Rodgers Struggles as Patriots Roll Past Steelers 20-3

New England beat Pittsburgh despite uneven offense, with Drake Maye's sluggish day overshadowed by the Steelers' inability to reach the end zone.

The New England Patriots defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 20-3 in Week 2, winning comfortably despite an uneven day from their own offense. Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel deflected questions about quarterback Drake Maye's rocky start, and Maye acknowledged the team has plenty to fix, saying improved decision-making begins with him.

Pittsburgh's afternoon went poorly on several fronts. Aaron Rodgers was pulled for Mason Rudolph late in the fourth quarter after a performance that included four sacks, two fumbles, an interception, 187 passing yards and no touchdowns. New England sent blitzes on 39 percent of Rodgers' dropbacks, the highest rate he has faced since joining the Steelers. The most costly moment came in the fourth quarter, when Christian Barmore stripped Rodgers and Elijah Ponder returned the fumble 19 yards for a touchdown that pushed the lead to 20-3.

Rodgers said no one on offense played exceptionally, though the position carries extra responsibility when a unit performs this way. Pittsburgh's longest gain from scrimmage all day was a 26-yard catch-and-run by Jaylen Warren, while DK Metcalf managed four receptions for 27 yards. The Steelers were without Michael Pittman Jr., who led the team with 58 receiving yards in Week 1 before a foot injury kept him out.

Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy called the offensive showing clearly not good enough and said the responsibility starts with him, adding that he plans to simplify the game plan after sensing during the week that execution was not clean. Rodgers noted the defense has allowed only 13 points in each of the first two games while the offense has averaged roughly eight, and that the unit only needs to be competent given that level of defensive play.