The New England Patriots delivered a convincing 24-17 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers in their Thursday Night Football matchup, leaving us with several key takeaways heading into Week

1. Patriots Defense Shines: The Patriots’ defense was the star of the show, holding the Steelers to just 17 points and forcing two turnovers. The pressure they generated on the quarterback was relentless, contributing to three sacks and several hurried throws. This dominant defensive performance has been a hallmark of the Patriots’ success this season.
2. Bailey Zappe Proves His Mettle: Despite facing a talented Steelers defense, rookie quarterback Bailey Zappe stepped up and delivered a solid performance. He completed 14 of 22 passes for 185 yards and two touchdowns, showcasing his composure and decision-making under pressure. Zappe’s performance reinforces the Patriots’ confidence in him as they move forward.
3. Running Game Provides Balance: The Patriots’ running game played a crucial role in their victory. They ran for 120 yards on 25 carries, led by Damien Harris’ 69-yard effort. This balanced attack kept the Steelers defense off balance and allowed the Patriots to control the clock.
4. Offensive Line Holds Up: The Patriots’ offensive line faced a challenging task against the Steelers’ stout defensive front. However, they rose to the occasion, providing adequate protection for Zappe and creating running lanes for Harris and company. This improved offensive line play is an encouraging sign for the Patriots’ future.
5. Steelers’ Offense Struggles: The Steeler’s offense was unable to find its rhythm throughout the game. Quarterbacks Mitch Trubisky and Mason Rudolph combined for just 194 passing yards and one touchdown. The offensive line struggled to protect the quarterback, and the running game was largely ineffective. This offensive inconsistency will need to be addressed if the Steelers hope to make a playoff push.
6. Patriots Remain in Playoff Picture: With their victory, the Patriots improve to 7-6 and remain firmly in the AFC playoff picture. They are currently in a tight race for a Wild Card spot, and their remaining schedule presents them with opportunities to solidify their position.
7. Steelers’ Season Hangs in the Balance: After their loss, the Steelers fall to 5-8 and face an uphill battle to reach the playoffs. Their remaining schedule is challenging, and they will need to find ways to improve their offensive performance if they want to salvage their season.

Additional Observations:

The Patriots’ special teams played a key role in the win, with Nick Folk making two field goals and Marcus Jones returning a punt for a touchdown.
The Steelers were penalized 10 times for 80 yards, which hurt their momentum and gave the Patriots a favorable field position.
The Patriots controlled the clock for nearly 37 minutes, which helped limit the Steelers’ offensive opportunities.
Overall, the Patriots’ win over the Steelers was a complete team effort. They dominated on defense, played efficient offense, and received contributions from all three phases of the game. This victory solidifies their position in the AFC playoff race, while the Steelers’ season hangs in the balance as they face a tough road ahead.

Week 14 NFL Picks (yes I have Chicago) pic.twitter.com/zdfc6EyYrU

— STEELERS TIME (@JamesJo78986928) December 7, 2023

MORE STATS:

Bailey Zappe’s 37-yard touchdown pass to JuJu Smith-Schuster on Thursday was the Patriots quarterback’s first pass through the air this season. Zappe has caught more than 25 rushing yards twice this season. (Mac Jones did not do this.)

NFL Analysis:

With the Week 14 loss, the Steelers became the second team in NFL history to lose a home game against a team that started with 10 or more losing teams (the other was the 2010 Miami Dolphins).

Before Week 13, the Steelers under Mike Tomlin were 9-0 against home opponents who had lost more than 10 games to begin the game but then lost two more. Their record this week is 0 wins and 2 losses.

Shahzad

Farrukh Shahzad is a dedicated professional blogger with a passion for spreading global news, including politics, fashion, news, and sports. I work hard to keep my audience informed and engaged by covering a wide range of issues.