In Pittsburgh, the New England Patriots failed to display resilience in their 21-18 defeat against the Steelers, exhibiting a lack of determination despite having little else to play for except pride. The national television audience witnessed that the Patriots’ challenge this season was, in fact, their effort, as they struggled in closely contested games. Their inability to execute crucial plays in clutch moments was evident against the Steelers.

Against the Steelers, the Patriots faced a pivotal test and fell short, failing to secure a victory. The first half was lackluster, with the Patriots delivering a subpar offensive performance, allowing the Steelers to establish a 21-10 lead. In the second half, their defense, led by veteran cornerback Jonathan Jones, failed to make a significant impact in securing the win, with Jones’s coverage on a critical fourth-down attempt by the Steelers falling short.

The Patriots burst out of the gate, quickly amassing points on the scoreboard

Key Points for the Patriots:

1. **Zappe’s Struggles:**
Quarterback Bailey Zappe, transitioning from backup to starter, failed to provide the Patriots with an impressive quarterback play. Zappe’s performance, including a lackluster 37-yard pass to JuJu Smith-Schuster, did little to address the team’s offensive struggles.

2. **Missed Opportunities:**
Tight end Hunter Henry’s two touchdowns on his 29th birthday failed to make a significant impact, as the Patriots couldn’t capitalize on these plays to spark an offensive resurgence.

3. **Draft Position Concerns Continue:**
The win did little to improve the Patriots’ overall standing, and their draft position remained at the No. 2 spot behind the Bears (from Carolina), complicating their future prospects.

For the Pittsburgh Steelers:

1. **Resilient Defense:**
The Steelers’ defense, previously considered a solid unit, managed to hold the Patriots to 18 points, showcasing their ability to handle pressure and adapt to opposing strategies.

2. **Offensive Improvements:**
Despite facing a team with just two wins, the Steelers’ offense, led by backup quarterback Mitch Trubisky, managed to handle the Patriots’ defense more effectively, accumulating 264 total yards and closing the gap in the fourth quarter.

3. **Addressing Issues:**
The Steelers showed signs of improvement in handling illegal formations and getting lined up, indicating a step towards cohesion and timely adjustments.

4. **Neutralizing Former Players:**
Former Steelers players, JuJu Smith-Schuster and James Conner, had limited success against their former team, with their contributions not significantly impacting the game.

5. **Continued Resilience from Roberts:**
Linebacker Elandon Roberts, despite a groin injury, continued to showcase resilience, contributing with a crucial third-quarter sack and a pass breakup leading to an interception.

In a tale of two teams on divergent paths, the New England Patriots faced a challenging defeat, while the Pittsburgh Steelers demonstrated improvements and a more positive outlook.

**Positive Trends for the Steelers:**

1. **Defensive Strength:**
The Steelers’ defense, previously considered a solid unit, managed to hold the Patriots to 18 points, showcasing their ability to handle pressure and adapt to opposing strategies.

2. **Offensive Improvements:**
Despite facing a team with just two wins, the Steelers’ offense, led by backup quarterback Mitch Trubisky, managed to handle the Patriots’ defense more effectively, accumulating 264 total yards and closing the gap in the fourth quarter.

3. **Addressing Issues:**
The Steelers showed signs of improvement in handling illegal formations and getting lined up, indicating a step towards cohesion and timely adjustments.

4. **Neutralizing Former Players:**
Former Steelers players, JuJu Smith-Schuster and James Conner, had limited success against their former team, with their contributions not significantly impacting the game.

5. **Continued Resilience from Roberts:**
Linebacker Elandon Roberts, despite a groin injury, continued to showcase resilience, contributing with a crucial third-quarter sack and a pass breakup leading to an interception.

In a tale of two teams on divergent paths, the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrated a hard-fought victory, while the New England Patriots faced a challenging defeat. The outcome not only shapes the current season but also raises questions about the future directions of both franchises.