Patriots defeat Steelers 20-3 as defense pressures Rodgers
New England beat Pittsburgh 20-3, highlighted by a 39-yard rushing touchdown from TreVeyon Henderson and a defensive fumble return for a score, while limiting Aaron Rodgers to 187 yards.
TreVeyon Henderson opened the scoring for the New England Patriots with a 39-yard touchdown run in his season debut, and Eli Ponder added a 19-yard fumble recovery for a score as the Patriots held the Pittsburgh Steelers to three points on Sunday. The win kept New England from a 0-2 start for the first time in coach Mike Vrabel’s eight-year tenure.
Patriots quarterback Drake Maye completed 14 of 22 passes for 208 yards and one interception. Rookie wide receiver Romeo Doubs, who had no catches in his debut the week before, recorded a 63-yard reception in the third quarter that set up a second field goal by Andy Borregales.
New England’s defense dominated the game. Aaron Rodgers, playing his first game for the Steelers, was sacked four times, fumbled twice and finished with 23 completions on 39 attempts for 187 yards, one interception and no touchdowns. Cornerback Christian Gonzalez limited Steelers receiver DK Metcalf to four catches for 27 yards. The Patriots also forced a strip-sack by Christian Barmore that led to Ponder’s touchdown.
Early in the contest, the Patriots drove to the Steelers’ 34-yard line before linebacker Nick Herbig stripped running back Rhamondre Stevenson, returning possession to Pittsburgh. A 15-yard taunting penalty on Jalen Ramsey pushed the subsequent Steelers drive back to their 16-yard line, where they quickly went three-and-out.
After a 19-yard punt return by Marcus Jones, the Patriots regained possession and Henderson’s long run gave New England a 13-3 lead in the fourth quarter. Later, Rodgers threw an interception to rookie linebacker Gabe Jacas, sealing the outcome.
The Steelers will host the Cincinnati Bengals next Sunday, while the Patriots travel to face the Jacksonville Jaguars.