The Patriots kick off the 2019 regular season at Gillette Stadium against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The pre-game hoopla will center around the banner ceremony but tonight will be about a lot more than that. The Patriots need to forget about the banner ceremony and last season and focus on this season. I know I sound like Bill Belichick but this is a big game in the conference. With Kansas City winning today, the Patriots need to keep pace.

Here are five keys to tonight;s game.

1. Make Ben Roethlisberger uncomfortable: The Patriots have to get consistent pressure on Ben Roethlisberger. Big Ben can move around the pocket and extend plays. The Patriots need to hit him and keep him in the pocket. If Roethlisberger is allowed to improvise and throw on the run, the Patriots will have a hard time covering.

2. Lock up Gilmore on Smith-Schuster: The Patriots have played a lot of man coverage the past two years. Smith-Schuster is by far the Steelers best receiver. The Patriots are going to pressure Ben Roethlisberger and get pressure on him. That means they are going to play a lot of man. Locking up Gilmore on Smith Schuster makes sense.

3. Sound pass protection: The Patriots must be sound in pass protection. The Steelers are known for their zone pressure packages and you better believe defensive coordinator Keith Butler is going to come after Tom Brady. The Patriots offensive line must communicate well, pick up blitzes and switch and adjust.

4. Control the line of scrimmage: Games against the Steelers are physical.  Games like this are won and lost up front. The Patriots need to dominate the line of scrimmage, especially on defense. If Pittsburgh gets James Connor, Jaylen Samuels and Bennie Snell going early, they’ll be balanced and that makes them dangerous. The Patriots must win one on one up front.

5. Play disciplined: The Patriots have to play disciplined and not commit penalties. Teams typically commit more penalties at the start of the season. Penalties in games that are tight can typically be costly. The Patriots should be in control of this game but as we’ve in games against Pittsburgh in the past, penalties have been a factor. The Patriots must play smart.

Final score: Patriots 34 Steelers 17: The Patriots are the better team and they will be motivated after the banner ceremony. Expectations are high as usual in New England so a win tonight is important if the Patriots want to set the pace in the AFC and get back to another conference championship game.