5 takeaways from the Steelers’ 20-3 loss to the New England Patriots

1. The Steelers' offensive line requires immediate attention. The team's inability to generate consistent yards and protect their quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, was a significant issue throughout the game. Rodgers faced constant pressure, with four sacks and 17 additional pressures, resulting in just 3.5 yards per play for the team.

The right side of the line, in particular, has struggled, with rookie Max Iheanacho and third-round pick Gennings Dunker still on the bench. The left side, which started on the right last year, also remains unsettled. While these struggles are a fair critique of the team's plan, the Steelers may need to consider making changes sooner rather than later to address these issues.

2. The Steelers' offense lacks explosiveness. Head coach Mike McCarthy acknowledged that the team was struggling with the basics during the game, emphasizing the need for downfield throws rather than short, incremental plays. Evidence of this comes from statistical analysis, which showed the Patriots had six plays of 20 or more yards, while the Steelers had none.

In contrast, the Patriots' offense managed to move the ball downfield through key plays, such as TreVeyon Henderson's 39-yard touchdown, Rhamondre Stevenson's 24-yard run, and Romeo Doubs' 63-yard gain. For the Steelers, their longest gain on the ground was 14 yards, and they only had one reception for more than 20 yards. This lack of explosive plays could be a significant issue for the Steelers in the long run, as NFL defenses are formidable, and scoring on every drive is challenging but crucial.

3. The Steelers' pass rush remains strong. While the team's offensive struggles are concerning, there is a silver lining in their pass rush. Both T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith have consistently generated pressure on opposing quarterbacks, with Watt adding another 1.5 sacks and Highsmith contributing to his season total. Nick Herbig also played a crucial role in generating pressure, recording three tackles for loss and forcing a fumble.

This strong pass rush has been effective against rival quarterbacks, holding Patriots quarterback Drake Maye to just 208 yards, no touchdowns, and an interception. The Steelers' defensive efforts have contributed to their 13-point deficit, showcasing the importance of their pass rush in securing wins.