The Pittsburgh Steelers vs New England Patriots match player stats from September 21, 2025, tell the story of a hard-fought NFL contest in which Pittsburgh secured a 21-14 road victory at Gillette Stadium. The Steelers combined efficient passing, timely touchdowns, defensive pressure, and better ball security to defeat New England, despite the Patriots recording more passing yards and rushing yards.

Aaron Rodgers guided Pittsburgh’s offense with two touchdown passes, while Calvin Austin III and DK Metcalf each found the end zone. On the opposite side, Drake Maye delivered an impressive passing performance, completing 28 of 37 attempts and throwing two touchdown passes to Hunter Henry. However, New England’s four lost fumbles proved extremely costly.

The final score reflected an important difference between the teams. New England moved the ball effectively and produced several promising offensive sequences, but Pittsburgh made better use of its opportunities. The Steelers also generated five sacks and recovered all four of their own reported fumbles, while forcing New England into four costly turnovers.

This game provides an interesting example of why passing yards, rushing production, and time spent moving the football do not always determine the winner. Turnover control, defensive execution, and scoring efficiency can have a much greater influence on the final result.

Table of Contents

Pittsburgh Steelers vs New England Patriots Match Player Stats: Game Overview

The September 21 meeting featured two teams looking to improve their early-season records. Pittsburgh entered the game seeking another road victory, while New England wanted to protect its home field and move back toward an even record.

The Steelers eventually won by seven points, improving to 2-1 overall and 2-0 away from home. The Patriots dropped to 1-2, including a 0-2 record at home.

Final Score and Quarter-by-Quarter Results

Team	Q1	Q2	Q3	Q4	Final
Pittsburgh Steelers	7	7	0	7	21
New England Patriots	0	7	0	7	14

Pittsburgh established an early advantage by scoring seven points in the opening quarter. Both teams added another touchdown in the second quarter, leaving the Steelers with a 14-7 halftime lead.

Neither offense scored during the third quarter. The final period produced another touchdown for each team, but New England could not overcome its earlier deficit.

Game Information	Details
Matchup	Pittsburgh Steelers vs New England Patriots
Date	September 21, 2025
Competition	National Football League
Venue	Gillette Stadium
Final result	Pittsburgh Steelers 21-14
Winning team	Pittsburgh Steelers
Losing team	New England Patriots
Pittsburgh record after game	2-1
New England record after game	1-2
Pittsburgh road record	2-0
New England home record	0-2

What Made the Difference?

Three factors stand out when examining the result:

Turnover advantage: New England lost four fumbles, giving Pittsburgh important additional opportunities.
Defensive pressure: Pittsburgh recorded five sacks, while the Patriots failed to record a sack.
Touchdown efficiency: Pittsburgh converted its offensive opportunities into three touchdowns and maintained control of the scoreboard.

The Patriots had more total passing and rushing production according to the supplied statistics. However, their inability to protect possession prevented that production from becoming a winning performance.

Complete Team Statistics Comparison

The overall numbers reveal two very different offensive performances. New England produced more yards and sustained longer possessions, but Pittsburgh was more effective at converting important opportunities into points.

Statistical Category	Steelers	Patriots
Final score	21	14
Total net yards	203	369
Passing completions	16	28
Passing attempts	23	37
Gross passing yards	139	268
Net passing yards	139	250
Passing touchdowns	2	2
Interceptions thrown	1	1
Rushing attempts	26	29
Rushing yards	64	119
Rushing average	2.5	4.1
Rushing touchdowns	1	0
Sacks allowed	0	5
Yards lost on sacks	0	18
Total offensive plays	49	71
First downs	17	26
Third-down conversions	4/9	6/13
Fourth-down conversions	0/0	4/5
Turnovers lost	1	5
Time of possession	26:40	33:20
Penalties	8	7
Penalty yards	59	54

Statistical note: New England recorded 268 gross passing yards. After subtracting 18 yards lost on sacks, its net passing total was 250 yards. The distinction explains why some statistical summaries show different passing-yard figures.

Why New England Had More Yards but Lost

At first glance, the Patriots’ 369 total net yards compared with Pittsburgh’s 203 suggest that New England controlled the game offensively.

The Patriots also recorded nine more first downs and ran 22 additional offensive plays. Their 33 minutes and 20 seconds of possession gave them more opportunities to develop drives.

However, yardage alone does not explain the final score.

The biggest problem was possession security. New England lost four fumbles, and its quarterback also threw an interception. Pittsburgh, meanwhile, limited its mistakes and protected its advantage.

This difference is particularly important when evaluating football performances. A team can move the ball consistently between the 20-yard lines but still struggle to win if it repeatedly gives away possession.

Pittsburgh’s defense also created pressure without needing its offense to dominate the statistical categories. Five sacks disrupted New England’s passing rhythm and made important situations more difficult.

