{
  "id": 8117098,
  "title": "Steelers rolling, Patriots looking to bounce back in latest matchup between franchises",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/17/steelers-rolling-patriots-looking-to-bounce-back-in-latest-matchup",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-17T22:22:21.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Winnipeg Free Press",
    "slug": "winnipeg-free-press",
    "url": "https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/football/nfl/2026/09/17/steelers-rolling-patriots-looking-to-bounce-back-in-latest-matchup-between-franchises"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — During his 24-season tenure with the New England Patriots, head coach Bill Belichick never hesitated to express his admiration for the Pittsburgh Steelers. This latest matchup between the franchises will showcase both teams' rich histories, as the Steelers come into the game with a flawless 1-0 record and the Patriots, who have lost their first home opener, are looking to bounce back.\n\nThe Steelers are led by new head coach Mike McCarthy, who took over following the departure of Mike Tomlin, and quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who continues to impress with his performance against the Atlanta Falcons. Rodgers stated, \"I feel really good. Legs feel good. Feel good moving around, and I feel like I’m just going to keep on getting better.\"\n\nPatriots coach Mike Vrabel, known for his no-nonsense approach, acknowledges the Steelers' identity as a formidable force, noting their size, speed, and ability to create mistakes for quarterbacks. The Patriots, now under Vrabel's leadership, are entering their second home opener with a new third-year quarterback, Drake Maye, whose recent performance has been subpar following a difficult loss to the Seahawks.\n\nTurnovers were an issue in last season's game against Pittsburgh, where the Patriots had five giveaways that proved costly. Maye's absence last week due to a high-ankle sprain will likely impact the Patriots' performance as he looks to elevate his game and avoid another three-interception performance. Wide receiver A.J. Brown, who left the Seattle loss with a high-ankle sprain, is also unavailable for this week's game, adding to the Patriots' challenges.\n\nThe Steelers' defensive line will face off against the Patriots' offensive line, with the Patriots having struggled to protect their young quarterback in the past. Quarterback TreVeyon Henderson of the Patriots is expected to return from an ankle injury, potentially bolstering New England's offense. However, Pittsburgh's defensive line, led by linebacker T.J. Watt, who has already secured a pick-six against the Atlanta Falcons, will be a significant test for the Patriots' offense.\n\nThe Patriots will be the second of four consecutive opponents to open the season against Pittsburgh, with the Steelers aiming to continue their dominance in the AFC North.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}