The New England Patriots beat the Pittsburgh Steelers on the road, 17-14. In a game that featured few points by either team, the Patriots managed to fend off a late push by the Steelers to secure their first win of the season. While the stat line may not look impressive, the win for the Patriots was a step in the right direction because of how they amended their Week 1 problems.
New England Patriots Right Last Weeks Wrongs In Win
The Offensive Line Shines
Last week, the Patriots could not contain the Miami Dolphins pressure. Mac Jones was hurried on many of his throws and a strip sack fumble changed the course of the game in Miami. This week, however, the Patriots completely rewrote their script. The Patriots offensive line allowed zero sacks and led the way for their running backs to pick up 118 yards, including a Damien Harris touchdown. Notably, first-round pick Cole Strange held his own throughout the entirety of the game against 3x All-Pro defensive tackle Cameron Heyward.
Damien Harris with a Touchdown 🤩🔥 pic.twitter.com/WKBDsgI6ZT
— Alabama DieHards (@DiehardsAlabama) September 18, 2022
And for the Patriots, getting the running game going earlier was key to their victory on Sunday, as it allowed for the passing game to open up down the field. The additional time in the pocket for Mac Jones to work with lifted him to a season-high 252 yards with a 44-yard touchdown to Nelson Agholor, to boot. Though the offense is still working out the kinks, they played a more clean and disciplined game in Pittsburgh.
It seems that the offense will come together in its own time, but in the meantime, the Patriots are weeding out the mistakes that can make or break a football team. Hopefully, they can keep it up.
The Defense Continues To Impress
For the second straight week, the Patriots held their opponents’ offense to 14 points or less. And while they have not yet faced high-end quarterback play, only playing Mitchell Trubisky and Tua Tagovialoa, their defense has looked impressive. In the game, their two x-factors on defense, Christain Barmore and Matthew Judon, both picked up sacks and a handful of tackles. With their front seven able to apply pressure, the secondary capitalized, with 6 passes defended and an interception.
Though it is unlikely in today’s NFL for the Patriots to win games only with their defense, having a stout defense can go a long way in helping an offense that is still getting its footing. If the Patriots can continue to hold their opponents under 20 points, they give themselves a fair shot at winning any game, regardless of their opponent.
Complementary Football Powers The Pats
After their Week 1 performance against Miami, New England knew they needed to tighten up in all three phases of the game. This week, in addition to scoring more points and moving the ball more effectively, the Patriots generated turnovers on defense and special teams. In stark contrast to the game in Miami, the Patriots seized on opportunities to take the ball away, leading to good field position and them winning the turnover margin.
For a team still searching for their identity, their win over Pittsburgh was a step in the right direction. Though the Patriots have still yet to crack the 20-point threshold, their ability to win through sound fundamentals and solid execution will serve them well.
With a likely frustrated Baltimore Ravens team coming to Foxboro next week, the Patriots can put their skills to a test against a projected playoff team. If they can, in a similar fashion to this week, put away their opponent with a strong running game and good situational football, the Patriots should have no problem stockpiling wins in the early goings of their season.
