Patriots use dominant first half to get unlikely victory against Steelers

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The New England Patriots haven't done much winning this season, but the tank isn't fully on just yet.

New England took down the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday night, 21-18, in western Pennsylvania.

Thursday’s game presented the lowest over/under in an NFL contest since 2005, at 30.5 – the over hit in the first half. The Pats took a quick, commanding 21-3 lead thanks to three passing touchdowns by Bailey Zappe – two to Hunter Henry and one to Ezekiel Elliott. Diontae Johnson scored for the Steelers before the half.

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Tight end Hunter Henry (85) of the New England Patriots celebrates after a touchdown reception in the second quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium on December 07, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  (Joe Sargent/Getty Images)

Late in the third quarter, Zappe threw a costly pick on his own side of the field that was returned to New England’s 16-yard line. But rather than kick a field goal on 4th and 2 from the 8, they were short of the line to gain, turning the ball over on downs.

But the Steelers bailed themselves out by blocking a punt after forcing a three-and-out, beginning their next drive at the opposing 26. Six plays later, Mitch Trubisky, in place of the injured Kenny Pickett, snuck one into the end zone, and the two-point conversion was good on a pass to Pat Freiermuth, cutting the deficit to three points with 11:44 to go.

After a few punts, the Steelers got the ball at their own 27 with 2:44 to go and one timeout – but they weren’t able to cross midfield, and turned the ball over on 4th and 2 with just under two minutes to go. They did force