After defeating the Atlanta Falcons in week one, the Pittsburgh Steelers suffered a brutal loss to the New England Patriots, which gives the Steelers their first loss of the 2026 season. The Patriots defeated the Steelers 20-3 and completely dominated the game from start to finish. There were very, very few positive moments for the Steelers in this game, but they do have something to be optimistic about. Now we take a look at the game and what went wrong and what went right.
Positives and Negatives From Steeler’s Loss
The Positives
As mentioned before, there was very little to be happy about following the Steelers’ loss, but there were a few things to pay attention to. First, Germie Bernard looked like a very solid target for Aaron Rodgers. The rookie wide receiver had four receptions for 35 yards and made the biggest play of the day on offense with a 19-yard catch. Bernard got more snaps and opportunities due to Michael Pittman Jr. being out with an injury, and he made the most of every chance he got.
The last really big positive that came out of this brutal game for the Steelers is the defense overall. Yes, the Steelers’ defense gave up big plays, but they also only allowed 13 points, and one of the Patriots’ scores was a defensive touchdown. When the offense is consistently not doing its job and relying on the defense, the defense eventually burns out and allows more points. The Steelers’ defense also forced a turnover, and they allowed just 26 points through two games.
The Negatives
Unfortunately for the Steelers, there were far more negatives than positives that came out of this loss. The first being the offense and only scoring three points. The Steelers’ offense looked really bad and is struggling tremendously to put points on the board. Through the first two games of the season, they have only scored 23 points, and the offensive line is struggling.
D.K. Metcalf is also struggling with drops, and things could not look worse for this offense. No team with the best defense could struggle offensively week after week and expect the defense to get the job done. Eventually, the defense wears out because the offense struggles to stay on the field, and this can really harm the Steelers.
The next negative is specifically the running game. The Steelers had just 65 rushing yards between Rico Dowdle and Jaylen Warren combined, and that comes back to the offensive line as well. They actually had even less rushing yards between the two running backs in week one, with just 61. If the Steelers cannot move the ball through the air, the running game is so crucial, but they have struggled to run even more. Unless Pittsburgh can get the run game going, this could be a very long season for this offseason.
The Final Negative: 9-8 Thoughts Coming To Mind
This may sound confusing, but it is very simple. The Steelers always find ways to win nine games but struggle like they did today, and this could be what contributes to the struggles against good teams. They typically win 9-10 games, and it gives them an average draft pick when what Pittsburgh really need is top-tier talent, whether it’s an offensive lineman or a wide receiver, they lack a true young blossoming star offensively.
The Steelers can still turn it around, but showing signs of needing roster help while winning nine games does not help them in the draft, and it is reasonable to conclude that this is why they lack a true top-tier wide receiver or offensive line. Should they and will they tank? Absolutely not, but it is reasonable for fans to worry about another average season, but not bad enough to rebuild the trenches or add a star wideout in the top of the draft order.
The Steelers fall to 1-1 on the season and will look to bounce back next week as they return home to host the Cincinnati Bengals. Do you think the Steelers will bounce back, or will they begin to enter a losing streak?
Main Image: Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
