Rodgers, Steelers Capitalize on Patriots’ Mistakes in 21–14 Victory

AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty

In a gritty, turnover-filled contest at Gillette Stadium, the Pittsburgh Steelers edged the New England Patriots 21–14 on Sunday, thanks to two touchdown passes from veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers and a defense that forced five turnovers. The win marked Pittsburgh’s first victory in Foxborough since 2008, ending a four-game skid in New England, including a loss in the 2016 AFC Championship Game. Rodgers, who had never before defeated the Patriots on the road, completed 14 of 23 passes for 139 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winner—a 17-yard strike to Calvin Austin III with just over two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. “It’s what we’re supposed to do,” Rodgers said of the game-winning drive, which spanned nine plays and 62 yards. “We’ve got to make those plays so we’re not in those positions.” While Rodgers and the offense did enough to win, it was Pittsburgh’s defense that dominated the day. The unit forced five turnovers—three fumbles and two interceptions—including a critical fumble recovery by linebacker T.J. Watt after rookie quarterback Drake Maye was sacked by Nick Herbig in the fourth quarter.

Despite holding a 14–0 lead early, the Steelers’ offense struggled with consistency. Rodgers acknowledged the team’s stagnation after the fast start. “I just didn’t play great,” he admitted. “We just kind of lost our rhythm, had too many penalties, negative yardage plays, and didn’t make them pay when we had opportunities.”

New England, meanwhile, repeatedly undermined its own efforts with costly mistakes. Maye, who finished 28 of 37 for 268 yards and two touchdowns—both to tight end Hunter Henry—also threw an interception and lost a fumble. Running backs Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson each lost fumbles, with Stevenson coughing up the ball twice, including one at the goal line. “We don’t need to lose a football game to know that turnovers are very hard to overcome,” Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel said postgame. “They erase all the good things that you do.” The Patriots had a chance to tie the game late in the fourth quarter, but on fourth-and-1 at the Pittsburgh 28, wide receiver DeMario Douglas was tackled for a 1-yard loss after a short completion from Maye. It was the Patriots’ first five-turnover game since a 33–10 loss to the Steelers in 2008.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said ball security issues were a point of emphasis during preparation, particularly focusing on Stevenson, who had seven fumbles last season. “We identify opportunities,” Tomlin said. “Certainly he had some fumble history last year and so it was an agenda of ours.” The Patriots’ defense also made plays, including a third-quarter interception by linebacker Robert Spillane, who returned it to the Steelers’ 11. But on the ensuing drive, Stevenson fumbled again at the goal line, and Payton Wilson recovered it in the end zone for a touchback. Rodgers’ performance also carried historical significance, as he moved past Brett Favre with his 509th career touchdown pass in the second quarter—a score to wide receiver DK Metcalf. Rodgers now stands alone in fourth place in NFL history with 510 career touchdown passes.

Injuries

Pittsburgh cornerback Darius Slay left the game twice with a right leg injury, while linebacker Payton Wilson briefly exited to the medical tent before returning. For New England, Hunter Henry jogged off after a hit in the third quarter but returned and finished with eight receptions for 90 yards and two touchdowns.

Up Next

The Steelers (2–1) will return home to host the Minnesota Vikings next Sunday.The Patriots (1–2) will look to rebound as they host the Carolina Panthers.