The New England Patriots defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, utilizing a combination of explosive offensive plays and a dominant defensive performance to avoid an 0-2 start to the season.
Maye and Explosive Plays Lead New England
Quarterback Drake Maye led the Patriots’ offense by connecting on four passes of 20-plus yards, including completions of 29, 29, 30, and 63 yards. The 63-yard play to Romeo Doubs occurred after Maye escaped the pocket. This marked a significant shift from Week 1, during which Maye did not record a pass play of 20 yards or more.
The Patriots also found success on the ground. TreVeyon Henderson scored a touchdown on a 39-yard sprint, and Rhamondre Stevenson contributed a 24-yard run early in the second half.
Despite the victory, the offense struggled with consistency. Maye faced pressure behind an offensive line hampered by injuries, and he threw an interception while in scoring range. Stevenson also fumbled the ball in plus territory during the opening drive of the game.
Patriots Defense Stifles Steelers
The New England defense limited Pittsburgh to 235 total yards and forced them into a 2-of-12 conversion rate on third downs. According to NFL reporting, the Patriots blitzed on 18 dropbacks, the most for the team in a single game since Week 10 of 2024. These blitzes held the Steelers to 43 passing yards and a 22.2% success rate.
The defensive line repeatedly pressured 42-year-old Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. On a third-and-7 with Pittsburgh in field goal range, Christian Elliss forced a fumble via a sack that resulted in a loss of 36 yards. In the fourth quarter, Christian Barmore forced another fumble, which Elijah Ponder recovered for a touchdown. Rookie Gabe Jacas further secured the win by intercepting a flubbed catch.
The Steelers offense struggled across the board, as Rodgers completed 23 of 39 attempts for 187 yards with one interception and four sacks. He sat out the final drive of the game. Next Gen Stats noted that Steelers guard Spencer Anderson allowed a sack and seven pressures. Additionally, DK Metcalf struggled, recording 27 yards on four catches despite nine targets.
The Steelers finished the game with only three points, which is tied for the second-fewest points scored in any game where Rodgers started at quarterback.
Related reading