The result demonstrates that offensive efficiency and turnover management can be more valuable than simply accumulating yards.

Pittsburgh Steelers Player Statistics

Pittsburgh’s offensive performance was built around Aaron Rodgers’ passing ability, contributions from the receiving group, and a productive rushing touchdown from Kenny Gainwell.

The Steelers did not produce an especially high rushing average, but their offense found the end zone at important moments.

Aaron Rodgers Passing Stats

PITTSBURGH PASSING LEADER

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Aaron Rodgers

139

Passing yards

16 completions on 23 attempts

Passing Statistic	Performance
Completions	16
Attempts	23
Completion percentage	69.6%
Passing yards	139
Yards per attempt	6.0
Passing touchdowns	2
Interceptions	1
Sacks taken	0
QBR	49.2
Passer rating	96.1

Rodgers completed nearly 70% of his passes, providing Pittsburgh with dependable quarterback play throughout the contest.

His 139 passing yards were modest compared with Drake Maye’s production. However, the Steelers did not need Rodgers to throw for 250 or 300 yards. His two touchdown passes helped establish and eventually restore Pittsburgh’s seven-point advantage.

One important aspect of his performance was avoiding sacks. Rodgers was not brought down behind the line of scrimmage, allowing Pittsburgh to avoid the negative passing-yardage situations that affected New England.

He did throw one interception, which prevented the performance from being completely mistake-free. Nevertheless, his ability to connect with two different receivers for touchdowns remained central to the victory.

The most important distinction is that Rodgers delivered points when Pittsburgh needed them. His passing numbers were not spectacular, but his touchdown production made a meaningful difference.

Pittsburgh Steelers Rushing Stats

Pittsburgh’s ground game produced 64 yards on 26 carries. The team averaged 2.5 yards per attempt and scored one rushing touchdown.

Player	Carries	Rushing Yards	Average	Longest Run	TDs
Jaylen Warren	18	47	2.6	11	0
Kenny Gainwell	4	16	4.0	13	1
Aaron Rodgers	4	1	0.3	3	0
Team Total	26	64	2.5	13	1

Jaylen Warren’s Ground Performance

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Jaylen Warren

47

Rushing yards

18 carries, 2.6 yards per carry

Warren was Pittsburgh’s primary rushing option, receiving 18 carries for 47 yards.

His workload accounted for most of the Steelers’ rushing attempts. However, the 2.6-yard average shows that New England generally did a good job limiting his opportunities to break into open space.

Warren’s contribution was not limited to running the football. He also caught five passes for 34 yards, giving Rodgers another option when the offense needed a short or intermediate completion.

His combined contribution was:

18 rushing attempts.
47 rushing yards.
Five receptions.
34 receiving yards.
81 yards from scrimmage.
No touchdowns.

The 81 yards from scrimmage made Warren a useful all-purpose contributor, even without a rushing or receiving touchdown.

Kenny Gainwell’s Important Touchdown

Pittsburgh Steelers v New England Patriots

Kenny Gainwell

16

Rushing yards

1 rushing touchdown

Gainwell provided one of Pittsburgh’s most important offensive contributions.

He recorded four carries for 16 yards, averaging four yards per attempt. His most significant contribution came on a one-yard touchdown run during the opening quarter.

That score gave Pittsburgh a 7-0 lead and established the tone for the contest.

Gainwell’s contribution also demonstrated the value of having multiple running backs available. While Warren handled the larger workload, Gainwell supplied a scoring opportunity that helped Pittsburgh take early control.

Aaron Rodgers as a Rushing Contributor

Rodgers recorded four rushing attempts for one yard. His longest run covered three yards.

His rushing contribution was limited, and his primary value came through passing rather than mobility. Nevertheless, the four attempts were included in Pittsburgh’s overall rushing production.

Pittsburgh Receiving Stats

The Steelers distributed their passing production across several players rather than relying on one receiver for most of their yardage.

Calvin Austin III and DK Metcalf were particularly important because both recorded receiving touchdowns.

Receiver	Receptions	Targets	Yards	Average	Longest	TDs
Calvin Austin III	3	5	34	11.3	17	1
Jaylen Warren	5	6	34	6.8	15	0
DK Metcalf	3	4	32	10.7	15	1
Jonnu Smith	3	3	23	7.7	21	0
Kenny Gainwell	1	3	10	10.0	10	0
Pat Freiermuth	1	1	6	6.0	6	0
Team Total	16	22	139	8.7	21	2

Calvin Austin III: A Decisive Receiving Performance

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Calvin Austin III

34

Receiving yards

Game-winning touchdown

Austin finished with three receptions for 34 yards and one touchdown on five targets.

His most important contribution came late in the fourth quarter. With the score tied 14-14, Rodgers connected with Austin on a 17-yard touchdown pass with 2:16 remaining.

The score gave Pittsburgh a 21-14 lead.

