A closer look at the stats in the Patriots’ loss to the Steelers
The tale of the tape in the Patriots’ loss to the Steelers shows a number of categories in which New England had the better numbers, some by a wide margin. But the score was not in their favor.
Here’s a closer look:
Patriots led: First downs (27-16), passing yards (249-139), rushing yards (119-63), rushing average (4.1 to 2.4), total offense (368-202), total plays (71-49), time of possession (33:20-26:40).
Steelers led: Penalties (8 for 59 yards to 7 for 54 yards), punts (4-1), red zone efficiency (100 percent to 50 percent).
Check out the full box score here.
Patriots turn it over on downs, and that will do it — 3:53 p.m.
The Patriots can’t convert on fourth and 1, and that’ll do it at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots will drop to 1-2 after a 21-14 loss to the Steelers, driven by five giveaways on a sloppy day for New England. — Amin Touri
How bad is the Pats’ turnover problem, really? — 3:45 p.m.
How bad have the Patriots been with protecting the football today? New England hasn’t had five giveaways in a single game since Nov. 30, 2008 — a home loss, as it happens, to the Steelers. — Amin Touri
First time Patriots have had 5 giveaways since 2008 against the….. Steelers
— Ben Volin (@BenVolin) September 21, 2025
Steelers convert turnover into a touchdown — 3:42 p.m.
The Steelers capitalize on another Patriots turnover, driving down the field and capping off their first scoring drive since the start of the second quarter with a touchdown pass from Aaron Rodgers to Calvin Austin. The Steelers lead, 21-14, with 2:16 to play, setting up a big moment for Drake Maye to try to cut the Patriots in Week 3. — Amin Touri
Another turnover, this time a Maye fumble — 3:30 p.m.
Stop us if you’ve heard this one before: The Patriots were in position to put up some points, then fumbled it away.
After Drake Maye converted a big fourth down to put New England in field goal range, a strip sack results in the Patriots’ fifth turnover of the day, turning another potential scoring drive into another disaster.
The Steelers get the ball back on their own 38 with 7 minutes, 41 seconds to go in the fourth quarter and the game tied at 14. — Amin Touri
Maye hits Henry for their second TD connection of the day — 3:12 p.m.
The Patriots finally cash in from inside the red zone, as Drake Maye connects with Hunter Henry again on a bold fourth-and-2 call to tie the game, 14-14, on a 16-yard touchdown pass.
It was a long touchdown drive — largely leaning on TreVeyon Henderson out of the backfield after fumbles by Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson — as New England took 15 plays to go 88 yards over the course of 8 minutes, 44 seconds. — Amin Touri
The Patriots are driving at the end of the third — 3:10 p.m.
At the end of the third quarter at Gillette Stadium, the Steelers still lead, 14-7. The Patriots are nearing the end of a lengthy drive into the red zone — they’ll face fourth and 2 at Pittsburgh’s 16-yard line to open the fourth quarter with Mike Vrabel facing a tough choice between taking 3 points or going for it to try to tie the game with a touchdown. — Amin Touri
Another fumble, this time from Antonio Gibson — 2:55 p.m.
Things go from bad to worse for the Patriots offense, as the fourth turnover of the day undoes another promising drive — this time, it was a fumble from Antonio Gibson.
New England’s defense has held up after a difficult early start, but the Patriots offense can’t stop giving away the football. The Steelers take over at their own 43 with a 14-7 lead and 10:08 to go in the third quarter. — Amin Touri
Stevenson fumbles on the goal line, Pittsburgh recovers — 2:45 p.m.
Another disaster at the goal line for the Patriots as Rhamondre Stevenson — who had played well after his earlier fumble — coughs it up again just before breaking the plane. Two massive missed opportunities from inside Pittsburgh’s 5-yard line either side of halftime as New England still trails, 14-7, with 13:12 left in the third quarter. — Amin Touri
Rodgers throws an INT to open the second half — 2:40 p.m.
The Patriots turn the tables to open the second half, with Robert Spillane picking off Aaron Rodgers and taking it down to the Steelers’ 12-yard line to set Drake Maye and New England up with an immediate red zone opportunity in the opening minutes of the third quarter. Huge opportunity for the Patriots to regain momentum here. — Amin Touri
Christopher cost’s halftime observations — 2:30 p.m.
By Christopher cost
Two quarters are in the books here at Gillette Stadium, and the Patriots trail the Steelers, 14-7.
