The Steelers' sorry start to the 2025 NFL season somehow found a way to avoid a fresh low.
Oh, they still couldn't block, still couldn't tackle, still couldn't connect on anything vertically on offense, still couldn't get off the field on third down on defense ... and yet, thanks in large part to an opponent all too willing to lend a helping hand in the form of five turnovers, they'd ultimately push past the Patriots, 21-14, Sunday afternoon at Gillette Stadium.
With 2:16 remaining, Aaron Rodgers connected with Calvin Austin on a 17-yard sideline route for the tiebreaking touchdown. Chris Boswell kicked the extra point.
The Steelers had burst to a 14-0 lead on touchdowns by Kenny Gainwell, a 1-yard pitch-and-run, and DK Metcalf, a 12-yard combat catch. The Patriots nearly turned that into a tie by halftime, but Cam Heyward's goal-line deflection resulted in Brandin Echols' interception in the end zone as time was expiring. They would go on to tie, 14-14, on Drake Maye's 16-yard strike over the middle to Hunter Henry early in the fourth quarter.
Next up: Ireland.