Austin’s production demonstrates why receiving touchdowns can carry greater importance than overall yardage. His 34 yards were not the highest total among the Steelers’ offensive players, but his final-quarter score directly determined the outcome.

DK Metcalf’s First-Half Touchdown

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DK Metcalf

32

Receiving yards

1 receiving touchdown

Metcalf recorded three catches for 32 yards on four targets.

His touchdown came during the second quarter when Rodgers found him for a 12-yard scoring reception. Chris Boswell converted the extra point, extending Pittsburgh’s advantage to 14-0.

Metcalf’s score was especially valuable because it gave the Steelers a two-touchdown lead before New England responded.

His ability to produce a touchdown without requiring a large number of receptions made his performance efficient.

Jaylen Warren’s Receiving Contribution

Warren led Pittsburgh in receptions with five, collecting 34 receiving yards on six targets.

His 34 receiving yards matched Austin’s total, demonstrating how the Steelers used him as both a running back and a receiving option.

This dual-role contribution helped Pittsburgh maintain flexibility in its offensive formations.

Jonnu Smith and the Supporting Receivers

Jonnu Smith caught three passes for 23 yards, including a longest reception of 21 yards.

Kenny Gainwell added one reception for 10 yards, while Pat Freiermuth caught one pass for six yards.

These contributions did not produce additional receiving touchdowns, but they helped distribute Pittsburgh’s offensive workload across the roster.

New England Patriots Player Statistics

New England’s offensive statistics were impressive in several areas. Drake Maye completed 28 passes, the running game produced 119 yards, and Hunter Henry scored both of the Patriots’ touchdowns.

However, individual offensive success was not enough to compensate for the team’s turnover problems.

Drake Maye Passing Stats

NEW ENGLAND PASSING LEADER

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Drake Maye

268

Gross passing yards

28 completions on 37 attempts

Passing Statistic	Performance
Completions	28
Attempts	37
Completion percentage	75.7%
Gross passing yards	268
Net passing yards	250
Yards per attempt	7.2
Passing touchdowns	2
Interceptions	1
Sacks taken	5
Sack yardage lost	18
QBR	63.4
Passer rating	102.1

Maye completed 75.7% of his passing attempts, an impressive completion rate that reflected his ability to distribute the football.

He also averaged 7.2 yards per attempt and threw two touchdown passes. His passer rating of 102.1 was higher than Rodgers’ 96.1.

These numbers indicate that Maye was productive as a passer. However, his performance also included one interception and five sacks.

The five sacks were particularly important because they disrupted New England’s offensive rhythm and reduced the value of several promising passing situations.

A quarterback can complete a high percentage of passes and still struggle to produce a winning result when the offense repeatedly loses possession.

Maye’s passing performance deserves recognition, but the turnovers and defensive pressure around him were significant parts of the final outcome.

Drake Maye’s Rushing Contribution

Maye also contributed on the ground, recording:

Seven rushing attempts.
45 rushing yards.
6.4 yards per carry.
Longest run of 15 yards.
Zero rushing touchdowns.

His 45 rushing yards led New England’s rushing group.

Maye’s mobility gave Pittsburgh’s defense another problem to manage. When passing lanes became difficult to access, he could use his legs to gain additional yards.

His rushing average was substantially higher than that of Pittsburgh’s leading ball carrier.

However, his overall offensive contribution also needs to be considered alongside his lost fumble and interception.

New England Patriots Rushing Stats

The Patriots had a more productive ground attack than Pittsburgh.

They finished with 119 rushing yards on 29 attempts, averaging 4.1 yards per carry.

Player	Carries	Rushing Yards	Average	Longest Run	TDs
Drake Maye	7	45	6.4	15	0
TreVeyon Henderson	11	28	2.5	5	0
Antonio Gibson	7	28	4.0	11	0
Rhamondre Stevenson	4	18	4.5	10	0
Team Total	29	119	4.1	15	0

Drake Maye Led the Ground Game

Maye’s 45 rushing yards were the highest individual total for either team in this category.

His seven carries produced an average of 6.4 yards, making him New England’s most effective runner by average gain.

His mobility helped extend plays and provided another way to move the chains.

However, New England could not convert its ground production into a rushing touchdown.

TreVeyon Henderson’s Rushing Performance

Pittsburgh Steelers v New England Patriots

TreVeyon Henderson

28

Rushing yards

11 carries, 2.5 yards per attempt

Henderson received 11 carries, the highest rushing workload among New England’s running backs.

He gained 28 yards, averaging 2.5 yards per attempt. His longest run covered five yards.

His workload showed that New England attempted to establish a consistent ground presence. However, the limited average gain suggests that Pittsburgh generally prevented him from creating significant explosive running plays.

Henderson also contributed as a receiver, adding three receptions for 19 yards.

Antonio Gibson’s Contribution

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Antonio Gibson

28

Rushing yards

Seven carries, 4.0 yards per attempt

Gibson recorded seven carries for 28 yards, averaging four yards per attempt.

