Patriots beat Steelers 20–3 as Maye shows progress but remains unsettled
Drake Maye improved on his Week 1 performance, but threw an interception and was sacked three times as New England secured a home-opening win over Pittsburgh.
The New England Patriots defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 20–3 in their home opener, with quarterback Drake Maye delivering a steadier performance than in Week 1 while continuing to show weaknesses in decision-making.
Maye completed 14 of 22 passes for 208 yards and one interception. He was sacked three times, all in the first half, but also produced a 63-yard completion to Romeo Doubs, who finished with three catches for 96 yards.
The performance followed Maye’s difficult season opener against Seattle, when he threw three fourth-quarter interceptions, according to Yahoo Sports. Playing without A.J. Brown, who is expected to miss four to six weeks with a high ankle sprain, Maye avoided a first-half turnover and made safer choices under pressure.
New England’s running game provided a stronger platform. TreVeyon Henderson, who missed the season opener, carried 16 times for 76 yards and a touchdown, including a 39-yard score that gave the Patriots an explosive early play.
The Patriots defence completed the result in the fourth quarter when Elijah Ponder recovered an Aaron Rodgers fumble and returned it for a touchdown. The win gives New England a positive home start, but Maye’s interception and three sacks leave his development under scrutiny.
