Maye's turnover troubles linger as Patriots edge Steelers despite stagnant offense

New England beat Pittsburgh 20-3 behind a strong defensive effort, but the offense has produced just two touchdowns in 20 drives this season.

The New England Patriots defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 20-3 at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, relying heavily on a defense that sacked Aaron Rodgers four times and recorded seven quarterback hits. The offense managed only one touchdown, a 39-yard first-quarter run by TreVeyon Henderson, and has now scored just two offensive touchdowns across 20 drives this season.

Quarterback Drake Maye has thrown four interceptions in two games, matching a total that took him nine games to reach last season. He is averaging 7 yards per pass attempt, and 180 of his 386 passing yards have come after the catch. New England has also converted only 9 of 28 third-down attempts, ranking 25th in the NFL.

The Patriots lost right guard Mike Onwenu to a right ankle injury in the first quarter after T.J. Watt rolled up on him during a sack of Maye. Coach Mike Vrabel said Monday that Onwenu will be out at least a few weeks. Veteran Greg Van Roten, signed in August, replaced him, and rookie Caleb Lomu is a candidate to serve as the top utility lineman.

Linebacker Elijah Ponder, undrafted in 2025, had a sack, three tackles for loss, two quarterback hits and a late scoop-and-score. New England, already without wide receiver A.J. Brown for at least four weeks due to a high-ankle sprain, also saw linebacker Dre'Mont Jones, tight end Eli Raridon, safety Dell Pettus, cornerback Marcus Jones and safety Craig Woodson go down with injuries.

The Patriots visit Jacksonville next Sunday for their second road game of the season.