His rushing efficiency was better than Henderson’s, although his total workload was smaller.

He also caught one pass? The supplied receiving statistics list no Gibson reception, so his contribution in the passing game should not be overstated.

Gibson’s biggest negative moment came through ball security. He lost one fumble, contributing to New England’s costly turnover total.

Rhamondre Stevenson’s Production

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Rhamondre Stevenson

18

Rushing yards

Four carries, 4.5 yards per attempt

Stevenson recorded four carries for 18 yards, producing an average of 4.5 yards per attempt.

Although he received fewer opportunities than Henderson and Gibson, his average was the second-highest among New England’s primary rushing options.

He also caught three passes for 38 yards, giving him 56 total yards from scrimmage.

His offensive contribution was useful, but two lost fumbles made his overall performance particularly damaging to the Patriots.

New England Patriots Receiving Stats

The Patriots generated 268 receiving yards and recorded 28 receptions on 36 targets.

Hunter Henry was the clear receiving leader, producing 90 yards and both of Maye’s passing touchdowns.

Receiver	Receptions	Targets	Yards	Average	Longest	TDs
Hunter Henry	8	11	90	11.3	18	2
Rhamondre Stevenson	3	3	38	12.7	23	0
Austin Hooper	2	3	28	14.0	16	0
Kayshon Boutte	2	3	28	14.0	20	0
Mack Hollins	4	4	27	6.8	11	0
Stefon Diggs	3	3	23	7.7	11	0
TreVeyon Henderson	3	3	19	6.3	8	0
Kyle Williams	1	1	8	8.0	8	0
DeMario Douglas	2	5	7	3.5	8	0
Team Total	28	36	268	9.6	23	2

Hunter Henry: New England’s Most Productive Receiver

Hunter Henry ices the game with a 17-yard reception

Hunter Henry

90

Receiving yards

2 receiving touchdowns

Henry was the standout performer in New England’s passing attack.

He caught eight passes for 90 yards on 11 targets, averaging 11.3 yards per reception.

His two touchdowns accounted for all of the Patriots’ passing scores.

His first touchdown came in the second quarter on a five-yard reception from Maye. The score reduced Pittsburgh’s lead to 14-7.

His second touchdown arrived early in the fourth quarter. Maye connected with Henry on a 16-yard scoring pass, tying the game at 14-14.

Henry’s performance demonstrated his importance as a dependable receiving option, particularly in scoring situations.

He was New England’s most productive receiver by both receptions and receiving yards.

Despite his excellent individual performance, the Patriots could not turn his touchdowns into a victory.

Rhamondre Stevenson as a Receiving Option

Stevenson recorded three receptions for 38 yards, averaging 12.7 yards per catch.

His longest reception covered 23 yards, which was the longest individual reception listed for either team.

His receiving production helped balance New England’s offense and gave Maye another option outside the traditional receiving group.

However, his two lost fumbles overshadowed much of his offensive contribution.

Austin Hooper and Kayshon Boutte

Hooper and Boutte each recorded two receptions for 28 yards.

Hooper averaged 14 yards per reception, while Boutte also averaged 14 yards.

Their contributions provided additional receiving depth and helped the Patriots spread the ball around the field.

Neither player scored a touchdown, but both supplied useful intermediate passing options.

Mack Hollins and Stefon Diggs

Hollins caught four passes for 27 yards, giving him the second-highest reception total on the team.

Diggs added three receptions for 23 yards.

Their combined contributions helped New England maintain its passing volume, although neither player produced a touchdown.

Other Receiving Contributors

TreVeyon Henderson recorded three receptions for 19 yards, while Kyle Williams caught one pass for eight yards.

DeMario Douglas finished with two receptions for seven yards on five targets.

Douglas’ five targets were notable because they matched the target total of Calvin Austin III, but he generated considerably fewer receiving yards.

New England’s receiving depth was productive overall, but Henry was responsible for the most important scoring contributions.

Defensive Player Statistics and Game-Changing Performances

Defense was arguably the biggest reason Pittsburgh left New England with a victory.

Although the Patriots gained more yards, Pittsburgh’s defensive unit generated pressure, recorded important tackles, and disrupted New England’s attempts to establish a comfortable offensive rhythm.

The Steelers finished with five sacks, eight quarterback hits, and six tackles for loss according to the supplied defensive statistics.

Pittsburgh Steelers Defensive Stats

Defensive Player	Total Tackles	Solo Tackles	Sacks	TFL	Pass Deflections	QB Hits
Patrick Queen	10	6	0	1	2	0
Payton Wilson	7	4	0	0	0	0
Cole Holcomb	6	5	0	0	0	0
Brandin Echols	6	4	0	1	1	0
Cameron Heyward	6	3	1	0	1	1
T.J. Watt	5	2	2	2	0	2

The table highlights the leading individual defensive performances rather than the complete defensive roster.