Drake Maye: 13-21, 130 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Rhamondre Stevenson: 3 catches, 3 targets, 38 yards
Hunter Henry: 3 catches, 6 targets, 32 yards, 1 TD
Aaron Rodgers: 8-10, 70 yards, 1 TD
• As sharp as the Patriots were out of the gate last week against the Dolphins, they struggled in the early going, falling behind 14-0. After an early fumble from Stevenson, the New England offense had trouble finding a rhythm. The Steelers had some success getting home against Maye, with the pass rush doing a very good job camouflaging some of the issues Pittsburgh had in the secondary coming into this weekend.
• On defense, missed tackles were again an issue, and the Steelers benefitted from a pair of early penalties on Alex Austin (DPI, holding) in key situations. Marcus Jones was also flagged for a low block that allowed Pittsburgh to keep a drive alive. Even though Rodgers finished with just 70 passing yards in the first half, it all drove home the point that this is a defense that could really use Christian Gonzalez on the field sooner rather than later.
• In all, things improved on both sides of the ball as the first half rolled on. But the Patriots did themselves no favors with some bad football in the early going, digging themselves an early hole against a vulnerable Steelers team.
• Two more defensive notes: One, cornerback Carlton Davis III was traveling with wide receiver DK Metcalf for much of the first two quarters. (In the first two weeks, he had playing a lot of sides with Austin.) Metcalf was silenced early but bounced back with a terrific grab over Davis on a 12-yard pass from Rodgers that made it 14-0 with 13:49 left in the first half.
And two, the Patriots went with hybrid defender Marte Mapu on third down and other passing situations against the Steelers in the first half. (We also saw a healthy dose of Jack Gibbens in similar situation.) The move produced mixed results — not good early, but better as the half went on — but it’s certainly something worth keeping an eye on going forward.
• After a solid start, Stevenson’s ball security issues were an issue again, as he lost the handle on New England’s first drive of the afternoon. It was his first lost fumble of the season; after last year’s fumbling issues, it will undoubtedly lead to a debate as to whether or not it’s time to give rookie TreVeyon Henderson more reps. (Henderson was the lead back on the field at the start of the next series before they went back to a rotation in the backfield.) The Steelers took advantage with a very efficient eight-play drive that ended with a nifty flip from Rodgers to Kenneth Gainwell from a yard out to make it 7-0 with 8:25 left in the quarter.
• The Patriots found their offensive form on the third series of the afternoon. Antonio Gibson git things started with a 10-yard dash, and Maye added a 16-yard rollout to get New England to midfield. Stefon Diggs picked up his first catch of the day, an 11-yard connection with Maye, to get the Patriots closer, and Kayshon Boutte did a nice job drawing a DPI call that got New England into the red zone. The drive was capped with a five-yard TD pass from Maye to Henry.
• New England continues to find success when they get Maye on the move. Play-action, rollouts, bootlegs, whatever. It takes advantage of Maye’s athleticism and field smarts, and provides a nice variety of run-pass options for the quarterback depending on the defense. The offense is at its’ best when Maye is on the move.
• New England made some noise late in the half, starting with a bold gamble from Mike Vrabel. The coach decided to go for it on a fourth-down situation deep in Patriots’ territory, and they got the first thanks to a nice pickup on a toss play to Stevenson that started shaky but ended with some quality yardage. Stevenson added a 23-yard catch (the longest play from scrimmage for New England in the first half), and Boutte delivered a 20-yard catch to get the Patriots into Pittsburgh territory. But the drive ended just before the half when Maye through a brutal pick after taking a few big shots from the Pittsburgh defense.
• The Steelers will get the ball to start the second half.
Maye throws an interception in the end zone to end the half — 2:22 p.m.
Another impressive drive from Drake Maye and the Patriots offense goes up in smoke, as Maye throws a disastrous interception at the goal line to undo what could’ve been a game-tying touchdown drive. After his best throw of the day, an 18-yard completion to Hunter Henry, Maye looked to have Kayshon Boutte open in the back of the end zone but banger Steelers cornerback Brandin Echols instead, sending New England into the locker room trailing, 14-7.
There might be some concern for Maye as well, as the second-year quarterback appeared to banger the back of his head on the turf as he was banger by multiple Steelers while throwing it away earlier in the drive. — Amin Touri
Maye finds Henry for the score — 1:52 p.m.
Drake Maye and the offense finally find their stride early in the second quarter, driving 77 yards in nine plays for New England’s first touchdown of the game on a 5-yard touchdown catch from Hunter Henry.
A 16-yard Maye scramble and a 9-yard connection with Henry on third down were crucial on that Patriots drive.
