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Patriots Rout Steelers 20-3 as Defense Dominates

By Drooid · Sep 21, 2026, 2:13 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Patriots Defeat Steelers

Patriots defeated Steelers 20-3 at Gillette Stadium, snapping home-opener losing streak since 2020.
Defense recorded four sacks, forced two turnovers, and held Steelers to 235 yards.
Elijah Ponder returned a strip-sack for a 19-yard defensive touchdown in the fourth quarter.
Injuries sidelined guard Mike Onwenu, edge rusher Dre’Mont Jones, tight end Eli Raridon, and safeties Craig Woodson and Dell Pettus.

Summary

Onwenu Faces Free Agency

Mike Onwenu carries the Patriots’ third-highest cap hit at $17.5 million, complicating his replacement.
Onwenu will become a free agent after the 2026 season, leaving New England to decide his future.
Greg Van Roten, signed in mid-August, started at right guard and is the leading candidate to keep the job.
Ben Brown returned from a preseason knee injury and is next on the interior line depth chart behind Van Roten.

History

Historical Context

In 2001 the New England Patriots, led by second-year starter Tom Brady and coach Bill Belichick, turned a 1-3 start into an 11-5 record and upset the 14-point-favorite St. Louis Rams 20-17 in Super Bowl XXXVI on Feb 3 2002. Adam Vinatieri’s 48-yard field goal sealed the franchise’s first championship and launched a two-decade dynasty.

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Patriots Defeat Steelers

Patriots defeated Steelers 20-3 at Gillette Stadium, snapping home-opener losing streak since 2020.
Defense recorded four sacks, forced two turnovers, and held Steelers to 235 yards.
Elijah Ponder returned a strip-sack for a 19-yard defensive touchdown in the fourth quarter.
Injuries sidelined guard Mike Onwenu, edge rusher Dre’Mont Jones, tight end Eli Raridon, and safeties Craig Woodson and Dell Pettus.

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