The Pittsburgh Steelers opened their 2024 season with a 20-3 loss to the New England Patriots in Week 2, marking a stark contrast from their Week 1 victory over the Atlanta Falcons. The game, played on Sunday, saw the Steelers' offense manage just 235 total yards, including 2 of 12 on third-down conversions. Pittsburgh's only points came from a 56-yard field goal by Chris Boswell late in the second quarter.
New England's defense, led by a strip-sack and fumble return for a touchdown by Christian Barmore and Elijah Ponder, held Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers to 3 points through three quarters. Rodgers completed 23 of 39 passes for 187 yards with one interception, while DK Metcalf was held to 27 yards on four catches. The Patriots' offense managed just 13 points, with rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson scoring the team's only offensive touchdown on a 39-yard run.
Coaching accountability
Pittsburgh head coach Mike McCarthy took full responsibility for the team's offensive struggles after the game. "Detail's not there, and that's on coaching," McCarthy said. "I'm a veteran coach. I know better. And I didn't do a good job." McCarthy, a former head coach with the Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys, has prior experience coaching Rodgers during his tenure with the Packers.
Patriots' defensive dominance
New England's defense limited Rodgers to minimal production, with the Patriots holding the Steelers to 235 total yards and just 3 points through three quarters. The Patriots' offense, led by rookie quarterback Drake Maye, managed 13 points, with Henderson's rushing touchdown and a defensive score accounting for all points. Maye completed 14 of 22 passes for 208 yards, no touchdowns, and one interception.
The Patriots' defense also forced a strip-sack by Barmore, with Ponder returning the fumble 19 yards for a touchdown. The win marked New England's first of the season after a Week 1 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
Offensive struggles for both teams
Both teams struggled to generate consistent offensive production. Pittsburgh's offense, despite winning the possession battle, managed only 235 total yards and 3 points. The Steelers' run game was particularly ineffective, contributing to their inability to sustain drives. New England's offense, while slightly more productive, managed just 13 points, with Maye's struggles under center drawing post-game scrutiny.
New England head coach Mike Vrabel dismissed concerns about Maye's performance following the win. "You're not going to ruin my Sunday," Vrabel told reporters who questioned the rookie quarterback's struggles. The Patriots' defense, however, received praise for its performance, with the unit's ability to generate turnovers and limit Rodgers' production standing out as key factors in the victory.
Historical context
The game marked a contrast from recent meetings between the two franchises, which have featured high-scoring affairs and standout performances from players on both sides. Pittsburgh's Week 1 victory over Atlanta was followed by a defensive battle against New England, while the Patriots entered the game seeking their first win of the season after a Week 1 loss to Seattle.