The New England Patriots continue to evaluate their play on both sides of the ball as they get ready to move on from their Week 14 21–18 victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Patriots will need to improve in several areas even though they managed only their third victory of the year. Even though game-film analysis will be the primary focus, examining playing time could help the Pats come up with winning plans in the future. The offensive and defensive snap counts for the Patriots from their victory on Thursday are shown here, along with a grade for each positional group.
In the third quarter at Acrisure Stadium, New England Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe (4) rushes the ball while Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) pursues. New England prevailed, 21–18.Charles LeClaire of USA TODAY Sports is Required Credit Required Credit: USA TODAY Sports/Charles LeClaire
In the third quarter at Acrisure Stadium, New England Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe (4) rushes the ball while Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) pursues. New England prevailed, 21–18.Charles LeClaire of USA TODAY Sports is Required Credit Required Credit: USA TODAY Sports/Charles LeClaire
The linebackers for New England were just as effective, in part because of Anfernee Jennings’ outstanding play. The Alabama product had excellent edge run defence and finished the game with four tackles, three of which were for loss. Team captain Ja’Whaun Bentley contributed a quarterback hit and seven tackles of his own, while Jahlani Tavai added a run stuff and a total of 15 tackles.
While a lot of Pittsburgh’s passing-game problems have been attributed to quarterback Mitch Trubisky, who has been vilified, New England’s cornerbacks played a part in making his night even more challenging. When the Steelers were on their penultimate drive of the game in the fourth quarter, veteran Jonathan Jones broke up a fade and recorded six total stops. J.C. Jackson had a tackle in the first half, but Myles Bryant made a crucial pass break-up.
Security Jabrill In the second quarter, Peppers proved he was the team’s best defence once again when he intercepted Steelers quarterback Mitch Trubisky. The pick was returned 32 yards to the Pittsburgh 27-yard line by Peppers. Hunter Henry’s eight-yard touchdown pass from Bailey Zappe was made possible by the turnover. In addition, Peppers intercepted one pass and combined for three more tackles. Like Peppers, Kyle Dugger participated in all 71 snaps and finished with seven total tackles, one pass break, and one half-sack.
