The New England Patriots offense had an ugly performance in their 21-14 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt keyed on what opposing defenses should look to do against the Patriots.
Per Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, Watt said after the game that the Steelers had a plan for how to get the Patriots to cough up the football.
“Mike (Tomlin) had a big presentation on it earlier in the week,” Watt said, of the Steelers’ Patriots prep. “I think 38 (Rhamondre Stevenson) had eight or nine fumbles last year (he had seven), which is a very high amount. Four (Antonio Gibson) had a couple fumbles. And we knew 10 (Drake Maye) had a bunch of fumbles as well (he had nine), when he was in the pocket.
“It was something we highlighted each and every day. There was a constant reminder throughout the week. We just needed to deliver and I’m glad we did.”
Why T.J. Watt’s comments are concerning for Patriots
Tomlin’s presentation worked. The Patriots turned the ball over five times, four of which were lost fumbles. Stevenson lost two fumbles. Maye lost one fumble and had an interception.
The issue with Stevenson isn’t as big a deal for the Patriots as Maye. Rookie TreVeyon Stevenson will eventually become the lead back in New England.
But Watt’s diagnosis for Maye is concerning. Part of Maye’s successful development in the league will mean he can play efficient football in the pocket. Not only is his passing game a liability there, but opposing defenses know he lacks awareness in the pocket and is susceptible to fumbling.
Look for defenses to take advantage of that information until the Patriots can stop committing those turnovers.