The Patriots trail, 14-7, with 9 minutes remaining in the first half. — Amin Touri
Steelers double their lead — 1:42 p.m.
The Patriots have a first-half hole to dig themselves out of after DK Metcalf comes down with a jump ball from Aaron Rodgers to make it 14-0 in favor of Pittsburgh early in the second quarter.
A 12-play, 90-yard drive was one Mike Vrabel might like to forget after his defense committed three penalties, one of which wiped out a third-down strip sack that would’ve likely forced the Steelers to punt from inside their own 10-yard line. Instead, Pittsburgh doubled its lead at Gillette Stadium. — Amin Touri
Steelers are driving at the end of the first quarter — 1:35 p.m.
The first quarter is in the books here at Gillette Stadium, with the Patriots trailing the Steelers, 7-0.
It’s been a one-sided start, with Pittsburgh outgaining New England, 102 yards to 20, and looking likely for another score early in the second quarter as the Steelers will start the period at the Patriots’ 21-yard line. — Amin Touri
Bryce Baringer comes in to punt — 1:25 p.m.
Another drive ends in nothing for the Patriots after Drake Maye takes a sack on third down to bring out Bryce Baringer for his first punt of the day. Slow start for the New England offense. — Amin Touri
Steelers capitalize on the turnover — 1:15 p.m.
The Steelers take advantage of the Rhamondre Stevenson fumble and quickly drive down the field for the game’s first touchdown on a pitch to Kenneth Gainwell.
The Patriots looked to have made a goal-line stand before a flag for pass interference on third down gave Pittsburgh a new set of downs. The Steelers lead, 7-0, early in this one. — Amin Touri
Rhamondre Stevenson fumbles it away to end Patriots’ first drive — 1:05 p.m.
An ugly start for the Patriots offense, which narrowly avoids a three and out after a bailout flag just for Rhamondre Stevenson to fumble away New England’s opening possession on the very next play.
Ball security has been an issue for Stevenson in the past; he coughed it up seven times last season. — Amin Touri
Patriots will start with the ball — 1:00 p.m.
The Patriots won the toss and chose to receive to start the game.
Julian Edelman is the lighthouse keeper — 12:55 p.m.
The Patriot legend, who was enshrined in the Patriots Hall of Fame on Saturday, rang the bell on the best of the lighthouse at Gillette Stadium to kick off the action.
The Globe staff’s predictions — 12:45 p.m.
Here’s how the Globe reporters and columnists see this game going.
Tara Sullivan: Steelers 24, Patriots 17. The Patriots will continue to show improvement and the offense will move under Drake Maye’s hand. But ultimately, the Steelers will win it through the air.
Christopher cost: Patriots 31, Steelers 28. The Patriots win back-to-back games for the first time since 2022 they take advantage of a depleted Pittsburgh defense in the win.
Nicole Yang: Patriots 33, Steelers 27. A game with two underperforming defenses results in a scoring fest.
Ben Volin: Patriots 31, Steelers 26. The Steelers might end up being the better team in December, but in Week 3 they are still a mess on both sides of the ball. The Patriots take advantage of just enough bad football to escape with a feel-good win.
Jayson Tatum is in the house — 12:20 p.m.
The Celtics star is standing on the sideline with his son, Deuce, and made an appearance on the Gillette Stadium Jumbotron.
The Globe staff’s players to series — 12:10 p.m.
Here’s who the Globe reporters and columnists are keeping an eye on.
