2026 NFL season, Week 2: What We Realized from Sunday’s video games | Newest NFL News, Evaluation & Updates

Kevin Patra’s takeaways:

1. Patriots splash huge performs to run away from Pittsburgh. Drake Maye didn’t writer a very fairly sport, however the quarterback threw a trove of huge performs to maneuver the ball towards an skilled Steelers protection. Maye linked on passes of 29, 29, 30 and 63 yards. The Pats additionally generated huge runs, beginning with TreVeyon Henderson’s 39-yard TD dash, and Rhamondre Stevenson added a 24-yarder early within the second half. The Pats had a number of miscues that saved the sport nearer than it may have been. Stevenson fumbled in plus territory on the opening drive, and Maye later threw an interception in scoring vary. Coming off a disappointing Week 1, Maye didn’t absolutely bounce again, lacking a number of performs he made a yr in the past, and he wasn’t comfy within the pocket behind an offensive line that struggled, particularly as accidents struck. However, the splash performs – highlighted by a 63-yarder to Romeo Doubs after Maye escaped the pocket – have been a welcomed sight after final week. In Week 1, the QB didn’t have a move play of 20-plus yards. On Sunday, he generated 4. The offense nonetheless has strides to make, however it’s a lot simpler after a win that avoids an 0-2 begin. 
2. Pats D will get in on the massive performs. It wasn’t simply the offense that sprayed huge performs on the Foxborough turf. The New England line of defense dominated Steelers blockers, blasting Aaron Rodgers repeatedly. The Pats’ greatest performs got here after they destroyed the 42-year-old QB. With the Steelers in subject aim vary on third-and-7, Christian Elliss walloped Rodgers for a sack and compelled fumble. The ball bounced round for an eventual lack of 36 yards, forcing a punt. Then, early within the fourth quarter, Christian Barmore hit Rodgers, forcing one other fumble that Elijah Ponder scooped up for a landing, successfully placing the sport away. For good measure, rookie Gabe Jacas grabbed a flubbed catch for an interception that ensured the Steelers wouldn’t discover paydirt on Sunday. The Pats allowed simply 235 yards and a pair of of 12 on third downs.
3. Ugly day for Steelers offense. Every side was unhealthy for Pittsburgh’s offense. The O-line bought walloped. Troy Fautanu had a forgettable afternoon, and guard Spencer Anderson was destroyed, permitting seven QB pressures and a sack, per Next Gen Stats. Rodgers was by no means comfy, struggled to maneuver muddy pockets, and seemed each little bit of 42 on Sunday earlier than sitting for the ultimate drive. He accomplished 23 of 39 makes an attempt for 187 yards, threw an INT, and took 4 sacks. The passing assault couldn’t get out of its personal approach, with drops and off-the-mark passes being probably the most memorable performs. DK Metcalf continued his atrocious begin to the season, catching 4 passes on 9 targets for 27 yards with a number of miscues. Christian Gonzalez often locks up WR1s, however proper now Metcalf is barely taking part in like a WR3. The run sport was absent from begin to end, placing the offense in unhealthy down-and-distance conditions. Mike McCarthy has so much to determine after two uninspiring offensive performances to open the season.

Next Gen Stats Insight for Patriots-Steelers (through NFL Pro): The Patriots’ protection blitzed the Steelers on 18 whole dropbacks, their most in a sport since Week 10 of 2024. When sending further move rushers, they held the Steelers to 43 passing yards (2.7 yards per try) and a 22.2% success price whereas additionally recording eight pressures, two sacks and one interception.

NFL Research: The Steelers scored simply three factors towards the Patriots, tied for the second-fewest by any crew wherein Aaron Rodgers was the beginning quarterback. Rodgers completed with 187 passing yards, no touchdowns and one interception — his fifth straight begin with one passing landing or fewer, tied for the second-longest such streak of his profession.