The Forgotten Play That Helped The Patriots Beat The Steelers
A weekly series that captures the forgotten, hidden plays that led the Pittsburgh Steelers to win or lose. Not the touchdowns, turnovers, or plays that will make the Monday morning highlights – the little ones that, looking back, played a key role in the outcome. I’ll start with a hidden moment that helped the New England Patriots beat the Steelers in Week Two.
An Offsides Leads To A Home Run
Pittsburgh’s defense was celebrating a big stop. New England began its second possession of the afternoon in prime field position at the Steelers’ 49-yard line after a healthy return by PR Marcus Jones.
On 3rd and 5, the Steelers blitzed. Jalen Ramsey sprinted up the middle. T.J. Watt, avoiding a chip from the tight end and the right tackle arriving late, forced Drake Maye to climb the pocket. Constricted, Maye had nowhere to go, and the Steelers earned a crucial sack. Fourth down, bring out the punt team.
Until officials intervened.
Alex Highsmith was flagged for offsides. Flinching right before the snap, the sack was negated. An odd play all-around. It appeared the Patriots had false started with WR Romeo Doubs to the top. Pittsburgh’s players pled their case, but the referees didn’t stop play. In the end, the Steelers were on the wrong end of a flag.
— Alex Kozora (@Pirates1933_) September 21, 2026
It turned a would-be fourth down into third-and-inches. New England converted. The next play, RB TreVeyon Henderson busted up the middle for a 39-yard score.
— Alex Kozora (@Pirates1933_) September 21, 2026
It’s hard to fault the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense on an afternoon where they were head and shoulders above the offense. In fact, the offense was so putrid it’s hard to argue that any one play would’ve changed their fortunes. The defense is under the “burden” of higher expectations. Penalty aside, Highsmith had an impressive day overall, and his 2026 season is off to a hot start.
But this small mistake ended in a big play. This touchdown was all New England needed to win the day.