Patrick Queen Led Pittsburgh in Tackles

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Patrick Queen

10

Total tackles

Six solo tackles and one tackle for loss

Queen finished as Pittsburgh’s leading tackler with 10 total tackles, including six solo stops.

He also recorded one tackle for loss and two pass deflections.

His contribution was important because New England attempted 71 offensive plays. A defense facing that many plays needs reliable tackling and consistent communication to prevent drives from becoming even more productive.

Queen’s ability to contribute against both the run and pass made him one of Pittsburgh’s most valuable defensive players.

T.J. Watt Delivered Major Quarterback Pressure

Pittsburgh Steelers v New England Patriots

T.J. Watt

2

Sacks

Five tackles, two tackles for loss, two quarterback hits

Watt was one of the most important players in Pittsburgh’s defensive performance.

He recorded:

Five total tackles.
Two solo tackles.
Two sacks.
Two tackles for loss.
Two quarterback hits.

His two sacks represented a major contribution to Pittsburgh’s five-sack defensive total.

Pressure on Maye was especially valuable because New England relied heavily on its passing game to generate offensive production.

When a quarterback is forced to make decisions under pressure, the likelihood of disrupted plays increases. Defensive pressure can also prevent receivers from developing routes and reduce the amount of time available for longer passing attempts.

Watt’s performance helped Pittsburgh create those difficult situations.

Cameron Heyward’s Defensive Contribution

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Cameron Heyward

1

Sack

Six tackles and one quarterback hit

Heyward recorded six total tackles, three solo tackles, one sack, one pass deflection, and one quarterback hit.

His contribution helped Pittsburgh maintain pressure from the defensive front.

Having multiple defensive linemen capable of disrupting the quarterback makes an offense less comfortable. New England could not simply focus all its protection attention on one pass rusher.

Payton Wilson and Cole Holcomb

Wilson recorded seven tackles, including four solo tackles.

Holcomb contributed six tackles, five of which were solo stops.

Both players helped Pittsburgh maintain defensive discipline and limit opportunities for New England’s offensive players to gain additional yards after contact.

Brandin Echols’ Interception

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Brandin Echols

1

Interception

Six tackles and one pass deflection

Echols recorded one interception and six tackles.

His interception was an important defensive contribution because it gave Pittsburgh an opportunity to stop a New England possession.

The Patriots were already producing substantial offensive yardage, so forcing a turnover was particularly valuable.

Echols also added four solo tackles, one tackle for loss, and one pass deflection.

New England Patriots Defensive Stats

New England’s defense also had individual players who delivered strong performances.

Robert Spillane led the team in tackles, while several defensive players contributed against Pittsburgh’s rushing and passing attacks.

Defensive Player	Total Tackles	Solo Tackles	Sacks	TFL	Pass Deflections	QB Hits
Robert Spillane	15	9	0	1	1	0
Harold Landry III	8	2	0	0	0	1
Craig Woodson	4	2	0	0	0	0
Jaylinn Hawkins	3	2	0	0	0	0
K’Lavon Chaisson	3	2	0	1	0	2
Milton Williams	2	2	0	2	0	0

Robert Spillane Led All Players in Tackles

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Robert Spillane

15

Total tackles

Nine solo tackles, one tackle for loss

Spillane finished with 15 total tackles, making him the leading tackler in the game.

His performance included nine solo tackles, one tackle for loss, and one pass deflection.

He also recorded an interception with 37 return yards.

These statistics show that Spillane was heavily involved in New England’s defensive effort.

His interception was particularly important because Rodgers had already thrown one interception. The Patriots managed to create a turnover of their own, but their offense could not consistently protect possession afterward.

Harold Landry III’s Contribution

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Harold Landry III

8

Total tackles

One quarterback hit

Landry recorded eight total tackles and one quarterback hit.

His work helped New England limit Pittsburgh’s rushing efficiency and prevent the Steelers from producing a larger offensive yardage total.

However, the Patriots’ inability to record a sack was a significant weakness in their defensive performance.

K’Lavon Chaisson and Milton Williams

Chaisson recorded three tackles, one tackle for loss, and two quarterback hits.

Williams finished with two tackles and two tackles for loss.

Although their individual numbers were smaller than Spillane’s, both players contributed to New England’s effort to disrupt Pittsburgh’s offense.

The Patriots recorded six tackles for loss as a team, matching Pittsburgh’s supplied total in that category.

However, the absence of sacks meant they did not create the same level of quarterback disruption that Pittsburgh generated.

Defensive Team Comparison

Defensive Category	Steelers	Patriots
Total tackles	84	51
Solo tackles	48	31
Sacks	5	0
Tackles for loss	6	6
Pass deflections	5	1
Quarterback hits	8	3
Interceptions	1	1

Pittsburgh’s five sacks were a major difference in the defensive comparison.

