Patriots Fall to Steelers 27-17 in Week 3, defensiveโข Struggles Continue
The New England โPatriotsโค suffered a 27-17 defeat to โthe Pittsburghโ Steelers in Week 3, continuing a concerning trend of โdefensive vulnerabilities. Despite keeping the โคsame defensive starters,theโค Patriots allowed Aaron Rodgers to complete 16 of 23 passes for 139 yards and two โtouchdowns,following recent games where opposing quarterbacks combined โfor 677 passing yardsโค onโ a 50-of-66 completion rate.
The Patriots were without All-Pro cornerback Christian Gonzalez, โwho was downgraded to out before the gameโค after limited practices. In his absence, Carlton Davis III, Alex Austin, Craig Woodson, and Jaylinn Hawkins โขcomprised the starting secondary, โคwith Kyle Dugger featuring in big nickelโ packages and Marcus Jones rotatingโ between the โslotโ and perimeter.
Pittsburgh capitalized on coverage breakdowns,including a 12-yard touchdown pass to DK Metcalfโ against Davis III,who was later flagged for defensive โpass interference. Austin also drew two penaltiesโ – defensive pass interference against darnell Washington and a questionable holding call. A 17-yard touchdown pass to Calvin Austin III, whereโข Patriots captain Marcus Jones was beaten, extended the Steelers’ lead to 21-14 withโฃ under two minutes remaining.
Robert Spillane led the Patriots defense with a team-highโข 15 tackles and an interception returned to the 11-yard โline. Jack Gibbens saw increased defensive usage, while safety-turned-linebacker Marteโฃ Mapu was utilized on third downs, replacing Christianโค Elliss.