Zappe Impresses in Patriots TNF Victory Over the Steelers
The Patriots, who were shut out four days prior 6-0 against the Los Angeles Chargers, came into the Steel City and upset the Steelers on Thursday night football with a 21-18 victory. Despite their playoff chances being done for the season, Patriots’ quarterback Bailey Zappe led his squad to an impressive road victory to hand the Steelers their second consecutive loss at home against two-win teams. The decision of Patriots’ head coach Bill Belichick to hand the offense over to Zappe instead of former starter Mac Jones proved to be the right decision, as Zappe put on his best performance in his career. Let’s take a look at how the Patriots snatched defeat from the Steelers.
The Patriots started off the game strong by scoring on their first drive via an 11-yard touchdown pass to running back Ezekiel Elliott to give them the early 7-0 lead in the first quarter. The Steelers would respond on their first drive with a 56-yard field goal by kicker Chris Boswell to cut the deficit to 7-3 mid-way through the quarter. Following a Mitchell Trubisky interception to safety Jabrill Peppers, the Patriots would extend their lead to 14-3 after capitalizing on the turnover with an 8-yard touchdown pass to tight end Hunter Henry to begin the second quarter. The Patriots would further their lead to 21-3 in the second quarter on Henry’s second touchdown reception of the game. The Steelers would get back into the game following a deep pass to wide receiver Dionte Johnson for a touchdown grab to cut the Patriots’ lead to 21-10 prior to halftime.
Following a scoreless third quarter, the Steelers began the fourth quarter by gaining momentum following a blocked punt that set up the offense inside the Patriots’ thirty-yard line. The Steelers would cut the deficit to 21-18 with 11 minutes left after a one-yard run up the middle by Trubisky and a successful two-point attempt pass to tight end Pat Freiermuth. The Steelers’ defense gave their offense the football back and a chance to either tie or win the game following a Patriots’ punt with three minutes remaining. However, the offense failed to complete a deep pass on fourth down and two to Johnson, and the Patriots took over on downs handing them their third victory of the season.
In the victory, Zappe showcased his best quarterback play in his career going 19 for 28, with 240 passing yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. The Patriots’ offense relied heavily on veteran running back Ezekiel Elliott, who had 22 carries for 66 yards. The former Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, had a revenge type of game, catching four passes for 90 yards in the victory. The Steelers continue to get mediocre or sub-par quarterback performances as Trubisky started for the injured Kenny Pickett, who had ankle surgery this week and is anticipated to miss some time. In the loss, Trubisky went 22 for 35, with 190 passing yards, one touchdown, and an interception. The Steelers will look to rebound from their recent two-game slide as they head to Indianapolis to face the Colts next week. Meanwhile, the Patriots will head back home to host the defending Super Bowl champions Chiefs next Sunday.
