Patriots defense leads the charge in rout of Steelers

Drake Maye and the New England Patriots were unable to overcome the demons that had haunted them for months since last year’s Super Bowl defeat, falling again at the hands of the Seattle Seahawks thanks to a 4th quarter capitulation, where Maye threw 3 interceptions and the team failed to score a point, reminiscent of what took place back in February.

They got their chance to kickstart their season at home to the Pittsburgh Steelers, who were typically unconvincing, but did enough to start 1-0 with a scrappy home victory against the Atlanta Falcons in opening week, but remained well-aware they’d need to go up a level if they were to leave Gilette Stadium with a 2-0 record.

After the Patriots defense forced a 3-and-out to start the game, Rhamondre Stevenson, who had a costly fumble when the 2 sides met last year, put the ball on the ground for a turnover to end a promising drive, as Payton Wilson picked up the loose ball.

Unfazed by the turnover were New England, as they quickly regained posession to set up TreyVeon Henderson to break the game open with a 39-yard touchdown up the gut.

A comical fumble, which resulted in a loss of 36 yards despite being recovered by the offense, was emblematic of Pittsburgh’s offensive struggles, though they stayed within reach courtesy of their defense, especially TJ Watt (1.5 first half sacks).

Pittsburgh stayed in the game with a 56-yarder from Chris Boswell on the first half’s final play cutting the deficit to one score.

Maye’s poor start to 2026 continued into the second half, with less than a minute separating a great play on 3rd down from his 4th interception of the season, underthrowing a ball which landed in the lap of Patrick Queen.

After being pinned back by Cameron Johnston’s 6th punt, Maye’s best play of the afternoon came as he evaded multiple sacks to find Romeo Doubs for a 63-yard pickup, although the drive was stalled as Andy Borregales put through a field goal to extend the lead to 10 points.

Frustrated by the lack of separation on the scoreboard despite their efforts, the Patriots defense took matters into their own hands, forcing a fumble on Aaron Rodgers, which Elijah Ponder scooped and scored, all but confirming victory for New England.

The Patriots emphasised a defensive masterclass with an interception from rookie Gabe Jacas, as they cruised to a 20-3 victory, although there remains plenty of room for improvement for Maye and the offense, as they look to recapture the early-season form of 2025.

The Steelers’ lacklustre offense was obvious to most last week, but emphasised when matched by one of the league’s best defenses today. Mike McCarthy will maintain that his team has what it takes to at least make the playoffs on the back of their defensive brilliance, but it would be incredibly hard to justify them as contenders in Aaron Rodgers’ likely retirement tour.

Touchdowns
Pittsburgh: N/A
New England: Henderson, Ponder

Top Performers
Pittsburgh: Herbig, Wilson, Queen, Watt
New England: Henderson, Ponder, Jacas, Barrimore

Injuries
Pittsburgh: Dowdle (foot)
New England: Onwenu (ankle), Jones (shoulder), Woodson (shoulder), Pettus (ankle)

Crowd: TBC at Gilette Stadium