Patriots beat Steelers 20-3 as Vrabel downplays concerns about quarterback Drake Maye

New England rallied to a 20-3 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, improving to 1-1 on the season. The Patriots' defense recorded a strip-sack on Aaron Rodgers that was returned for a touchdown, while the offense managed 327 yards and 13 points, up from 285 yards and 10 points the week before.

When asked about the team's young quarterback, Drake Maye, head coach Mike Vrabel told a Boston Globe reporter, "> No, just trying to win the game. You're not going to ruin my Sunday, but I'll come back to you tomorrow. Thanks, bud."

Maye, who completed 14 of 22 passes for 208 yards with one interception and three sacks, acknowledged the offense still needs improvement. He said, "> Yeah, definitely not where we want to be … we did little things that just hurt ourselves, and it's going to end up coming back to bite us. Our defense was playing great, and shout out to — fun watching them play. We got to match it and have more urgency, and it starts in practice."

The quarterback also praised a 39-yard touchdown run by running back Rhamondre Stevenson, noting the blocking that made the play possible. Later, Maye connected with Romeo Doubs on a 63-yard pass, a play Doubs described as "great ball, great catch situation."

Vrabel emphasized the defensive effort, stating, "> You have to affect the quarterback each and every week, and we have to do a better job and continue to do a good job of helping our quarterback be efficient."

The Patriots will next face the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Buffalo Bills as their schedule becomes more challenging.