The Patriots produced 21 points in the first half against the Steelers and then held on to the bitter end to close out at a desperately needed 21-18 win.
After a dour 6-0 loss lass week to the Chargers there was a lot of talk about the Patriots quitting and already being on the beach in their heads, but they proved that wrong with a gritty performance. “No one has quit in this locker room,” said Andrews, a two-time Super Bowl champion. “We’re fighting, we’re working. We’re trying to get better. That’s all you can do. That’s all you can ask for. It hasn’t been perfect.”
PATRIOTS ZAPPE REBOUNDS FROM POOR PERFORMANCE
The win snapped a five-game losing streak for the Patriots and put a serious dent in the Steelers playoff hopes in a very competitive AFC North. “This stings,” Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin said. “But we’ll be back.”
After a lot of criticism this season, Tomlin’s steelers are sliding towards missing the playoffs having lost 3 of their last 4 games. The Patriots have no such concerns but this game is a slight hinderance in their quest for the number 1 pick in the NFL draft. At 3-9 the Patriots have a realistic shot of getting one of the top QB prospects, which would offer something of a silver lining in a horrendous season.
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Downs | 14 | 18 |
| Passing 1st downs | 11 | 10 |
| Rushing 1st downs | 3 | 5 |
| 1st downs from penalties | 0 | 3 |
| 3rd down efficiency | 4-13 | 3-14 |
| 4th down efficiency | 0-0 | 1-3 |
| Total Plays | 55 | 66 |
| Total Yards | 303 | 264 |
| Total Drives | 13 | 14 |
| Yards per Play | 5.5 | 4.0 |
| Passing | 222 | 182 |
| Comp-Att | 19-28 | 22-36 |
| Yards per pass | 7.4 | 4.8 |
| Interceptions thrown | 1 | 1 |
| Sacks-Yards Lost | 2-18 | 2-8 |
| Rushing | 81 | 82 |
| Rushing Attempts | 25 | 28 |
| Yards per rush | 3.2 | 2.9 |
| Red Zone (Made-Att) | 2-2 | 1-2 |
| Penalties | 7-59 | 1-5 |
| Turnovers | 1 | 1 |
| Fumbles lost | 0 | 0 |
| Interceptions thrown | 1 | 1 |
| Defensive / Special Teams TDs | 0 | 0 |
| Possession | 27:41 | 32:19 |
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