The Pittsburgh Steelers look to rebound from a Week 2 loss to get to 2-1, and they’ll face a task that doesn’t favor them historically as they’ll face off against the New England Patriots.
The Steelers have just one win this century in New England, coming back in 2008. They have also lost the last two games against New England with the likes of Bailey Zappe and Mac Jones under center. Can they get the job done in Week 3? Here are our staff picks for Week 3?
Alex Hanczar: Starting 1-1 was not on many
Steelers fans’ bingo cards looking at this year’s schedule. A gritty win over the Jets in Week One provided plenty of optimism that was, in turn, taken away by a devastating Week Two blowout at the hands of Seattle.
Now, Pittsburgh must act quickly to stay afloat in what will undoubtedly be a tight AFC playoff race. The New England Patriots pose a threat to an ailing Steelers defense as second-year quarterback Drake Maye has looked the part through two weeks.
Offensively, the Steelers have done nothing to help themselves. Aaron Rodgers has had next to no time to throw, and the running game has been invisible. If the Steelers hope to get back on track, it is paramount that the offense and defense complement one another to achieve success.
Opening as 1.5 favorites on the road, this game is very unpredictable. However, I believe Mike Tomlin rallies the troops after their embarrassing Week 2 loss, and Pittsburgh edges out New England 27-23.
Joey Bray: After an embarrassing loss to Seattle at home last week, this game suddenly feels incredibly important for the Steelers.
The Patriots have won 8 of their last 10 against the Steelers. That means something. However, this is an almost entirely new regime and roster than the last time we saw these teams square off.
This game feels unpredictable, given that we have seen two different Steelers teams in two weeks so far. That being said, New England does not have the same firepower offensively that Seattle and New York have, particularly at skill positions. However, the Steelers will be down multiple defensive starters in this game. Making it likely that the defense could struggle again.
The Patriots’ defense could pose a challenge with Christian Gonzales having a shot to play. I think this game could go either way, so I will uncomfortably pick the Steelers to win a close one.
Steelers 24 Patriots 21
Mike Nicastro: The horrific start to the season for the Steelers’ defense is more of a pattern than a trend. It’s not just two games of struggles; it’s six of their last seven going back to last season, allowing nearly 30 points per game in those contests. There are a few new moving parts, but by and large, the core remains the same.
This next stretch is truly put up or shut up for Mike Tomlin and the highest-paid defense in football. It starts with Drake Maye in Foxboro, a house of horrors for the black and gold. Derrick Harmon could return in limited action, but I don’t think it will be enough on the road against a team that I think will compete for a playoff spot.
Until the Steelers’ defense looks alive, I’m leaving them for dead.
Patriots 23 Steelers 20
Ryan Parish: The Patriots and Steelers have two of the worst defenses in the NFL through two weeks. Both teams are struggling to tackle, and neither offense has been consistent.
I’ll default to the most experienced quarterback in this circumstance.
Steelers 24 – New England 21
Jarrett Bailey: This isn’t a good matchup for the Steelers, historically speaking. It hasn’t mattered who the quarterback is, the Patriots have had the number of Mike Tomlin. The Steelers’ defense is superior in terms of talent to the Patriots’ offense, but until the defense shows us something, it’s hard for me to sit here and say they’ll bounce back and dominate.
Josh McDaniels has also had his way with Tomlin defenses over the years. I picked New England to be a playoff team. Mike Vrabel is a proven winner at head coach, Drake Maye is a budding star, and they are just in a better spot organizationally than the Steelers. I’d love to be wrong, but I expect the Patriots to win.
Patriots 23, Steelers 20
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