Foxborough, MA – The New England Patriots will open their home slate this weekend against the Pittsburgh Steelers, hoping to snap a 0‑1 start and prove that Coach Mike Vrabel’s rebuild is gaining momentum.
Coaches and quarterbacks set the tone
Veteran Steelers coach Mike McCarthy, in his first season after succeeding Mike Tomlin, praised the team’s early success, while 42‑year‑old quarterback Aaron Rodgers said he feels “really good” and expects to keep improving. The Patriots’ head coach, former defensive coordinator Mike Vrabel, reminded fans that the Steelers’ identity remains “big, long, and trying to force the quarterback into mistakes.”
Patriots’ offensive challenges
Third‑year quarterback Drake Maye entered his second start after a tough debut that featured three interceptions – the first time in his NFL career he has thrown that many in a single game. Maye acknowledged the need to elevate his play, noting, “I’m trying to be the best I can back there and strive to have games like last year where I am close to completing every pass.” The Patriots also lose wide receiver A.J. Brown to a high‑ankle sprain; he has been placed on injured reserve and will miss at least four games.
New England’s rushing attack struggled in Week 1, managing only 109 yards (3.5 yards per carry) against Seattle, leaving the team ranked 17th in the league in rushing. The Steelers, by contrast, limited Atlanta to 3.9 yards per rush in their opener.
Key players to watch
Patriots tight end Hunter Henry approaches the 3,000‑yard mark in his six‑year tenure, joining a short list that includes Rob Gronkowski and Ben Coates. Running back TreVeyon Henderson is on track to return from an ankle injury after posting 911 yards and nine touchdowns as a rookie.
For Pittsburgh, defensive end T.J. Watt’s pick‑six against Atlanta placed him alongside Hall of Famer Julius Peppers as the only players with 100 sacks and 10 interceptions. Cornerback Joey Porter Jr. remains a question mark after missing Week 1 with a back injury and ongoing contract talks.
Historical context and odds
The two teams met on Sept. 21, 2025, with the Steelers winning 21‑14 in Foxborough. The series now stands at 19‑17 in favor of New England. Betting lines list the Patriots as five‑point favorites.
Both clubs opened the season against opponents that made the playoffs the previous year, a rarity that underscores the difficulty of the early schedule. The Patriots aim to avoid a second 0‑2 start, a scenario Vrabel has only experienced once in his eight‑year coaching career.
When and where to watch
The game kicks off Sunday at 1 p.m. EDT on CBS. Fans can follow live updates through the team’s official apps and local sports radio.
Original reporting: NBC10 Boston — read the source article.
