The New England Patriots snapped their five-game losing streak, outlasting the Steelers in primetime 21-18.
The Patriots got out to an early lead, scoring on their opening drive when Bailey Zappe found Ezekiel Elliott for a 14-yard touchdown. It was the Patriot’s first opening-drive touchdown since Thanksgiving of last year. The Patriots kept their momentum, holding an 18-point lead over the Steelers in the second quarter.
After an exhilarating first half both teams slowed their pace in the third quarter, with a surplus of punts for both teams in the second half. However, after a few questionable calls, the Patriots found themselves in a prime position to hold onto their lead.
Bailey Zappe made his fourth career NFL start at Acrisure Stadium and secured his third victory. Zappe also became the first quarterback since Tom Brady to have three first-half touchdowns in the first half. The second-year quarterback out of Western Kentucky totaled 240 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception.
The Patriots defense also made some noteworthy plays, including a Jabrill Peppers interception. The defense held Mitch Trubisky to 191 yards, one touchdown, and an interception.
The Steelers’ quarterback added 80 yards on the ground. Regardless, the Patriot’s run defense was strong, holding Najee Harris to 29 yards on 12 carries.
With the Patriots moving to 3-10, they’ll have a mini-bye week before hosting the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, Dec. 17.
Not so fast. Before we move on to the Chiefs, let’s look at five studs and two duds from the Patriots’ 21-18 victory over the Steelers.
Studs
LB Anfernee Jennings
What a performance from the developing linebacker. Jennings had a breakout game against the Steelers, tallying two tackles for loss and four tackles. His presence was felt throughout the game, and he often disrupted the Steelers’ offense. Jennings played a big part in the Patriot’s success running the football, and the fourth-year linebacker should get some attention this offseason.
S Jabrill Peppers
What more is there left to say about Jabrill Peppers? In every single game this season, the veteran has found a way to make a significant impact. Time and time again, Peppers makes a big stop or generates a turnover. There was no surprise in Pittsburgh, with Peppers recording an interception off Mitch Tribusky. Peppers is one of the few veteran players under contract for the 2024 season, and as Belichick points out, the Patriots’ safety room is elite.
“Jabrill Peppers and Kyle Dugger are two of our best players and two of the better players in the league at that position,” Bill Belichick told reporters this week.
WR JuJu Smith-Schuster
JuJu Smith-Schuster visited his old team at Acrisure stadium on Thursday night and finished the game with a season-high 90 yards. Believe it or not, JuJu has 170 receiving yards on the season; 52% of those yards came against his old foe, the Steelers. JuJu finished the day with four catches for 90 yards and had several crucial receptions. It’s been a bumpy ride for the veteran wideout this season, but hopefully, this performance could light a spark down the road. Smith-Schuster will have another chance at a revenge game when the Patriots square off with the Chiefs next Sunday.
QB Bailey Zappe
The former fourth-round draft pick showed poise and strength throughout the game, leading the Patriots to the road team in primetime. The sophomore quarterback sparked the Patriots’ offense and threw three touchdowns, registering a 115.2 quarterback rating, averaging 8.3 yards per attempt. It wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows for Zappe, but he showed enough to remain the Patriots starter.
TE Hunter Henry
The Patriots didn’t have four of their top five pass catchers active against the Steelers, meaning other players would have to step up. That player on Thursday night was Hunter Henry. The veteran tight end caught all three of his targets for 40 yards and two scores on his 29th birthday. New England signed Hunter Henry during the 2021 offseason. Henry was a red zone magnet, hauling his first season with the Patriots in a career-high nine touchdown passes. However, last season, that number went down to two. But, against the Steelers, Henry added two more touchdowns, bringing his 2023 total to five scores.
Duds
Special teams
For the third consecutive season, Patriots special teams have been horrid. Gut-wrenching to watch. The Patriots had four blocked punts from 2008 to 2019. In the last three seasons, the Patriots have five blocked punts, including one on Thursday night against the Steelers. Along with the blocked punt, rookie punter Bryce Baringer totaled two touchbacks on nine punts, averaging 43.9 yards a kick. In addition, Brenden Schooler was called for a personnel foul penalty, his second in the last two weeks. It’s fair to say the Patriots will change up their special teams core in the offseason. The team is investing too many resources, which is insufficient in the kicking game.
CB J.C. Jackson
It’s hard to find another “dud” with the Patriots playing a complete game on both sides of the ball. Nevertheless, if we’re feeling nit-picky, cornerback J.C. Jackson didn’t have his best performance against the Steelers. The 28-year-old committed two pass-interference calls, one coming in the red zone, along with giving up a 25-yard touchdown. Jackson was close to catching his first interception of the season, but the play was called back due to a penalty. The Chargers traded the veteran to the Patriots in early October, and he has been inconsistent since due to his health, effort, and performance on the field.
The Patriots are on a mini bye week as they have ten days to prepare for last year’s Super Bowl Champions, the Kansas City Chiefs.
My name is Ben Belford-Peltzman and I am the creator and writer of The Patriots Beat. I am a 17-year kid who is an optimistic pessimist about the City of Champions. I started The Patriots Beat in August of 2022 and never expected to grow so much but here we are. Feel free to email Thepatriotsbeat@gmail.com with any inquires.