The Patriots recorded six tackles for loss, showing that they were capable of disrupting plays in the backfield. However, they did not manage to bring Rodgers down for a sack.

Pittsburgh’s defensive pressure was more consistent, especially when Maye attempted to extend plays or develop longer passing opportunities.

Turnovers and Fumbles: The Biggest Difference

Turnovers deserve their own section because they were among the most important factors in determining the result.

New England’s offensive production was good enough to compete with Pittsburgh. The problem was that the Patriots repeatedly surrendered possession.

Fumble Statistics

Team or Player	Fumbles	Fumbles Lost
New England Patriots	4	4
Rhamondre Stevenson	2	2
Antonio Gibson	1	1
Drake Maye	1	1
Pittsburgh Steelers	1	0

The team-level turnover figures show that New England lost four fumbles, while Pittsburgh lost none.

Pittsburgh also threw one interception, meaning its offense committed one recorded turnover through an interception or lost fumble.

New England threw one interception and lost four fumbles, giving the Patriots five total offensive turnovers.

This is a substantial difference.

Why Four Lost Fumbles Were So Damaging

Every lost fumble ends an offensive possession and gives the opposing team an opportunity to take control of the football.

For New England, the problem was repeated mistakes rather than one isolated incident.

Stevenson lost two fumbles, while Gibson and Maye each lost one.

These mistakes made it difficult for the Patriots to convert their yardage advantage into a scoring advantage.

Even a successful offensive drive becomes meaningless when the ball is lost before the team can finish the possession.

Robert Spillane’s Interception

Spillane also recorded an interception against Rodgers.

His 37-yard return gave New England a useful defensive contribution.

However, the Patriots could not turn their defensive takeaway into a winning advantage.

The difference between the teams was not that one defense created turnovers and the other did not. Both teams recorded an interception.

The difference was New England’s additional lost fumbles.

Scoring Summary: How the Steelers Won 21-14

The scoring sequence provides a clearer understanding of how the game developed.

Quarter	Time	Team	Scoring Play	Score
Q1	8:25	Steelers	Kenny Gainwell 1-yard rushing TD	PIT 7-0
Q2	13:49	Steelers	DK Metcalf 12-yard receiving TD	PIT 14-0
Q2	9:01	Patriots	Hunter Henry 5-yard receiving TD	PIT 14-7
Q4	14:56	Patriots	Hunter Henry 16-yard receiving TD	14-14
Q4	2:16	Steelers	Calvin Austin III 17-yard receiving TD	PIT 21-14

First Quarter: Pittsburgh Takes Control

Pittsburgh opened the scoring through Kenny Gainwell.

The running back finished an eight-play, 54-yard drive with a one-yard touchdown run.

Chris Boswell converted the extra point, giving the Steelers a 7-0 lead.

New England could not respond with a touchdown before the end of the opening period.

The early score gave Pittsburgh a useful advantage and allowed its defense to operate with a lead.

Second Quarter: Rodgers Finds DK Metcalf

Pittsburgh extended its advantage with a 12-yard touchdown pass from Rodgers to Metcalf.

The touchdown completed a 12-play, 90-yard drive that demonstrated Pittsburgh’s ability to sustain an offensive possession.

The Patriots responded later in the quarter.

Maye connected with Henry on a five-yard touchdown pass, and the extra point reduced the deficit to seven points.

At halftime, Pittsburgh remained ahead 14-7.

Third Quarter: Defensive Battle

Neither team scored in the third quarter.

This was an important period because New England needed to find a way to level the contest, while Pittsburgh wanted to maintain its advantage.

The lack of scoring reflected the defensive pressure and the difficulty both offenses experienced in producing a successful finishing drive.

Fourth Quarter: Patriots Equalize

New England opened the fourth-quarter scoring with another touchdown connection between Maye and Henry.

The 16-yard reception brought the score to 14-14.

Henry’s second touchdown completed an important individual performance and gave the Patriots a realistic opportunity to win.

At this stage, the game was tied, and Pittsburgh needed a response.

Final Minutes: Calvin Austin III Delivers

With the game tied and only a few minutes remaining, Rodgers connected with Austin on a 17-yard touchdown pass.

The scoring play gave Pittsburgh a 21-14 advantage with 2:16 left.

Boswell converted the extra point.

New England could not produce another scoring response, and Pittsburgh secured the seven-point victory.

The final touchdown was the most decisive offensive moment of the contest because it broke the tie and restored Pittsburgh’s lead at a critical stage.

Special Teams Player Statistics

Special teams did not produce a field goal in this game, but both teams received contributions from their kickers, punters, and return specialists.

