Patriots Review: Patriots Fumble Game Away to Steelers

by Zak Drapeau 9/22/2025 Sportz Nation

Game Summary

After a big win in Miami last week, the Patriots played well again in Week 3 but ultimately lost to themselves against Pittsburgh. The Patriots had 5 turnovers in this game including 4 fumbles. Rhamondre Stevenson had 2 fumbles and Drake Maye had an interception and a crucial fumble in the 4th quarter in Steelers territory. The final turnover would be from Antonio Gibson for 5 on the game, ironically the last time the Patriots had 5 turnovers in a single game was back in 2008 when they also faced the Steelers.

Photo by Robert F. Bukaty/Associated Press

After they fumbled the ball away on their first drive the Pats would give up a goal line touchdown in the first to fall down 7-0 quickly. After another long drive ending in a punt, the Steelers would go 2-for-2 after a 12 yard fade route to DK Metcalf put the Steelers up 14.

The Patriots would finally answer with their own drive and move the ball down the field through the air before a 5-yard dink to Hunter Henry made the game 14-7 which would be the score at halftime. Halftime would come just after the Patriots would have another long methodical drive ending in the red zone. After a 17 play-92 yard drive, Drake Maye would try to force a pass to Kayshon Boutte in the end zone and throw a heart-breaking pick with 7 seconds left in the half.

The second half would be heartbreak after heartbreak with the Patriots scoring on 1 of their 5 drives and turning the ball over on the other 4. Their two drives in the 3rd Quarter would end by a Stevenson fumble followed by an Antonio Gibson fumble. In the 4th Quarter Drake Maye would throw his 2nd TD of the game to Hunter Henry but then fumble the ball himself in the next drive while in Steeler' territory.

A second TD pass from Aaron Rodgers would be the final dagger in the 4th quarter. After a good game through to the 4th quarter, the Patriots secondary woes would finally be exposed as they drop a game 21-to-14 that they REALLY should have won.

The Good

In total, there was a lot of good to take away from this game. The Patriots ability to move the ball against the Steelers' defense was great. They wouldn't go 3-and-out at all in the game and 5 times would have a long drive that went into the Steelers side of the field.

Photo by Jordan Banks/Getty Images

Drake Maye was the catalyst for the offense, again having a great showing throwing 28 of 37 completions for 268 yards, 2 touchdowns and an interception. Finally finding his favorite target may have helped as seen by Hunter Henry's MONSTER-day. With 8 catches for 90 yards and a pair of touchdowns, Henry was not only the best receiver in the game but the best Tight End all weekend.

The defense played exceptional as well, holding the Steelers to 14 points until deep in the 4th Quarter. Aaron Rodgers may have thrown for 2 touchdowns but would also look sloppy all game and throw an interception.

The biggest improvement of the day went to the Patriots run defense though, holding the Steelers to 2.5 yards per carry on 26 attempts.

The Bad

The bad really stops at the turnovers. If you look at the game as a whole, the Patriots left at least 20 points on the board thanks to turnovers in Steelers' territory. Twice giving the ball away in the red zone and twice more giving the ball away while in field goal range.

The Steelers would also have touchdown drives after two turnovers ultimately giving the Steelers a 34-point swing in the turnover battle.

Other parts of the game that weren't great was the O-line. Will Campbell had the worst game of his young career giving up 2 sacks to T.J. Watt while the line in whole gave up 5. Drake Maye did a great job stepping up in the pocket not to lose a lot of yards but he'd also give up his lone fumble to a sack.

Next Week vs Panthers

This might be weird to say, but I truly believe this loss will really help the Patriots for their future. Let's take a huge leap and say that they will not have this bad of fumble issues moving forward. This game may have shown how good the Patriots can be on both sides of the ball if only they didn't turn it over.

This momentum should carry on to next week where they stay at home and host the Carolina Panthers.

The Panthers were easily a bottom-3 team before last week when they embarrassed the Atlanta Falcons and shut them out 30-0. More about this game will come out when Matt Hylen Releases his Patriots Preview on Friday, but let's just say the Patriots should really be the favorites in this one.

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Make sure to stay tuned as we continue coverage of the 2025 New England Patriots and NFL Season.

-Z.D.