The Pittsburgh Steelers’ offense wasn’t razor-sharp against the New England Patriots on Sunday. They only totaled 203 yards and 17 first downs, which translated to 21 points.
Fortunately for Pittsburgh, its defense took advantage of opportunities. The Patriots moved the ball and sustained drives, but Steeler defenders forced four fumbles and picked off Drake Maye.
The first turnover came early in the game when Rhamondre Stevenson fumbled. The second came on the goal line, when Cam Heyward tipped a pass that was intercepted by Brandin Echols. It came at the end of a 17-play, seven-minute drive in which New England was looking to tie the game, but instead came away scoreless.
Early in the second half, Aaron Rodgers threw an interception that gave New England a short field. This time on the goal line, the Patriots elected to run the ball, and Stevenson was once again stripped. It was his second fumble of the game, an issue that’s plagued him throughout his career.
“It is, but it is every week. We identify opportunities, and certainly [Stevenson] had some fumble issues last year, so it was an agenda item for us,” Tomlin said.
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Whenever Stevenson got the ball, Steelers defenders made an extra effort to strip it. The Patriots were able to move the ball, but timely turnovers limited them to only 14 points. Both the offense and defense will need to improve for Pittsburgh, but going on the road and winning a game with subpar play is an accomplishment in and of itself. The Steelers also stripped Antonio Gibson and Maye, recording five total turnovers in the game.
The Steelers head to Dublin, Ireland, for a Week 4 matchup with the Minnesota Vikings on September 28.
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Featured image via Tommy Gilligan/Imagn Images