Pittsburgh Steelers Special Teams

Player	Category	Performance
Chris Boswell	Extra points	3/3
Chris Boswell	Field goals	0/0
Corliss Waitman	Punts	4
Corliss Waitman	Punt yards	169
Corliss Waitman	Average	42.3
Corliss Waitman	Longest punt	55 yards
Corliss Waitman	Inside the 20	3
Kenny Gainwell	Kick returns	1
Kenny Gainwell	Return yards	27
Kenny Gainwell	Average	27.0

Chris Boswell’s Kicking Performance

Pittsburgh Steelers v New England Patriots

Chris Boswell

3/3

Successful extra points

Boswell converted all three extra-point attempts.

He did not attempt a field goal, so all three of his scoring points came from successful extra points following Pittsburgh touchdowns.

His perfect extra-point record ensured that the Steelers received the full scoring value from their three touchdowns.

Corliss Waitman’s Punting

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Corliss Waitman

42.3

Average punt yards

Four punts, three inside the 20

Waitman punted four times for 169 yards.

His average was 42.3 yards, and his longest punt covered 55 yards.

Three of his four punts landed inside the opposition’s 20-yard line according to the supplied statistics.

That inside-the-20 production helped Pittsburgh improve its field-position position and required New England to cover more ground.

New England Patriots Special Teams

Player	Category	Performance
Andy Borregales	Extra points	2/2
Andy Borregales	Field goals	0/0
Bryce Baringer	Punts	1
Bryce Baringer	Punt yards	59
Bryce Baringer	Average	59.0
Bryce Baringer	Longest punt	59 yards
TreVeyon Henderson	Kick returns	3
TreVeyon Henderson	Return yards	68
TreVeyon Henderson	Average	22.7
Antonio Gibson	Kick returns	1
Antonio Gibson	Return yards	26
Marcus Jones	Punt returns	1
Marcus Jones	Punt return yards	11

Andy Borregales’ Performance

Borregales converted both of his extra-point attempts.

Like Boswell, he did not attempt a field goal.

His two successful conversions accounted for two points in New England’s final total.

Bryce Baringer’s Punting

Baringer recorded one punt for 59 yards.

His average was 59 yards, and the punt was also his longest of the game.

Although his individual punting performance was strong, New England’s offensive production meant that the Patriots did not require as many punts as Pittsburgh.

TreVeyon Henderson’s Return Production

Henderson recorded three kick returns for 68 yards, averaging 22.7 yards per return.

His longest return covered 23 yards.

Gibson added one return for 26 yards, while Marcus Jones contributed an 11-yard punt return.

New England’s return unit produced 94 kick-return yards in total, helping the Patriots establish useful field position.

Key Matchup Analysis: What the Statistics Reveal

The numbers become more meaningful when they are examined together rather than as isolated performances.

Several individual matchups explain why Pittsburgh won despite having fewer total yards.

Aaron Rodgers vs Drake Maye

Category	Aaron Rodgers	Drake Maye
Completions	16	28
Attempts	23	37
Completion percentage	69.6%	75.7%
Passing yards	139	268
Passing TDs	2	2
Interceptions	1	1
Sacks taken	0	5
Passer rating	96.1	102.1
QBR	49.2	63.4

Maye had the better statistical passing performance in terms of completion percentage, passing yards, passer rating, and QBR.

Rodgers, however, was more effective at avoiding sacks and helping Pittsburgh finish its scoring opportunities.

This matchup demonstrates why quarterback evaluation should consider more than passing yardage.

Maye’s 268 gross passing yards were impressive, but the five sacks and New England’s lost fumbles affected the overall result.

Rodgers had fewer opportunities and less yardage, but his two touchdown passes helped Pittsburgh win.

Jaylen Warren vs New England’s Running Backs

Warren was Pittsburgh’s leading running back, while Henderson, Gibson, and Stevenson shared the rushing workload for New England.

Player	Rushing Attempts	Rushing Yards	Yards Per Carry
Jaylen Warren	18	47	2.6
TreVeyon Henderson	11	28	2.5
Antonio Gibson	7	28	4.0
Rhamondre Stevenson	4	18	4.5

Warren had the largest individual rushing workload, but New England’s group collectively produced more rushing yards.

Maye also added 45 rushing yards, which increased the Patriots’ overall ground production.

The difference was that Pittsburgh managed to turn its rushing production into a touchdown through Gainwell.

New England’s rushing attack moved the football but did not score a rushing touchdown.

Calvin Austin III vs Hunter Henry

Austin and Henry were among the most important receiving players in the game.

Category	Calvin Austin III	Hunter Henry
Receptions	3	8
Targets	5	11
Receiving yards	34	90
Average	11.3	11.3
Longest reception	17	18
Touchdowns	1	2

Henry had the stronger statistical performance in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns.

Austin, however, produced the touchdown that broke the fourth-quarter tie.

Both players demonstrated the importance of receiving efficiency, but their contributions came at different moments in the contest.

Henry helped New England recover from a 14-0 deficit. Austin prevented the game from ending in a draw at the end of regulation and gave Pittsburgh the decisive advantage.

