoring 4.3 points per game in their last three games, the Patriots offense has a chance to make some plays tonight.

Here three things the Patriots need to do offensively and defensively.

Offense

1. Use more 12, 13 and 22 personnel: The Patriots will have only three active receivers for this game so expect a heavy dose of 12, 13 and 22 personnel as Bill O’Brien will deploy multiple tight ends in an effort to run the football and generate match ups in the passing game. Look for more I-Formation once again tonight as well.

2. Slide protection to Watt: The Patriots will have to slide their protections to T.J Watt and help out Mike Onwenu and Sidy Sow as much as possible. Allowing Onwenu to go one on one with Watt without sliding or chipping him is a bad idea. 

3. Inside runs: Pittsburgh is a 3-4 defense so expect the Patriots to run the ball inside more. More inside zone, duo and lead plays out of the I-Formation. 

Defense

1. Give Trubisky multiple looks: The Patriots need to move around and disguise in the secondary. They must play two high, single high and Cover 0 looks to confuse Trubisky especially post snap. What he sees before the snap and after the snap, should be two different looks.

2. Bracket Pickens in certain situations: Yes. Another week, another receiver that needs to be doubled in certain situations. This time it is George Pickens who is a freak physically and could give Jonathan Jones and J.C Jackson problems depending on who matches up with him. If the Steelers are plus territory, look for the Patriots to double him. 

3. Move the front: The Patriots need to move the front and put pressure on the Steelers offensive line. They have been good thus far this season, giving up only 25 sacks on the season. New England will need to free up pressure. Twists, blitzes and depth and pressure from the third level are all in the game plan tonight.