PITTSBURGH (AP) — In a stunning turnaround, Bailey Zappe orchestrated a triumphant first-half display with three touchdown passes, leading the New England Patriots to a 21-18 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday night. This unexpected win not only snapped the Patriots’ five-game losing streak but also dealt a significant blow to the Steelers’ playoff aspirations.

Zappe, in his second start for the Patriots (3-10), showcased his prowess by passing for 240 yards. The Patriots became the second two-win team in less than a week to deliver a potential season-altering defeat to the Steelers (7-6) on their home turf.

Hunter Henry played a pivotal role with two touchdown catches for New England, while Ezekiel Elliott contributed 140 yards from scrimmage, including a touchdown. This marked a notable improvement for the NFL’s lowest-scoring offense, which found the end zone three times for the first time since October. JuJu Smith-Schuster added 90 yards receiving against his former team.

Mitch Trubisky, filling in for the injured Steelers starter Kenny Pickett, completed 22 of 35 for 190 yards, passing for a touchdown and running for another. However, Trubisky’s first-half interception set up one of Henry’s two scores. In a critical moment late in the game, he threw deep to a well-covered Diontae Johnson on fourth-and-2 at midfield.

Despite Trubisky’s efforts, the Steelers managed only 264 yards of offense, signaling a regression for an offense that initially showed signs of improvement after offensive coordinator Matt Canada’s firing.

The Patriots, coming off a shutout loss to the Chargers, displayed a sharper offensive performance against the Steelers. Bailey Zappe’s ability to guide the team to an opening-drive touchdown and connect with Hurst and Henry for two more scores gave New England its largest lead of the season at 21-3.

The Steelers made attempts to narrow the gap, but the Patriots’ defense held firm, securing a much-needed win for New England.

INJURIES
Steelers: OLB Alex Highsmith left in the second quarter with a neck injury. Rookie Nick Herbig played the majority of the snaps in Highsmith’s absence.

UP NEXT
Patriots: Host Kansas City in a game that was moved from the Monday night timeslot to Sunday, Dec. 17.

Steelers: Visit fellow AFC wild-card contender Indianapolis on Saturday, Dec. 16.