Pittsburgh’s Pass Rush vs New England’s Offensive Line

One of the clearest statistical differences was the sack total.

Pittsburgh recorded five sacks, while New England recorded zero.

Those five sacks cost the Patriots 18 passing yards and disrupted the offense’s ability to sustain its rhythm.

New England still managed to produce 268 gross passing yards, but the pressure prevented an even more productive performance.

The Steelers also recorded eight quarterback hits, compared with three for the Patriots.

That difference highlights the effectiveness of Pittsburgh’s defensive front.

Ball Security vs Offensive Production

New England had:

More total yards.
More first downs.
More passing completions.
More rushing yards.
More time of possession.
More total offensive plays.

Yet Pittsburgh won.

The key reason was that the Patriots surrendered five offensive turnovers, compared with Pittsburgh’s one interception and no lost fumbles.

This is one of the most important lessons from the contest.

Offensive production creates opportunities, but ball security determines whether those opportunities remain available.

What the Result Means for Both Teams

Pittsburgh Steelers: Building on a Road Victory

The Steelers improved to 2-1 overall and 2-0 on the road.

The victory highlighted several positive areas:

Rodgers delivered two touchdown passes without taking a sack.
Pittsburgh’s defense generated five sacks.
The offense converted three touchdowns into 21 points.
The team avoided losing a fumble.
Austin and Metcalf provided important receiving touchdowns.
Gainwell contributed a crucial rushing score.

However, the Steelers also had areas to improve.

Their 64 rushing yards and 2.5-yard average indicated that the ground game was not especially efficient.

Rodgers also threw an interception, showing that the offense was not completely free of mistakes.

For Pittsburgh, maintaining defensive pressure while improving rushing efficiency would be an important objective.

New England Patriots: Positive Offensive Signs but Costly Mistakes

New England dropped to 1-2 and remained winless at home with a 0-2 home record.

There were still positive signs in the team’s performance.

Maye completed 28 passes for 268 yards and two touchdowns. Henry recorded 90 receiving yards and two touchdowns. The rushing group also produced 119 yards.

Those numbers indicate that the Patriots had the ability to move the football.

However, the four lost fumbles and one interception were too costly.

New England also allowed five sacks and failed to record a sack defensively.

The Patriots could take encouragement from their passing and rushing production, but ball security and defensive pressure were clear areas requiring improvement.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who won the Pittsburgh Steelers vs New England Patriots game on September 21, 2025?

The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the New England Patriots 21-14. Pittsburgh secured the victory with a fourth-quarter touchdown pass from Aaron Rodgers to Calvin Austin III.

2. How many passing yards did Aaron Rodgers record against the Patriots?

Aaron Rodgers completed 16 of 23 passes for 139 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. He finished with a 96.1 passer rating and did not take a sack.

3. How many passing yards did Drake Maye record?

Drake Maye completed 28 of 37 attempts for 268 gross passing yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. He also lost 18 yards through five sacks, leaving New England with 250 net passing yards.

4. Who was the leading receiver in the game?

Hunter Henry was the leading receiver, recording eight receptions for 90 yards and two touchdowns. His performance accounted for both of New England’s touchdowns.

5. Which Pittsburgh player scored the game-winning touchdown?

Calvin Austin III scored the decisive touchdown with a 17-yard reception from Aaron Rodgers in the fourth quarter. The score gave Pittsburgh a 21-14 lead with 2:16 remaining.

6. How many turnovers did the Patriots commit?

New England committed five offensive turnovers: four lost fumbles and one interception. Pittsburgh recorded one interception and did not lose a fumble according to the game-level turnover summary.

Conclusion

The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the New England Patriots 21-14 on September 21, 2025, in a game that highlighted the importance of defensive pressure, scoring efficiency, and ball security.

Aaron Rodgers completed 16 of 23 passes for 139 yards and two touchdowns. His connections with DK Metcalf and Calvin Austin III produced two important receiving scores, while Kenny Gainwell added a rushing touchdown.

Drake Maye delivered an impressive passing performance with 268 yards and two touchdowns. Hunter Henry was New England’s standout offensive player, recording eight receptions for 90 yards and two touchdowns.

New England also produced more total yards, first downs, and rushing yards. However, four lost fumbles and one interception prevented the Patriots from converting their offensive production into a victory.

Pittsburgh’s defense played a decisive role by recording five sacks and generating consistent pressure on Maye. Patrick Queen led the Steelers in tackles, while T.J. Watt and Cameron Heyward contributed important quarterback pressure.

Ultimately, the Pittsburgh Steelers vs New England Patriots match player stats demonstrate that winning football is not always about producing the most yards. Pittsburgh protected the football more effectively, converted its scoring opportunities, and made the defensive plays needed to secure a valuable road victory.

The final 21-14 result reflected Pittsburgh’s ability to execute in decisive moments, while New England was left to consider how costly turnovers affected an otherwise productive offensive performance.