This game could come back to haunt the Patriots at the end of the season. They simply couldn’t get out of their own way against the Pittsburgh Steelers at a packed Gillette Stadium, falling 21-14 to drop to 1-2 on the year.
The story of the game was turnovers—five in total, including two in the red zone. Football is simple in theory: you have to protect the ball. Execution is another story. Until New England fixes this issue, winning close games will remain a challenge.
On paper, the Patriots looked like they should have come away with a victory. They went four-of-five on fourth down, gained more offensive yards and first downs than the Steelers, yet the turnovers wiped out those advantages.
“Turnovers are very hard to overcome. They erase all the good things that you do. They take away momentum. They take away points, give them field position,” head coach Mike Vrabel said. “It comes down to other people protecting the guy with the football, second guy in. Those are all things we continue to talk about, have talked about, and will talk about. And decision-making.”
1. Pats Running Backs Struggle with Ball Security
Rhamondre Stevenson, who led all NFL running backs with seven fumbles in 2024, coughed up the ball twice against the Steelers. Both turnovers were recovered by Pittsburgh, setting the tone for a day that saw five giveaways overall. Despite the fumbles, both Vrabel and quarterback Drake Maye voiced support for Stevenson.
Sunday’s game was a setback, especially considering Stevenson’s history with ball security dating back to his 2021 rookie season.
“We were all excited about him—the fans, the team. Everyone knows his capabilities,” Vrabel said. “We’ve got to get him back. We need him. You saw what he was able to do for us last week, his ability to make plays.”
Antonio Gibson also lost a critical fumble, forced by ex-Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers, highlighting the vulnerability of New England’s backfield. Rookie TreVeyon Henderson was forced into action late but couldn’t fully offset the turnovers.
2. Maye Shows Flashes, But Needs More Consistency
Drake Maye delivered one of his better statistical performances: 28-of-37 for 268 yards, two touchdowns, and 45 rushing yards. He displayed pocket awareness on third-and-long situations and executed precise play-action passes to Hunter Henry and Kayshon Boutte.
Yet four turnover-worthy plays—including an end-zone interception, a strip-sack, and an underthrown pass tipped at the line—kept the Patriots from taking control. Even a fourth-quarter attempt to convert on 4th-and-1 fell short, with Maye taking responsibility afterward.
“I wish I would’ve told those guys, ‘4th-and-1, just try to catch it and get up field,’” Maye said. “I wish I would’ve told them that in the huddle. Those little things go a long way. Nothing Pop did wrong.”
3. Wide Receivers Up-and-Down Performance
New England rotated five wide receivers. Hunter Henry led the way with two touchdowns and 90 yards, while Kayshon Boutte delivered a clutch 20-yard third-and-long conversion.
DeMario Douglas had a chance to extend a late drive but ended up moving backward while trying to evade a defender. While the group combined for 12 catches, the Patriots lacked a true explosive play to shift momentum. Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins contributed, but the unit’s production was steady rather than game-changing.
4. Offensive Line Holds Together, But Pressure Remains an Issue
The Patriots’ starting five returned intact for the third consecutive week, providing continuity. But stability didn’t translate into clean protection. Pittsburgh recorded five sacks, with Cam Heyward, Nick Herbig, Derrick Harmon, and T.J. Watt causing consistent disruption.
Left tackle Will Campbell and left guard Jared Wilson struggled against stunts, and center Garrett Bradbury—who hadn’t allowed a pressure through 131 snaps last season—was beaten early. The line will need to tighten up if New England hopes to protect Maye and sustain drives moving forward.
5. Patriots Look Ahead to the Panthers
After a frustrating loss, the Patriots turn their attention to hosting the Carolina Panthers this Sunday as four-point favorites. There’s hope that Christian Gonzalez returns from injury to stabilize the secondary.
My name is Ben Belford-Peltzman and I am the creator and writer of The Patriots Beat. I am a 19-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 Ben.BelfordPeltzman@gmail.com with any inquires.
