Fresh off their overtime winner against the reigning AFC champions, the Steelers dropped their home opener to the Patriots, 17-14.
And unlike their performance in Cincinnati, they weren't able to take care of the football -- especially in critical situations.
"Really one of those really tight ball games that's going to come down to a few things, and we knew that going in," Mike Tomlin said. "When we didn't handle the punt, that was a significant play. ... Sometimes when you're in games like this, that's the difference."
That punt was perhaps the most pivotal point in the game came in the third quarter. Chris Boswell's second field goal of the game cut the Patriots' lead to 10-6, then the defense stiffened on the Patriots' ensuing drive, forcing them to punt.
Gunner Olszewski went back to field New England's second punt of the game, but muffed the kick and the Patriots recovered at the Pittsburgh 20-yard line. Adding insult to injury, Connor Heyward committed a personal foul penalty that gave New England first and goal at the 10.
"I just dropped it," Olszewski said. "That's on me. A game that tight, you can't have mistakes like that, especially in your own red zone. I know that. I own that. It can't happen."
New England capitalized on the turnover as Damien Harris was able to punch it in the end zone on third and goal to give the Patriots a 17-6 lead, which was all they needed.
The punt was end over end, but Olszewski dismissed any issues with fielding those type of kicks. He also said he didn't battle any issues with the sun. He reiterated that he just dropped it.
Olszewski signed a two-year contract with the Steelers this offseason after spending the first three years of his career as a return specialist with the Patriots. He was even named first-team All-Pro for his contributions in New England's return game.
Even so, Olszewski wasn't very happy with losing a fumble that ultimately decided the difference in the first game against his former team. In fact, there were no special feelings.
"None. It feels like a loss," Olszewski said. "It doesn't matter who it is, it doesn't feel good losing. Especially not to them."
Even with the fumble, Tomlin wasn't afraid to call Olszewski's name once again. After the Patriots scored the ensuing touchdown after Olszewski's fumble, the Steelers ran a jet sweep with him on the third play of their next drive, gaining 18 yards for a first down. More importantly, Olszewski remained in the game as the punt returner.
"It was nice for them to give me a call and give me the ball," Olszewski said. "That's nice they still trusted me for that."
The offense was able to move down the field and score on that ensuing drive. Mitch Trubisky found Pat Freiermuth in the end zone for an 8-yard touchdown, then Diontae Johnson made a sensational catch to add the two-point conversion.
However, the offense was unable get anything else going, and the defense couldn't get off the field late in the fourth quarter as the Patriots were able to run the clock out in the final 6:33 of the game.
As Tomlin stated, there were too many weighted downs and plays that didn't go the Steelers' way. And it doesn't help when the opposition is gifted with a prime scoring opportunity off a turnover.
"They got propped up by those plays," Tomlin said. "We didn't do what was required."
• In speaking with Olszewski, it was clear he was taking his mistake pretty hard. It was clear he didn't want to speak to the media about it, but he fielded questions for about 90 seconds. His demeanor portrayed a guy who felt like he lost the game for the team.
• Unlike last week, the Steelers got through the game with minimal injuries. There were no injuries announced in game, and the only one Tomlin mentioned in his postgame press conference was a foot injury to Devin Bush. He was unable to finish the game and is being evaluated. The Steelers are working on a short week with a Thursday night game in Cleveland on the docket, so it will be interesting to see how that injury plays a role this week.
