Overview
- The Patriots upended the losing column with a 20-3 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, but the offense supplied only 13 of the team's points.
- Drake Maye completed 14 of 22 passes for 208 yards and threw an interception that Patrick Queen returned after an underthrown pass to Hunter Henry.
- New England's defense created game-changing plays, forcing two turnovers and converting one into a scoop-and-score touchdown by Elijah Ponder that helped secure the win.
- Head coach Mike Vrabel shut down a reporter's question with the line “You’re not gonna ruin my Sunday” and said he will continue to trust and empower Maye.
- Analysts and insiders intensified criticism of Maye's decision-making, and with A.J. Brown limited by a high-ankle sprain the offense will face a major test on the road against Jacksonville and then Buffalo.