Steelers Should Be Favored Against The Patriots

Steelers fans, there is a real reason to believe in this defense — and it could be the key to beating Drake Maye and the Patriots in Foxborough.

New England went 14-3 in 2025, but that record came against an historically favorable schedule. When the Patriots finally ran into high-level defenses in the postseason, their offense — and Maye — looked very different.

Now, after a mistake-filled start to 2026, the conversation in New England is already asking whether “rookie-year Drake Maye” has returned.

That brings us to Pittsburgh.

T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith and the Steelers were able to pressure Cooper Rush in Week 1 without constantly sending extra rushers. If Patrick Graham can create the same kind of pressure while flooding Maye's throwing lanes with coverage, Pittsburgh may have exactly the defensive formula that has caused him problems.

Gavin Dawson and Newbear break down what Seattle showed against New England, Cody Alexander's analysis of how defenses are attacking Maye, whether Pittsburgh can copy parts of that blueprint, and the bigger question hanging over the Steelers:

How good is this defense — top 15, top 10, or potentially top five?

Because if Pittsburgh's defense is as good as we think it might be, Sunday's game in Foxborough suddenly looks very different.

Drop your prediction in the comments and tell us where you think the Steelers defense finishes this season.

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