Patriots
Morgan Moses. He had three false start penalties in last week’s win over the Dolphins, and immediately faces one of the toughest tests in the NFL in Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt, who usually lines up on that side. — Ben Volin
Rhamondre Stevenson. After Stevenson broke out for a productive showing on the ground last week, it’ll be worth watching to see if his high usage continues. The Steelers have been gashed by the run through two weeks, so the Patriots should try to take advantage. — Nicole Yang
Andy Borregales. The kicker missed a pair of extra points in last week’s win, but bounced back with a huge 53-yarder late against the Dolphins. In a game that figures to be close, it’ll be interesting to see how the rookie handles the potential pressure. He could end up being the difference between 1-2 and 2-1. — Christopher cost
Robert Spillane. When the Pats’ secondary is as thin as it is, the rest of the defense has to offset the weakness, but over the first two weeks, too many missed tackles has made that impossible. Free agent linebacker Spillane is the prime culprit, so I’ll be looking to him to see if he can change the tone. And the tackles. — Tara Sullivan
Steelers
Jaylen Warren. He’s the linchpin of the Steelers’ offense who had 134 total yards on 18 touches last week, including a 65-yard catch-and-run. The Patriots have been one of the worst tackling defenses through two games, and the game could hinge on whether they can limit Warren’s yards after catch. — Ben Volin
DK Metcalf. The Patriots will once again be without cornerback Christian Gonzalez, who was tasked with containing Metcalf last season. New England’s defense has given up the most passing yards through two weeks. Can Metcalf add to the total? — Nicole Yang
DK Metcalf. With New England missing Christian Gonzalez and the Patriots havingallowed the most passing yards (677) and explosive plays (13) in the league, the veteran receiver could be in line for a big day. — Christopher cost
Aaron Rodgers and Jabrill Peppers. I‘m taking the layup and going with Rodgers, though it’s tough to ignore Peppers. Both have the potential to write dramatic storylines, Rodgers in his ongoing quest to extend a Hall of Fame career with one more Super Bowl, and Peppers looking to prove Mike Vrabel wrong for releasing him. But I’ll go with the champion grudge carrier Rodgers who really takes advantage of getting to throw against the Patriots’ depleted secondary. The Pats really could have used Christian Gonzalez this week. And Rodgers knows it. — Tara Sullivan
Who’s inactive for the Patriots? — 11:35 a.m.
Cornerback Christian Gonzalez returned to practice this week but was ruled out Saturday as he nurses the hamstring injury that has kept him sidelined since July 28.
Also inactive for New England: DT Eric Gregory, G Caedan Wallace, WR Efton Chism, and LB Elijah Ponder. Tommy DeVito will be the emergency third quarterback.
Defensive end Keon White, who didn’t play in Week 2 and was questionable with an illness entering Sunday, is active.
The Steelers will be without CB Joey Porter Jr., S Deshon Elliott, LB Alex Highsmith, G Andrus Peat, and DE Esezi Otomewo. — Emma Healy
Bill Parcells reflects on time in New England during Patriots Hall of Fame induction — 11:00 a.m.
By Christopher cost
Any bitterness or rancor that existed between Bill Parcells and Robert Kraft appeared to be a thing of the past Saturday, as the two embraced and spoke glowingly of each other during the Patriots Hall of Fame induction ceremony honoring the former coach.
Parcells and Super Bowl hero Julian Edelman were inducted in a ceremony that ran nearly two hours on the plaza outside Gillette Stadium. And while Edelman drew cheers for his emotional speech, the sight of Parcells and Kraft publicly burying the hatchet represented the end of the long journey for the pair.
Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez ruled out — 10:45 a.m.
By Christopher cost
The Patriots announced Saturday that cornerback Christian Gonzalez was out for Sunday’s game against the Steelers.
There was a fleeting possibility that the third-year corner would be able to make his regular-season debut against Pittsburgh, as he was listed as questionable heading into the weekend. But his hamstring issue will keep him sidelined for the third consecutive contest to start the 2025 campaign.
“We listed him as exclusive, which means that he did some work, and we’ll still kind of evaluate where he’s at towards closer to the game,” head coach Mike Vrabel told reporters on Friday. “So again, it was good to see him out there. It’s very good to have him out there, and the more guys we can get out there, the better.”
Gonzalez, who sustained a hamstring injury on July 28 (the first day the Patriots were in pads during camp), returned to practice earlier this week.
Patriots-Steelers is a matchup for the ages — 10:30 a.m.
By Chad Finn
Well, that’s weird. Haven’t heard a single soul suggest this past week that the Patriots should have taken J.J. McCarthy rather than Drake Maye with the No. 3 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Wonder what happened.
Ah, we know what happened. Maye played the best game of his young career last Sunday in the Patriots’ 33-27 victory over the Dolphins, and better, he did it when the noise wondering how long it would take for him to live up to his promise was louder than it had been since he arrived.
It was the signature win of his career. The hope for Patriots fans is that Maye steadily bumps it down that list as the Sundays and seasons pass and his promise is fulfilled.
While Maye is in the early stages of his career, his Steelers counterpart is in the opposite phase.
Aaron Rodgers is one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in NFL history; no less an expert than Tom Brady says he is the best pure “thrower of the football” the league has ever seen.
Emma Healy can be reached at emma.healy@globe.com or on X @ByEmmaHealy. Amin Touri can be reached at amin.touri@globe.com. Christopher cost can be reached at christopher.cost@globe.com. Follow him on Bluesky at christopherprice.bsky.social. Nicole Yang can be reached at nicole.yang@globe.com.Follow her @nicolecyang. Ben Volin can be reached at ben.volin@globe.com.
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