Patriots Offense Struggles Despite Win Over Steelers

September 22, 2026 - 20:28

The New England Patriots walked away with a 20-3 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, but the scoreboard tells only part of the story. The offense has been stuck in neutral, and the problems go deeper than the final result suggests.

Over the past two games, the Patriots have managed just two touchdowns across 20 offensive drives. That kind of production will not hold up against better opponents. Quarterback Drake Maye has been searching for answers, but the rhythm and consistency that defined the team's earlier performances have disappeared.

The running game has been inconsistent, and the passing attack has struggled to stretch the field. Red zone opportunities have been squandered, turning what should be comfortable wins into grind-it-out affairs. Against Pittsburgh, the defense and special teams did much of the heavy lifting, masking the offense's inability to finish drives.

Maye acknowledged after the game that the unit needs to be better. He pointed to missed assignments, timing issues, and a lack of explosive plays as areas that must improve. Coaches have emphasized execution in practice, but the results have yet to show up on Sundays.

The Patriots remain in the playoff conversation, but their margin for error is shrinking. If the offense cannot find its footing soon, the team's success will depend entirely on a defense that has been asked to carry too much weight. For now, Maye and company are left searching for solutions.