The New England Patriots began their 2026 regular season on the wrong foot. Dropping their opener against the world champion Seattle Seahawks, they have started their second campaign under head coach Mike Vrabel with an 0-1 record.
In order to improve to 1-1 and get their first victory of the season, the Patriots will have to defend their home turf against a Pittsburgh Steelers team that did win in Week 1. A win over Pittsburgh would not just mean a return to .500 on the year for New England, though, but also the first W in a home opener since the 2020 season.
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Sunday, Sept. 20, 1 p.m. ET | Gillette Stadium (Foxborough, MA) | Broadcast information | Inactives | Game day roster | Weather forecast
The Patriots started the game on defense, and with a quick three-and-out. New England allowed just three combined yards on two Steelers carry, while Aaron Rodgers‘ decision to target Christian Gonzalez on the game’s first third down led to an incompletion and subsequent punt.
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New England’s first offensive series started well, with Drake Maye completing passes to DeMario Douglas and Hunter Henry to move the unit into Steelers territory. However, the drive came to a quick and disappointing end when Rhamondre Stevenson lost a fumble on his second touch of the day.
