The Pittsburgh Steelers were keeping things competitive against the New England Patriots but two major third quarter plays have swung momentum to the Patriots and potentially might determine the end result.
As the Patriots were driving, Pats quarterback Mac Jones threw the ball straight at cornerback Cam Sutton who dropped a rather easy interception that would’ve ended the drive. Maybe he was surprised that the ball was going straight toward him or maybe he overthought what he was going to do next but it was a drop.
On fourth down, the Patriots punted and the ball bounced off of former Pats/current Steelers returner Gunner Olszewski’s face mask, resulting in an easy fumble recovery in the red zone and gave the Patriots an easy touchdown just three plays later.
Back to School(er).
📺: #NEvsPIT on @NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/SfVUChkN5p
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) September 18, 2022
That play definitely got people talking.
Crazy sequence in Pats-Steelers — Jones throws the ball right into a Steelers defender, who drops it. Few plays later Pats punt, Steelers return man dropped it, recovered by Pats. Disastrous for Steelers.
— Jesse Singal (@jessesingal) September 18, 2022
Muffed punt and a penalty on the Steelers as well….ouch
— Maximus Cnutavious Arthur Morgan III 🏳️🌈🇵🇸 (@CnutaviousIii) September 18, 2022
– Dropped INT
– Muffed punt
– Unnecessary roughness penaltyNot the best of sequences for the Steelers
— Dan Machen (@machdogg) September 18, 2022
Cam Sutton drops one of the easiest INTs you'll see.
Gunner fumbles the punt.
Personal foul on the #Steelers.
Not the *best* sequence there.
— Hunter Alek Homistek (@HunterAHomistek) September 18, 2022
When your offense plays like this, you need to take advantage of INT opportunities. Cam Sutton missed one there. But he gets credit for a pass defense on 3rd down to force the punt. #Steelers
— Christopher Carter (@CarterCritiques) September 18, 2022
A gift from the Steelers. After a muffed punt and penalty, the Patriots' offense takes over at the 10 looking for their second touchdown of the game.
— Chad Graff (@ChadGraff) September 18, 2022
After that, the Steelers woke up and marched down the field on a nine play, 75 yard drive that resulted in a successful two-point conversion attempt to make it a 17-14 game. If the Steelers win, this sequence will be forgotten. If they lose, this will be what people will focus as the difference maker.
